The founder of Two Beers Brewing Company and Seattle Cider Company, Joel Vandenbrink sold the two businesses in 2016 to Agrial Co-op. In his free time, Joel Vandenbrink enjoys spending time outdoors hiking, skiing, and backpacking.
Assuming you plan to get a pack with a frame when backpacking, you must decide between an internal and external frame. External frames are easily recognizable, but they are considered old-school by many outdoor enthusiasts. Fortunately, this makes them more affordable since they aren’t as popular. These packs have a rigid structure with an exposed aluminum frame on the outside of the pack capable of handling heavier loads. This frame puts the pack away from your back, so you also can enjoy better cooling. External frame packs still have the usual belts and straps, though, so you can balance the weight better.
Internal frame packs are lighter than external frame ones and do not have a visible frame. This makes them sleeker in appearance and reduces the risk of them catching on branches or rocks. Beyond that, internal frame packs sit flush against your back. While this isn’t good for circulation, it helps you maintain a more natural center of gravity since the pack is closer to your body. It’s also worth noting that internal frame packs are more compact and have a large internal capacity, but they are about two times the price of external frame packs and cannot carry as much weight.
Assuming you plan to get a pack with a frame when backpacking, you must decide between an internal and external frame. External frames are easily recognizable, but they are considered old-school by many outdoor enthusiasts. Fortunately, this makes them more affordable since they aren’t as popular. These packs have a rigid structure with an exposed aluminum frame on the outside of the pack capable of handling heavier loads. This frame puts the pack away from your back, so you also can enjoy better cooling. External frame packs still have the usual belts and straps, though, so you can balance the weight better.
Internal frame packs are lighter than external frame ones and do not have a visible frame. This makes them sleeker in appearance and reduces the risk of them catching on branches or rocks. Beyond that, internal frame packs sit flush against your back. While this isn’t good for circulation, it helps you maintain a more natural center of gravity since the pack is closer to your body. It’s also worth noting that internal frame packs are more compact and have a large internal capacity, but they are about two times the price of external frame packs and cannot carry as much weight.
