Backpacks

In this section, we will discuss external and internal frame backpacks. Included are two sections:  Fitting Your Backpack and How and What to Pack.

External Frame Backpacks

External frame packs have come a long way in the last few years and are enjoying a comeback among veteran backpackers who had insisted that internal frames were the only way to go.  With some of the latest improvements in materials and construction, the packs have become lighter and much more stable.  As the name implies, an external tubular-aluminum frame supports the backpack.  They tend to be lighter than most internal frame packs.  In some cases, the difference can be as much as two to three pounds!  This can be a very powerful incentive to purchase an external frame backpack.  External frames are an excellent choice for those hiking on maintained trails.  The suspension allows the pack to sit slightly off the body, allowing some airflow on your back.  The new models are highly adjustable allowing a better fit for different builds.  The frame also allows most of the pack’s weight to be carried on your hips rather than your shoulders.  Another major enticement for purchasing an external frame pack is that it costs about half as much as a basic internal frame pack!

Internal Frame Backpacks

Internal frame packs incorporate an internal aluminum-stay system.  A major advantage this style has over the external frame is that there are fewer protrusions. This makes it an ideal pack for hiking cross-country over rugged terrain.  In fact, the internal frame was developed by and for rock climbers who needed a pack that would be narrow and wouldn’t interfere with arm movement while climbing.   Because the fabric of the pack must support its contents, it is made from heavier material, adding to the overall weight of the pack.  A disadvantage of this design is that it doesn’t allow airflow along your back, making it a hotter pack to wear.   But because internal frames follow the body’s contours more closely, it is safer and easier to hike near rock walls or through thick brush; there is less to catch on and trip you.  Also, since the pack hugs the back, it is more stable than an external frame.  When choosing an internal frame pack, be extremely careful in selecting your size; internals are not as forgiving as the externals are.

Travel Backpacks

Try to resist getting a travel backpack for backpacking purposes.  These are the packs that you can pack the shoulder and belt straps away when traveling on an airplane, but take them out to strap the pack on your back for the walk to your hotel.  They are wonderful packs when you are gallivanting around the globe, but not when you are carrying tents, sleeping bags, kitchen gear, etc. for miles on end.  These packs are not constructed for trail use and will become very uncomfortable after a very short amount of time.

Fitting Your Backpack

Once you’ve chosen the perfect backpack, don’t stop there and just shoulder the thing on and take off.  To make the backpack work like it’s supposed to, you must fit the pack to your body.  A backpack doesn't have to feel like a burden! This is one reason I always recommend that you only buy backpacks from a good outdoor store that knows how to fit them properly.  Take advantage of the salesperson’s expertise.  If ordering one out of a catalog, you are definitely taking chances.  You cannot try on different styles and makes to compare their comfort or quality.  Be very choosy; this is an investment that should last you for many, many years.  And women, be sure to check out packs made specifically for you.  They are usually made with narrower shoulders, smaller hip belts, and have a shorter torso length.

By making the proper adjustments, the pack should sit with the majority of the weight on your hips, not your shoulders.  The shoulder straps should not cut into your neck or sit too far out on your shoulders.  They should have some lift straps that allow you to adjust the shoulder straps to sit lightly on your shoulders.  If the pack fits correctly, these lift straps will rise from your shoulders at about a 45° angle to where they attach to the pack.  The sternum straps should connect a couple inches below your collarbones, where they won’t choke you or sit too low across your chest.  The hip belt should sit rather high on your hips—below your actual waistline and above the widest point of your hipbones.   Also, be sure to snug that belt down.  And I do mean snug. When I assist people in tightening their belts, they are always surprised that I tighten it as much as I do.  But once they start walking, they can really feel the difference in the comfort of the pack.   It just takes a few minutes to get used to.  It’s very important to keep the majority of the weight off the shoulders—especially for women.  A woman’s strength is in her lower body, not her shoulders.  Trying to carry that weight on her shoulders could easily destroy any desire to ever backpack again!

How and What to Pack

How you pack your gear is important to your comfort as well. Because of the differences in body builds and strengths, this can vary quite a bit between men and women.  Also the type of pack you have will dictate much of where things actually will fit inside.  Below are some tips that may help you in deciding what suits you best. No matter what or how you carry your gear, the important thing is to keep the weight as low as possible. Ideally, you should never carry more than one-third of your body weight. 

There are different thoughts for where to place the heavier items. I find that for hiking in the Sahyadri mountains, people generally feel more secure and comfortable with the heavier items, such as tents, sleeping bags, food for camp, and cooking gear packed towards the bottom of the pack.  No matter where you place the weight, be sure most of the weight sits close to your body. You do not want heavy items hanging off the back of your pack while you're walking; they have a tendency to make you feel like you are falling backwards.

If you have an internal frame pack with a separate bottom compartment, put your sleeping bag into that part.  I take my sleeping bag out of its stuff sack and simply stuff it into that compartment.   Depending on what sleeping bag I use (i.e. a winter or summer bag), I can usually pack my tent in the same space.  With an external pack, I like to stuff the sleeping bag into the bottom compartment.  I then place the tent on the bottom of the pack and strap it to the frame.  The sleeping pad can be strapped to the top of the either type of pack.  When you pack your food and kitchen gear near the bottom, be sure to keep the food you need to eat while hiking accessible.  Your clothing and any additional items can be placed in the remaining area.

One of the things that seem to frustrate most of the people I’ve worked with is their inability to find things in their packs.  If you organize things logically, you will have an easier time finding stuff.  For example, place your stove, lighter or matches, fuel, and dishes all together in a stuff sack.  Put all your clothing into another, and your personal hygiene into another.  It will help even further if you use different colors for individual purposes.  You will be surprised at how much more pleasant backpacking is if you’re not spending more time than necessary searching for things.

One final tip. Keep a list of the essential items required on a backpack trip and follow it each time you pack. I still do this even after all my years of backpacking. Out in the middle of the wilderness is not the time to discover that you've forgotten your water filter or something to light your stove! Along these same lines, it doesn't hurt to have paper and a pen for keeping track of things that were extremely useful and things you could have done without.  Make a note of things you crave while hiking and try to figure out if you can carry any of the items on your next trip. Remember, things that sound good on the trail may not sound good at home, and visa versa, so be sure you follow this hiking list while planning any trip in the future.