10 Best External Frame Packs 2024 in the United States

An external frame backpack is a backpack loaded onto a metal frame (people might be familiar with it from when they were in the Boy Scouts). Before George Lowe developed the internal frame pack in the 1960s, the external frame pack was the norm in hiking equipment. There are benefits from an external frame pack, that makes it the preferable choice when going on a long hike or trail walking while carrying over 20 kgs of gear on a groomed trail. The frame makes you keep your back straight, so your posture is better. It has space on the top and bottom, so that you can carry extra bulky gear, like a tent or a sleeping bag. It also keeps the pack off your back, so that there is better ventilation, so you’ll perspire less. They also allow you to add or reduce storage room, depending on what type of outing you’re expecting.

We've put together this guide to help you select the external frame pack that answers to your needs. It'll help you:

• Choose the right type of external frame pack,

• See useful tips about that type of external frame pack,    

• Read reviews of different brands of external frame pack, and what customers are saying,

• Select the right brand of external frame pack, and

• Compare prices and find the best deals.

• Junior Pack: These will be for younger hikers, in the early teens or less. They will have less volume, and the frame will not be as big. The Outdoor Products Dragonfly is an example of a junior pack, suitable even for preteens. These will be adequate for short, 3-4 mile hikes, or overnights.

• Adult Pack: These are larger packs, but can still be made suitable for younger hikers. The Kelty Tioga External Frame Pack has a very large capacity of 5500 cubic inches, and can easily fit 65 pounds of gear. The ALPS OutdoorZ Commander Freighter Frame can carry as much as 100 pounds. You’ll employ these when you take along enough gear to be outdoors for five or more days at a time.

Based on all the consumers' reviews we've scanned, these are the top things they mentioned about their new stuff:

• Pack the heavy things toward the top: Hikers recommend putting the heavier objects toward the top of your pack. That way, the weight will be distributed by the frame, so that your hips will be supporting the weight. So, your sleeping bag should be placed on top, while your tent could be strapped on the bottom of the frame.

• Collapsible frame: A disadvantage of the external frame pack is that the pack occupies more space, even if the pack happens to be empty. That makes travel more difficult when going on a bus or plane. But some frames are collapsible (or "telescopic"), so that the size of the frame is not such a problem.

• Extra straps: If you have to strap on extra gear to your backpack, there are places that sell luggage straps just for that purpose. If you are carrying a lot of weight, people suggested getting extra shoulder straps.

• Weight: Since you’ll be carrying a lot of gear anyway, you certainly don’t want a heavy backpack. The Alps Mountaineering backpacks are usually under 5 pounds in weight.

• Volume: Another factor is that you want your backpack to be able to accommodate enough gear--so you’ll want an adequate volume to the backpack. The volume will be given in cubic inches or in liters. (1 liter = 61 cubic inches.) The Outdoor Products Dragonfly External Frame Backpack is 2780 cubic inches. That’s considered a junior pack. But the Kelty Trekker External Frame Pack has a volume of 3950 cubic inches--that’s for more serious hikes.

• Padding: A lot of backpacks will have padded shoulder straps and hip belt. This is important, so that the frame will still be comfortable when you’re carrying gear. 

• Small compartments: One of the big advantages to the external frame pack is that there are numerous small compartments on the pack. That allows you to compartmentalize and optimally organize your gear.

Kelty--is located in Boulder, Colorado. They are makers of backpacks, tents and shelters, camping essentials, sleeping bags and more.

Rothco--‎was founded in 1953 by Milton and Howard Somberg, and they are makers of military apparel and army-navy gear. They also make outdoor, tactical and survival gear.

Alps Mountaineering-- is an American outdoor goods company. It was founded in 1993 by Dennis Brune, a veteran of the industry. They produce tents, sleeping bags, and other camping equipment, including camping and beach furniture. Their brand of hunting gear is sold under the name Alps OutdoorZ.

Outdoor Products--was founded in 1973, and has their headquarters in Los Angeles, California. They make frame packs, luggage and backpacks, ponchos, sleeping bags, waist packs, and outdoor gear.