| Backpacks are generally categorized into three: | | | | usually small compared to internal frame |
| frameless, external frame, and internal frame. The | | | | backpacks to allow for these bulky items to be |
| main purpose of a frame is to support the | | | | strapped. |
| backpack and helps to distribute the weight | | | | The problem with external frame backpacks is |
| across your whole body, mainly on the hips so | | | | the center of gravity is very high up and away |
| that your shoulders are not bearing all the burden. | | | | from the body resulting in instability. Keeping your |
| Frameless Backpacks | | | | balance especially when climbing up hills is not an |
| This is the simplest and most inexpensive type of | | | | easy task with external frame backpacks. |
| backpack you can find. The most basic design | | | | Users also complain of getting bruises as a result |
| consist of one main pocket and connected to a | | | | of the uncushioned frame rubbing or hitting |
| set of shoulder straps. They are more used for | | | | against the body. However, external frame |
| general stuff rather than hiking. However, some | | | | backpacks are very durable. |
| are suitable for outdoor activities like hiking. Some | | | | Internal Frame Backpacks |
| more advanced versions have a suspension | | | | Invented in 1967 by Greg Lowe, the internal |
| system like waist strap, chest strap and padded | | | | frame backpack has replaced external frame |
| shoulders. | | | | backpacks as the standard pack for hikers. Greg |
| External Frame Backpacks | | | | Lowe later went on to found Lowepro, a |
| This is an old favorite with backpackers because | | | | company specializing in backpacks and other |
| of its large capacity and strong frame. The frame | | | | carrying solutions for various equipment. |
| is very rigid and it supports a sack made of cloth | | | | The frame which consists of strips of metal or |
| or other materials. | | | | plastic is integrated into the pack. A system of |
| External frames allow for users to carry a | | | | straps works with the frame to distribute the |
| heavier weight than a frameless pack could. It | | | | weight. |
| also gives the wearer more support and | | | | An internal frame backpack is fitted closely to the |
| protection and better weight distribution. The | | | | body and therefore the load is more easily |
| frames have been made of wood until about the | | | | controlled and easily predictable. You have more |
| middle of the twentieth century. | | | | freedom of movement and are ideal for |
| This type of backpack is not very common | | | | scrambling over rocky surfaces and hiking uphill. |
| today and the frames are now made of | | | | However, the close fit presents another problem; |
| lightweight metal tubes, often aluminum and | | | | poor ventilation and therefore sweatier backs. |
| sometimes titanium or scandium. A system of | | | | Unlike external frame backpacks, there are only a |
| straps and pads keep the sack and frame from | | | | few (if any) lash points for your tent or sleeping |
| contacting the body so you get reduced | | | | bag and there is a limit to the size of whatever |
| sweatiness. | | | | you want strapped to the outside of the pack. |
| It is normal practice to strap bulky items such as | | | | Fortunately, modern internal frame backpacks |
| camping tents, sleeping bags and pads on the | | | | have a large capacity so that all of your gear can |
| frame because some parts of the frame are not | | | | fit inside. |
| occupied by the pack. The main compartment is | | | | |