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vivid
Stranger


Registered: 12/14/99
Posts: 1,888
Loc: Berkeley, California
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The Pack Poll: Internal or External
#4690720 - 09/21/05 03:10 PM (18 years, 4 months ago) |
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It seems these days more and more people are switching over to internal frames, so I decided to take a poll on what kind of backpack people here are using. I myself use a Remington external frame and dont see myself needing another backpack anytime soon. What I like about externals is how i never seem to run out of room, I can strap or lash about anything onto the frame. It also distributes the weight to my hips very well and lets my back breathe. Having never used an internal I wonder what makes interals so appealing to people?
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oDin
Registered: 08/12/99
Posts: 5,789
Last seen: 10 years, 7 months
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Re: The Pack Poll: Internal or External [Re: vivid]
#4690770 - 09/21/05 03:25 PM (18 years, 4 months ago) |
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internal, they also allow better balance and movement if skiing or snowshoeing, climbing etc
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Shroomism
Space Travellin


Registered: 02/13/00
Posts: 66,015
Loc: 9th Dimension
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Re: The Pack Poll: Internal or External [Re: vivid]
#4695187 - 09/22/05 12:57 PM (18 years, 4 months ago) |
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Internal.. it's the only type of pack I've ever owned. I have used external frames in the past.. but I prefer the internal.. more comfortable. What oDin said.. they allow better balance and easier movement. Plus they are usually lighter. My only regret is not getting an internal frame pack with a lot of lashing options on the outside. I can fit everything and then some inside my pack.. but when I want to strap a wet tent or something to the outside it's slightly difficult because there isn't a lot of hoops and stuff to attach things to.
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ToTheSummit
peregrinus



Registered: 08/22/99
Posts: 9,126
Loc: Las Vegas
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Re: The Pack Poll: Internal or External [Re: oDin]
#4696054 - 09/22/05 04:16 PM (18 years, 4 months ago) |
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Quote:
oDin said: internal, they also allow better balance and movement if skiing or snowshoeing, climbing etc
What he said
-------------------- You invented the wheel....You push the motherfucker!!
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dblaney
Human Being

Registered: 10/03/04
Posts: 7,894
Loc: Here & Now
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Re: The Pack Poll: Internal or External [Re: vivid]
#4697013 - 09/22/05 07:22 PM (18 years, 4 months ago) |
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You hit the nail on the head for the advantages to an external frame.
I prefer internal frame packs because they take up less room and as they evolve, they do offer more breathability and external loops to tie things to.
-------------------- "What is in us that turns a deaf ear to the cries of human suffering?" "Belief is a beautiful armor But makes for the heaviest sword" - John Mayer Making the noise "penicillin" is no substitute for actually taking penicillin. "This country, with its institutions, belongs to the people who inhabit it. Whenever they shall grow weary of the existing government, they can exercise their constitutional right of amending it, or their revolutionary right to dismember or overthrow it." -Abraham Lincoln
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Cherk
Fashionable


Registered: 10/25/02
Posts: 46,493
Loc: International
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Re: The Pack Poll: Internal or External [Re: vivid]
#4701406 - 09/23/05 04:17 PM (18 years, 4 months ago) |
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I use external. Backpacking aint backpacking unless you hear the sounds of clanking pans and canteens
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I have considered such matters. SIKE
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vivid
Stranger


Registered: 12/14/99
Posts: 1,888
Loc: Berkeley, California
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Re: The Pack Poll: Internal or External [Re: Cherk]
#4743955 - 10/02/05 01:38 AM (18 years, 3 months ago) |
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Quote:
Smoker For Peace said: I use external. Backpacking aint backpacking unless you hear the sounds of clanking pans and canteens
werd!
I can see where it would come in handy if i was mountaineering. I'll probably end up getting an internal when i do that, in the meantime i'll stick to my external. I dont know what packs you guys are using but my external has alot more breathability than any internal, theres a half inch gap of air between the mesh on my back and the pack and its as light as any of my friends internals. :p
someday i'll have to break down tho
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annielicious
pisces


Registered: 03/31/00
Posts: 459
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Re: The Pack Poll: Internal or External [Re: vivid]
#4745221 - 10/02/05 12:36 PM (18 years, 3 months ago) |
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I am on my second backpack, both being internal frames. My new one is a Gregory Elite (I think hehe I don't care as long as it works). It is made for women, and has the gap between my back and the pack for airiness. I also have the option to cinch it up so it is close to me when I am "bushwhacking", which happens often enough with oDin I wouldn't want to get hung up in a tree.
I had a Taiga brand before, and it was just fine. Now that I have put on a Gregory, I can see the difference in 10 years of updated technology. I put the thing on, and haven't had to adjust it, unless the bushwhacking or bouldering has come into play.
I have to say that for a woman, the female oriented packs are nice, due to the shortened height and width, and weight distribution. I bought and Osprey, but this was for more "petite" women, and I became the structure of the pack. Good thing I bought it at REI, as they gave me full refund towards the purchase of my Gregory!
Doesn't matter what you wear as long as it works for you. Just keep an open mind, as sometimes the new stuff is better. Function not fashion as I always say!
-------------------- "Everything that limits us, we have to put aside." Jonathan Livingston Seagull
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ToTheSummit
peregrinus



