Hiking Backpacks – How to choose from External & Internal Frame Backpacks
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Two Types of Hiking Backpacks
There are two types of hiking backpacks; internal frame backpacks and external frame backpacks but almost all hiking backpacks today are internal frame backpacks.
External frame backpacks used to be popular with backpackers who carry a lot of weight because of the light external frame. The downside is that this type of hiking backpack carries the weight high up so you have a higher centre of gravity, which disrupts your balance. However, with external frame backpacks the ventilation is good.
As the technology of internal frame backpacks improves, external frame backpacks become less popular. In fact you can rarely find external frame backpacks sold in stores. Internal frame backpacks have become the preferred hiking backpack because they carry the load lower and closer to your body and hence provide you with better balance and freedom of movement.
The natural way of carrying hiking backpacks
If you ever carried a heavy backpack before you probably notice that to help carry the weight you use you hips to lift the bottom part of the backpack.
The hips is where most of the load should be carried. In fact, 80% of the load should be on your hips to carry the load efficiently.
Good hiking backpacks have straps and suspension systems that help divert the weight to the hips and vary the weight distribution between the hips and shoulders.
Internal Frame Backpack Award Winners
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Choosing Hiking Backpacks
The first thing you need to do when deciding on a hiking backpack is find out what capacity you need the backpack to be to carry what you need on your hiking trip.
Some hiking backpacks can hold up to more than 100 liters of hiking gear and some can only carry up to 40 liters.
Whatever you choose make you that your hiking backpack can carry at least the ten essential hiking gear; navigation, sun protection, insulation, illumination, hydration, first aid supplies, repair kit and tools, nutrition and emergency shelter.
You also need to know which type of backpacker you are. Are you a minimalist or a completely equipped backpacker? If you travel light, you can go further and faster, and if you are the backpacker who has it all you’ll be prepared for whatever happens to you on your hiking trip.
Measuring your torso
Sizing your Hiking Backpack
When choosing a hiking backpack the most important thing you need to know is your torso length. Two people can have the same height yet have different torso lengths and may require a different size hiking backpack.
To measure your torso length you need to use a soft measuring tape that can take into account the contours of your back. If you don’t have a measuring tape, use a string and take the measurement on a ruler. Stand straight up and ask someone to measure you from the prominent vertebrae at the base of your neck to the top of your hip bone.Hiking backpacks have a range of torso length it is designed for in the specifications. Choose one which that is within range of your torso length measurement.Fitting an Internal Frame Backpack
Fitting your hiking backpack
When you try out your hiking backpack, make sure there is around 15-20 pounds of weight in it. Any backpack may feel comfortable without any weight. You can put in your camping gear or if you’re in a camping store ask for something to put weight on the backpack.
When you already have weight on the backpack, the first thing you do is loosen all the straps. Once everything is loose try on the backpack. Bend forward a little bit and attach the hip belt and tighten it so that when you stand straight the weight mainly rest on your hips.Next, tighten the shoulder straps and make sure they are wide enough or narrow enough for you. If you are a woman choose a hiking backpack that is designed for women. The shoulder straps on women’s hiking backpack are usually narrower and the lower part of the backpack is usually wider.Some hiking backpacks have load lifters that gives you more options in adjusting the weight distribution. Some even have sternum straps.Don’t be afraid to play around with the straps to find which ones make you feel more comfortable. Not one setting of the straps can make you feel comfortable all the time. While you’re hiking, your shoulders might get tired so you adjust the straps to put more weight on your hips. When your hips get tired you can adjust the straps to distribute more weight to your shoulders.PrintShare it! — Rate it: up down flag this hub
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Comments
Thanks for that information - I have had a bad back for the last 3 years and have been looking for a backpack that will not put too much stress on it. Now I know what to look for and how to best use it,
A real Godsend - thanks again
Great info. I need a new backpack and one that is good!
Despite the fact i sepnd all my time booking people holidays to luxury beaches I have to admit prefer the outdorrsy type vacations myself and one of these backpacks look like the perfect "luggage"!
Good information on picking out a backpack. I am getting ready for a camping & hiking trip and need to buy one, but had no idea what I needed to look for before now. Thanks!
Good information for all the hikers and backpackers out there. This will help them alot.
What great information on backpacks! With the upcoming camping and hiking season here on the east coast, this information came at just the right time for me! Thanks!
The internal frame backpack is awesome. I use it all the time for long distance and it saves my back. Good price also.
I've noticed lately that the external frame backpacks are not seen anywhere near as much as they were years ago. I didn't really stop to think that the frame must be there somewhere and that internal frame backpacks are what I'm actually seeing more and more of. It makes sense that backpacks do need a frame, whether internal or external. Great info.
Having the right equipment that is comfortable and practical to use is certainly an essential component of a positive hiking experience. I think many people assume that a backpack is a backpac (etc.) so this is certainly a very good place to begin planning your next hiking trip.
You seem very knowledgeble about hiking backpacks. Thanks for sharing all your great knowledge! Very helpful hub!
I am actually planning a hiking trip to Patagonia this summer and the info here is top notch, thanks
Thanks for this great info - my wife and I are avid hikers and, now that our girls are a bit older we're planning a backpacking trip with the whole family this summer. At this point we're researching what gear we need. I knew I wanted an internal frame back pack, but I had no idea about all the sizing info for hiking backpacks or the correct process for fitting the backpack. Definitely glad I stumbled upon your hub!
I have this debate all the time with my significant other. We disagree and I land on the internal side of the debate. I just prefer them and I understand this is a personal choice for every hiker on which they like better.
My uncle takes me hiking into all sorts of places, and getting a good backpack has always been hard for me as I"m so short. The information on how to get the right size was just what I needed. thanks
Good information on backpacks. It seems the internal frame backpack has become taken over as the backpack of choice. Also, good advice to be sure to have a backpack large enough for the "ten essentials."
I am planning on taking a backpacking trip across Europe and I was looking for some good information on choosing a suitable backpack. Thanks for the tips!
Thank you guys for the great comments.
Hi Jonsky, I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate your hight quality information in your hubs, this one hit me just in the point. I was planning a hiking trip in the mountains for the next month and just started to prepare my equipment. So Thanks!
I know external frame bags aren't well liked these days but I love how easy it is to get to your stuff with an external frame! that said, as a woman, internal frame packs do work better for me for longer trips because I have strong legs and hips. btw I enjoyed the videos on this hub - thanks.
@stonerichard88 Thanks mate, enjoy the trip.
@Barbara6 Glad you liked the videos. Whatever works for you is great. People have different preferences and you should follow your own.
Thanks for the comments.
I am a minimalist backpacker myself. This is because I move better and more comfortable with just a light load on my back. When I go hiking, I just bring the most basic needs of a hiker. Great info on choosing a hiking backpacks!
solutions says:
11 months ago
This is great info for hikers and backpackers. I've noticed that you don't see the external frames backpacks around as much any more. It's good to know that the newer internal frames backpacks are in fact better for your back, since the weight sits lower down and your hips take a lot of the load.