[Philmont] Pack Size

Jim, you're right in saying that consumers are driving internal pack sales,
however I suspect that it's not the outdoor types like the people on this
list, but the people who do a lot or air travel - a large number of internal
frames will fit into an overhead compartment of an airline, where an
external won't...

Just my 2 cents

Tom Fitz

----Original Message Follows----
From: "James H. Moss" <bsa.rec.law@gmail.com>
Reply-To: philmont@troop47.com
To: "Philmont List Member" <Philmont@troop47.com>
Subject: [Philmont] Pack Size
Date: Fri, 15 Sep 2006 23:04:49 -0600

The reason why manufactures are not producing external frames is internal
frames are more comfortable, carry more, lighter, haul a greater variety,
fit more types of items, ride better, produce less back problems, allow you
to carry, heavier loads without the feeling of the weight, etc. External
frames have a larger variety of openings besides or in addition to top
loading so you can pack easier and better. You can access stuff on the
bottom without unloading the entire pack. You can carry your stove and fuel
on the outside in an external pocket and keep the fuel away from sleeping
bag, clothes and food. Most internal frames have built in hydration storage
with tube exits.

Smoke jumpers have all converted to internal frames. All branches of the
military have converted to internal frames. NOLS and Outward Bound have
converted to internal frames (over 15 years ago). The last external frame
on Everest was in the late 70's.

We have this discussion before. Packs are not made based on whims, but based
on what the consumer is buying. Kelty, JanSport and Alps are the only mfg
making external frames anymore (and I'm not sure about Alps next year)
because once you carrier an internal frame you won't carrier an external
frame. The market just is not there.

As far as size goes I carry a large internal frame. I am cautious about
packing it. An internal frame allows you to tighten the straps down so no
matter what is in it, it rides close to your body. So if in an emergency I
need more space, I have it. Yet I can carry what I want without sway, etc.
Tent poles, ice axes, wands, etc can be strapped to the outside. Wet clothes
and tents can be strapped on the outside to dry.

A large internal frame is still lighter than any external frame.

Jim

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Received on Sun Sep 17 00:02:39 2006