Looking for some advice on updating my gear. I have used a Kelty 65 external frame for the last 10 years. It's still in great shape and has always served me well. I have minimal experience with internal frames but I know they have come a long way in the last 10 years. I am considering pic related(Deuter aircontact core 65+10). However, I was shocked to see it only weighs about 2.5 Oz less than the trekker. (5 lb 5 Oz vs. 5 lb 2.5 oz).What advantages am I looking at with the internal if not weight? I know it looks a little more modern and sleek. I feel like the kelty sits really good on my hips and it's easy to strap all my shit on the outside. What other changes might I need to make to my gear to get everything in the pack?Any advice appreciated.
>>2812320>I know they have come a long way in the last 10 years.Dude, what are you smoking? Internal frames have been better then external frames since at least the 90s
>>2812320The advantage is having the pack weight closer to your torso, so any thing other than walking over perfectly even retain doesn’t beat you down via inertia. >>2812324And they’ve been the norm for about 20 years.
>>2812324>>2812331That's what I meant to say. Now please give me useful information
>>2812331I never really felt that way about my external. I do think the weight ends up being a little higher tho..
>>2812335Yes, external frame packs are designed to carry the load higher. They’re a throwback to a time when gear was larger and heavier in general (and people packed more stuff), and pack design reflected that. It was a necessity. The pack either had to be higher, or way thicker (which would be the worst possible option). When pack weight and bulk dropped, people switched to internal frame packs. With an external frame, if you lean over, the load leans further from your center of gravity, requiring more effort to control it due to leverage. Inb4 Flextrek Whipsnake edition. Also it’s not a matter of “omg this pack is so heavy I can’t control it I’m tilting over omg halp!” It just wears you out more over a long hike. With an internal frame, the load is closer to you.The caveat is with really big or really small packs. With a tiny pack, the leverage advantage isn’t there, or at least not to such a degree. With a very large pack (which isn’t really appropriate for just hiking anyway), internal frames have to be made thicker, which creates more leverage during the entire hike.
>>2812394Seems likes it's time for and upgrade but I'm also going to have to reconsider/upgrade a lot of gear. I use heavy old shit haha.Any info on this manufacturer? It looks like a decent pack.
>>2812331>The advantage is having the pack weight closer to your torso, so any thing other than walking over perfectly even retain doesn’t beat you down via inertia. This, basically. Internal frames are for weaklings without core muscles, or for when you need to walk on steep, slippery mountainsides a lot.Their main downside is that they make you sweat more and will rub you sore if they don't fit perfectly (and they're a lot harder to fit right than an exoframe). On bad designs, where the straps don't slot through the bag to attach directly to the frame, they're also weaker. But there's many bags that don't have that problem.Personally, I wouldn't spend money on an internal frame. But then again, I currently own three alice frames, and 9 bags for them (yes, alicefag expanded his collection - got my hands on an entire set of KSK-issue bags, and now I can haul an entire beehive on my back).
>>2812443Damn.. well I will probably still hang on to my Kelty even if I do buy this. I have a very strong core and I live in Florida so no uneven terrain.I want the internal for portability tho.. I can throw it in a canoe more easily or take it on a plane. I also hit the mountains some times. Couldn't hurt to have both options for different situations. Does anyone know about this particular pack?
>>2812443>Internal frames are for weaklings without core muscles, or for when you need to walk on steep, slippery mountainsides a lot.Dumb.If it’s easy terrain, an external frame is easier to carry. >sweatyOsprey solved this in the 90’s. Gregory’s been doing it for at least 15 years. Even niche companies like Z-Packs do it.