Registered: 08/22/99
Posts: 9,126
Loc: Las Vegas
Last seen: 2 hours, 31 minutes
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Re: The Pack Poll: Internal or External [Re: annielicious]
#4745248 - 10/02/05 12:49 PM (18 years, 3 months ago) |
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Glad to hear that the Gregory pack is working out for you Annie. I sure love mine! Mine is the 'Shasta' model (in red, Its about 8 years old and they don't make that model in red anymore). It has tons of versatility. I can strip it down to basics for streamlined/lightweight trips or I can put on all the extra external pockets and strap tons of stuff on the outside (it has plenty of external mounting points) for heavy loads on long excursions. I've had this pack weighing in at about 60lbs and still carried it comfortably.
IMO, Gregory packs are the best you can get for the money.
-------------------- You invented the wheel....You push the motherfucker!!
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oDin
Registered: 08/12/99
Posts: 5,789
Last seen: 10 years, 7 months
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Re: The Pack Poll: Internal or External [Re: ToTheSummit]
#4745305 - 10/02/05 01:21 PM (18 years, 3 months ago) |
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annie has a gregory electra not elite fyi
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kindkesey
take it further


Registered: 03/16/03
Posts: 2,789
Loc: on the bus!!!
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Re: The Pack Poll: Internal or External [Re: oDin]
#4755724 - 10/04/05 07:02 PM (18 years, 3 months ago) |
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I had a huge ten year old internal Kelty, that i just traded in for a smaller North Face Terra 50.
Its like night and day, wish i would of traded it in five years ago!!
-------------------- Stay Kool, and enjoy the bus ride.....
"Intrepid Search For Innerspace" DAVID JONES where are you?
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vivid
Stranger


Registered: 12/14/99
Posts: 1,888
Loc: Berkeley, California
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Re: The Pack Poll: Internal or External [Re: kindkesey]
#4768547 - 10/07/05 10:59 AM (18 years, 3 months ago) |
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I think I'm gonna break down and get a internal frame next paycheck. I'm kinda going through all my equipment and updating. For longer trips I'll probably stick to the external for the extra lashing options, but I'm also putting together a UL setup. I've been looking at the GoLite Jam Pack, talk about minimalist! 1lb7oz for 2500ci! kinda lacking in bells and whistles, but hey, so are UL packers.
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Shroomism
Space Travellin


Registered: 02/13/00
Posts: 66,015
Loc: 9th Dimension
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Re: The Pack Poll: Internal or External [Re: vivid]
#4769109 - 10/07/05 12:46 PM (18 years, 3 months ago) |
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I've heard good things about GoLite from UL hikers.. you gotta be careful with them though.. they aren't all that durable. A lot of people swear on the Granite Gear Nimbus Ozone for UL hiking. http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductD...gory_rn=4500572
It weighs 3 lbs.. but holds 3,800 c.i.
The Nimbus Latitude looks pretty sweet too
http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductD...gory_rn=4500574
But again.. same deal. Gotta take extra special care of UL equipment. The pack is made of mostly sil-nylon.
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oDin
Registered: 08/12/99
Posts: 5,789
Last seen: 10 years, 7 months
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Re: The Pack Poll: Internal or External [Re: Shroomism]
#4769752 - 10/07/05 02:59 PM (18 years, 3 months ago) |
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nothing wrong with a little weight to work those leg muscles
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ToTheSummit
peregrinus



Registered: 08/22/99
Posts: 9,126
Loc: Las Vegas
Last seen: 2 hours, 31 minutes
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Re: The Pack Poll: Internal or External [Re: oDin]
#4770067 - 10/07/05 04:37 PM (18 years, 3 months ago) |
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Quote:
oDin said: nothing wrong with a little weight to work those leg muscles
Heh. My attitude also. 
Besides, I like to have all my little extras when I do long trips. I don't see why I should do without my luxuries when its all about having fun to me. And I can carry a lot of extras when I'm willing to trudge around with 50lbs on my back!
-------------------- You invented the wheel....You push the motherfucker!!
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Shroomism
Space Travellin


