• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Recommendations on expedition packs?

J

JCE10

Member
I'm looking for advice on an internal framed expedition pack. Don't know much about them but I'll be needing one for traveling. If someone can give me some hints and recommend some types, I'd really appreciate it.

I'm a male about 5'8" and weigh about 150 lbs.
I would like to be able to carry it onboard flights if possible.
I'm looking at something maybe the size of 5000 ci perhaps, give or a take 500 ci.

If any of them can be converted to daypacks, that would be great! There's got to be one of you geniuses out there that knows.
 
Pretty familiar with packs, but to be honest an external frame is usually a better choice 9/10 times. But they are sometimes a pain in the you-know-where to take on airplanes as cramming them overhead sucks sometimes.

What do you want it for? Just guessing but backpacking through Europe or something? Lemme know and I'll see if I can recommend something. Also, getting an integrated camelback system is a huge boon. Ever since I got my latest pack with that feature, so glad I did.

When you say convert to daypack, do you mean a detachable part? Or where with zippers/straps you can shrink its size.

What will you be carrying mostly? Clothes, sleeping bag, and....? (Tent, cooking gear, etc. are optional if you're hosteling, carrying a laptop computer, whole 'nother line, etc.)

Like I said, lemme know.
 
Backpacking through Europe is exactly what I had in mind. With that said, I'm expecting to fill it with clothes, hygenic gear, laptop, camera, and maybe a bag of something. I already have a camel hydration pack that I hope I can just kinda "stuff" in there.

By converting to daypack, I pretty much mean if I can detach parts and just downsize it when needed. For example, say I use that one pack to carry all my clothes to a different destination, then unload all my gear. I would like it to become small enough later so I can just carry it on walks around town or grocery shopping.

Definately appreciate any advice you can give. Thanks.
 
Originally posted by: jarfykk
Pretty familiar with packs, but to be honest an external frame is usually a better choice 9/10 times. But they are sometimes a pain in the you-know-where to take on airplanes as cramming them overhead sucks sometimes.

What do you want it for? Just guessing but backpacking through Europe or something? Lemme know and I'll see if I can recommend something. Also, getting an integrated camelback system is a huge boon. Ever since I got my latest pack with that feature, so glad I did.

When you say converto to daypack, do you mean a detachable part? Or where with zippers/straps you can shrink its size.

What will you be carrying mostly? Clothes, sleeping back, and....? (Tent, cooking gear, etc. are optional if you're hosteling, carrying a laptop computer, whole 'nother line, etc.)

Like I said, lemme know.
Click to expand...


Say what? There are only a few decent external frame packs on the market (actually the Dana Design Longbed is the only one I can think of), and the overwhelming majority of them suck. Nearly all quality packs are internal-frame.

I bought my Gregory Shasta at Northern Mountain, which has killer deals on quality packs. That said, it's really a good idea to try on some packs at an REI or similar vendor to verify your size and ensure you pick a pack that fits well. After much research, I think Gregory packs are probably the nicest for the money, but there are many quality makers out there, including Dana Design, Arc'Teryx, Osprey, and many others.
 
I am 5'5" and weigh 155 lbs.

I needed a small, external-frame backpack to travel throughout Europe. I've used it twice for that purpose and love it. It's simple to get into and out of overhead storage compartments on planes. It's not long enough to impede my legs when I walk. And instead of having just one main internal compartment that requires you to unload everything to obtain something from the bottom, it has two separate compartments.

It's the Jansport T027-Scout.

Capacity may be a little low: 3850 cu in / 63.1L.

I used this backpack along with a normal-sized Great Land backpack.

Edit: Despite that low capacity, I've had no problem traveling with it for 6 weeks at a time.
 
In addition to the information I posted above, I'd suggest you consider a climbing pack (e.g., Arc'Teryx Needle or Gregory G-Pack) - they tend to be very lightweight and more compressible than a standard backpack. I'll reiterate that external-frame packs are almost always inferior to internal-frame models for just about any purpose IMO.
 
Originally posted by: DonVito
In addition to the information I posted above, I'd suggest you consider a climbing pack (e.g., Arc'Teryx Needle or Gregory G-Pack) - they tend to be very lightweight and more compressible than a standard backpack. I'll reiterate that external-frame packs are almost always inferior to internal-frame models for just about any purpose IMO.
Click to expand...

What about the argument that an internal frame uses internal space that could be used for storing things? At least that's what I'd conclude from every internal frame pack I've seen.
 
Originally posted by: GTaudiophile

What about the argument that an internal frame uses internal space that could be used for storing things? At least that's what I'd conclude from every internal frame pack I've seen.
Click to expand...

The frame of an internal frame pack can be (and always is) made of thinner, more ergonomically-shaped material than an external frame. This is why an internal frame will over time, bend to form-fit the wearer. Normally the frame is made of a combination of semi-rigid plastic and thin aluminum stays, rather than the tubular aluminum of an external-frame pack.

I don't mean to be a know-it-all, but there's a reason serious backpacks, which were all external-frame in the 60s and 70s, are pretty much all internal-frame now. For short distances it doesn't make a huge difference, but once a pack is loaded, an internal frame is drastically better.
 
On the trail, the external still has some pros going for it - such as unlimited attachment points on the outside of the pack. it will also be cooler to wear becuase the pack body is separated from your body by the frame.

i agree that for city travel, an internal will be better as it is far less bulky than an extenal.

for the record i use an internal for my backpacking (in the wilderness) and i would say that the only downside is the occasional sweaty back. i feel that it is far more comfortable than the externals that i had used before the internal.
 
DonVito is correct is his advice. I swear by external frames as I primarily use them for long-term hikes in the Sierra Nevada's where to be frank the convenience of an external frame for my gear load is really important. I also feel a quality external frame, with modern ergonomics, will stand toe-to-toe with anything an internal frame offers while still having the extra load points. I honestly would be carrying a mammoth internal pack when I do solo hikes as my gear load is always pretty bulky if not overly heavy. Think a small telescope in a ballistic case, or my photography gear, etc.

Call me old school, and it could be a simple matter of preference and what I was trained/brougt up with, but external is the way to go for me. YMMV and I agree completely with everything else DonVito said. Different tools for different jobs.

http://www.princeton.edu/~oa/ft/equipment.shtml

Scroll down to the section called "The Backpack". Really nice write up.

But as your gear needs are pretty striaghtforward, and with your body size carrying 60+ pounds just isn't a good idea, go with an internal frame as long as it holds what you need. And like I said above, since you will be flying with it, internal is highly preferable.

Go to REI, spend an hour or so trying on different packs. LOAD then with your estimated weight. Make sure it'll fit your laptop computer safely. Find one or two models that suit you, thank the clerk for showing you them. Then go online and find the cheapest place.

http://www.sfbags.com - sells great laptop sleeves for sitcking in other bags/packs
http://www.spireusa.com - really nice packs, but their biggest one *might* not be suited for treking through Europe. Great for a week trip. Give it a look.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top