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I have been doing a lot of research as to which type of pack to get. I do what I always do when starting to research something I head to Google. I typed in “external vs internal packs.” There are loads of sites listed in the search results so I decided to just stick to the first two Google results pages. One of the most interesting feuds of the great debate I ran across was over at White Blaze where the battle of the External vs Internal rages. It was very interesting to read the comments on how both sides are better and each side giving very valid reasons as to why one pack was better than the other. There were even folks who fought for both sides of the battle. What it boiled down to was to each their own.

Below are a list of items I found as to what sets each one apart in my research.

Internal Packs

Form Fitting

Costly

Abundant in sporting good stores

More brands and more models

Heavier than some external frames

Good for mountaineering and tight spaces

Hard to connect extra gear to on the outside

Holds less weight than external

Focuses the weight between the shoulders and directly on the hips

Less ventilation for you back.

External Packs

Less expensive than internal packs

Not as many models and brands

Harder to find

Very few in sporting good stores

Lighter than internal packs

Wider frame allowing for higher center of gravity

Great Ventilation of your back

Easier to attach gear to the frame

Holds heaver loads

Easier to get to specific items

Now keep in mind I am not a doctor or a scientist or even a licensed gear salesman and the above items are a conciseness of about 25 – 30 websites who all said the same things. What I am finding is pick a pack that fits you and feels good on you. Do not focus on one kind or the other unless you specifically want to. From my findings of research of the AT there are more people who choose the internal frames but there are still a small percentage who are loyal to their externals. To me it sounds like the great Mac vs PC debate or even the Ford and Chevy debate of old. When it comes down to it both will get you where you want to go and both will get your gear to where you are going. My suggestion head to the store and just start trying them on. With that in mind I am headed to the local camping stores this weekend to see what they have in stock. I don’t plan on buying one yet but a little window shopping never hurt anyone.

Happy Hiking

Adam