Registered: 02/13/00
Posts: 66,015
Loc: 9th Dimension
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Re: The Pack Poll: Internal or External [Re: oDin]
#4775364 - 10/09/05 12:32 AM (18 years, 3 months ago) |
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Yeah I don't mind carrying a load.. I am young after all. I just don't like hauling rediculous weight around.. but I'm no ultralighter.. my pack probably weighs 40 or 50 pounds fully equipped and with food and water. I've never weighed it though, so I don't know for sure.. but it feels pretty heavy. An ultralighter would probably freak out if they did a "pack check" or whatever on me. They only carry the lightest, most minimal amount of shit needed for survival. I carry fully equipped first aids kits with lots of extra shit in it, little tinctures of herbs, a little wooden frog to make percussive sounds with, a 200 page color book on medicinal plants and herbs.. you get the idea 
It just sucks when you have back pains at 23. But maybe I'm just being a pussy
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vivid
Stranger


Registered: 12/14/99
Posts: 1,888
Loc: Berkeley, California
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Re: The Pack Poll: Internal or External [Re: Shroomism]
#4782827 - 10/10/05 02:11 PM (18 years, 3 months ago) |
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yeah dont get me wrong either.. I usually carry as heavy a pack as my friends, I more interrested in getting set up with something for fastpacking to try it out. Part of what I like about backpacking is the minimalist mentality; learning how to live and have fun with the least amount of crutches to rely on. Thanks for the tips about the GoLite packs, I've heard similar things up here... I've got a few things on the list before i get a new pack. Like a pump stove and a thermarest
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gluke bastid
Stinky Bum


Registered: 12/20/00
Posts: 3,322
Loc: Charm City
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Re: The Pack Poll: Internal or External [Re: vivid]
#5075892 - 12/17/05 05:11 PM (18 years, 1 month ago) |
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I had a job packing big loads of food up a 2500 foot climb. And they insisted that we use external frame packs, because when you are hunched over on a steep climb, it is better to have the weight higher up and off of your shoulders.
I completely disagreed. After a few trips with an external frame I started using my internal and never went back. I really think internal makes it a lot easier on your body.
--------------------
Society in every form is a blessing, but government at its best is but a necessary evil - Thomas Paine
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agr8fulchick
Feed Your Head!

Registered: 08/19/04
Posts: 707
Loc: Stranded in Iowa
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Re: The Pack Poll: Internal or External [Re: vivid]
#5111657 - 12/27/05 03:07 PM (18 years, 1 month ago) |
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I'm actually looking in to getting a good backpack, as I just have a cheap crummy one right now. The kind that will get me through a few days of camping in the summer, but I'd hate to take it on a serious trip. My husband has an awesome external frame, but I have been frustrated by the lack of selection when it comes to "good" external frame packs. Any advice or experience on finding a good external (or internal for that matter) pack would be greatly appreciated
-------------------- Life's a journey. Take the scenic route.
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Jim


Registered: 04/07/04
Posts: 20,922
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Re: The Pack Poll: Internal or External [Re: vivid]
#5127992 - 01/01/06 01:06 AM (18 years, 1 month ago) |
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internal.
back in scouting i spent years lugging this heavy as fuck external frame pack up and over the adirondacks. empty the thing had to weigh between 8-10lbs. i served my time. the only thing i don't like about the internal i have is there is no separate sleeping bag container at the bottom like most have these days. the one i have now is from l.l.bean from ten years ago. i suffer with its inadequacies because it is the most waterproof pack i have ever seen. i discovered once after a weekend in indian pass during the rain season that the pack will hold water. (indian pass is a 20 or so mile ravine in the adirondacks which fills with grossness for hiking through.) anyways, while washing the mud off the pack with the hose i noticed the water wasn't leaking out, so I filled the pack completely full and left it overnight. didn't leak a drop. i have had my pack full of gear completely submerged under water without getting anything wet.
side note: the only other things i own from bean are my wallet, and a pair of slippers... although their gear is plenty functional, it is way overpriced.
-------------------- Use the Fucking Reply To Feature You Lazy Pieces of Shit! afoaf said: Jim, if you were in my city, I would let you fuck my wife.
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oDin
Registered: 08/12/99
Posts: 5,789
Last seen: 10 years, 7 months
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Re: The Pack Poll: Internal or External [Re: agr8fulchick]
#5132514 - 01/02/06 06:54 PM (18 years, 29 days ago) |
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annie, my wife, recently got a gregory electra.
http://www.gregorypacks.com/seriesintro.php?SeriesName=womens
http://www.rei.com/online/store/LearnSha...A_HTC_Backpacks
she LOVES it. it is made with women in mind. she also tried an osprey pack but found it wasnt rigid enough with a full load. it is an internal frame...which is the kind i highly recommend.
i would recommend reading on sizing a pack then going to a place such as REI and trying on packs.
http://www.gregorypacks.com/fit_womans.html
http://www.rei.com/online/store/LearnSha...s*EA_Fit_A_Pack
it helps if you can read up before hand so the list of packs to try on is shorter and you can really concentrate on a few packs with the price and features your interested in. make sure they load the pack up with enuf weight and then walk around for a while. try and wear the shoes you normally wear hiking. after walking around with a few of them you should be able to narrow the list down to 1-2.
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