Frame Backpack
Benefits Of Internal vs. External Frame Backpack Systems
Up until the late 1970s, an external frame backpack was about the one and only option for someone to effectively carry their gear on a camping or hiking trip. Then, somebody figured out that there was a better way of toting all the various miscellany necessary on an outdoors adventure. As it turns out, development of the internal frame backpack produced an item that was not only more efficient and functional but safer, too.
An internal frame backpack has one huge advantage over the once common external frame backpack configuration. The load is carried much closer to the wearer’s body, which promotes better balance and agility to the user. This is a big deal, especially if your travels include narrow, twisting trails or obstacles such as streams needing to be forded. Besides the better balance safety benefits, interior frame packs offer a list of advantages over their less expensive but inferior predecessors.
The two best selling versions of the internal frame backpack are from a company called Teton and are designated Teton Sports Explorer 4000 and Teton Sports Scout 3400. They are two of the most highly rated, quality made, durable backpacks on the market, and the ‘market’ is extensive. They’re also priced to move and move they do. These are the best selling backpacks available, and for good reason.
The Explorer 4000 and the Scout 3400 get the numerical part of their names from the amount of storage space found in each. The Scout has a 3,400 cubic inch (55 liter) capacity while the Explorer measures 4,000 cubic inches (65 liters) total. Both are compact and offer a host of features including:
- 2 aluminum stays which conform to the wearer’s back
- Maximum comfort from very well-padded straps, belt and lumbar area
- Top loading central compartment with a separate compartment for stowing a sleeping bag
- Attached rain fly to protect the unit in wet weather
- Various external pockets for carrying maps, bottles or anything else you want to have readily accessible
The Teton Sports Scout 3400 is more geared towards younger users and less grueling hikes. The Teton Sports Explorer 4000 is designed to carry more and is adjustable (full torso) to comfortably fit just about any body size. Both packs contain a separate, padded compartment to hold a bladder bag of up to 3 liters to dispense your hydrating beverage of choice.
Just to be fair, it should be noted that the tried and true external frame backpack can still claim some advantages over the newer internal frame backpack design. Most noticeable is the matter of air circulation. Because the internal frame packs are carried right up against your body you can count on developing a sweaty back during your treks. Since the frame on the external design holds the actual pack away from the body, more air circulation is automatic.
It’s funny, but the very advantage an external frame backpack holds in making you less sweaty hinders your balance and agility in negotiating the terrain and, therefore, makes it less safe to use. Sweat vs. safety? Hmm. Kind of a no-brainer, wouldn’t you say?
You can see the detailed reviews here below:
Or if you want to get an internal frame backpack right now, check out Best Deals on Internal Frame Backpacks at Amazon.