When considering the purchase of backpacks, there are some differences that you should be aware of, for example, hiking trips that last 2 days or more, you should look at the internal frame backpack or the external frame backpack. Here I will explain the subtle differences between these two types of hiking backpacks.
Backpacks with external frame:
30 years ago, the only backpacks on the market were backpacks with an external frame; however, manufacturers soon realized that there was a different solution to carrying equipment on the back and developed the internal frame backpack.
The first difference you will notice is that the external frame pack is more rigid than the internal frame, this allows you to pack your gear without worrying too much about the weight as the external frame is extremely good at distributing the load on your hips when walking.
The outer also gives you much easier access to your gear due to the multitude of side pockets and internal compartments, plus when you wear the outer it never touches your back when you walk allowing good airflow between the pack and your body, which reduces sweating.
There is a downside to the external frame pack and that is its stiffness, this can be a problem if you are going on a challenging hiking trail that involves a lot of body movement. Crossing streams or climbing mountains can be a big problem with this type of pack, since the weight is distributed away from your body, you have to adjust so that the pack stays balanced with you.
For average easy hiking trips, the external frame backpack is more than capable of carrying your gear, but for something more adventurous, I’d consider purchasing one of the many styles of internal frame backpacks available.
Backpack with internal structure:
The main benefit of the internal pack is that it fits snugly against your body, giving you a much more stable feel when walking on uneven terrain. Because they are not as rigid as the external type, internal frame packs come with compression straps to keep your gear secure while hiking, the reason climbers and hikers prefer internal frame packs is the fact that they find it much easier to keep your balance in difficult situations.
There are a few drawbacks with the internal frame backpack, the first being that you need to know how to pack your gear properly before you go on any hiking trip. To do this, place the heaviest items of equipment so that they touch your back when you carry them, because this type of backpack fits very well on your body. Packing your items this way will create a much better balance for your setup.
Another thing to consider is that because the pack fits comfortably on your back it can cause sweating issues when walking around, it’s a good idea to pack a few extra layers of base clothing just so you can change if it becomes a problem.
And finally, one last piece of advice when looking to buy backpacks, remember that you will be in nature when you go on a hiking trip. There are no home comforts, so you’ll need to make sure you have the right size backpack to hold everything you might need, for example: if you’re considering a day hike somewhere, then a pack with a volume of 3000 cubic inches would be the ideal size.
For a hiking trip of a week or more, then you should look at the larger 6000 cubic inch backpacks, but remember the one rule of thumb for packing a hiking backpack for your trip, it should only weigh about a third of your weight. body when packed. .
The most important piece of equipment that you should always carry in your backpack is the first aid kit and, of course, always remember to take your mobile phone with you as well.
I hope this information on different backpacks has helped you make an informed decision about which backpack is right for you.