Pros and Cons of Internal and External Frame Backpacks and How to Pack Properly

My Last post listed the gear each crew member is responsible for at Philmont. This and future posts will deal with choosing gear in the various subcategories on that list, starting with backpacks.
Choosing the right pack for Philmont is an important decision. If you don't already have a pack, try to borrow some from friends or rent them from outfitters such as REI for use on  the shakedown campouts. Each style of backpack has its own set of advantages and drawbacks. Backpacks fall into two main categories.

External Frame Backpacks

External frame backpacks, as the name would suggest, consist of a pocketed nylon or canvas bag attached to a rigid pack frame. Often these packs are smaller in terms of the number of cubic inches the bag will hold compared to an internal frame pack. This is because it is much easier to lash gear, such as sleeping bags and tents, to the outside of the pack. They also usually have more compartments and external pockets than an internal frame pack making it easier to retrieve something without having to empty the entire pack. because of their larger frame structure, they are often a bit heavier than internal frame packs. This is the type of pack I grew up with and it is still the type of pack I prefer. These Packs are designed to be loaded with the heaviest gear, usually the tent, lashed to the top of the frame. The lower section of the pack is usually loaded with the sleeping bag and sleep clothes. The ground pad is either placed in the lower compartment or lashed to the bottom of the pack. The top compartment carries clothes, cooking gear and food. Items that are required throughout the day are placed in the outer pockets. This type of pack is usually more top heavy than an internal framed pack, which can cause balance problems if you are going up very steep trails or do much climbing while hiking. They also tend to present a larger and wider profile than the internal framed packs, making them more prone to snag on overhanging branches and other things on the trail.On the plus side, the external frame holds the pack away from your body allowing for more air circulation around your back which makes you feel cooler. At Philmont, however, the trails are generally free of obstacles and they are not especially steep most of the time, so this type of backpack will work there. Philmont recommends that an external frame backpack have a capacity of at least 4000 cubic inches. The last time I went, I took a pack of this size and I also took a hip pack for use during side hikes. I lashed it to the outside of my pack when not in use.

Internal Frame Backpacks

Internal frame backpacks are by far the most popular choice among hikers today, so there is a much greater selection of them from which to choose. They are made up usually of one big sack with perhaps two large side pockets with the framework built into the inside of the pack. There is also usually a smaller bag that forms the top cover of the pack and which is often removable for use as a day pack. These packs are basically duffel bags with a frame. Everything goes into the big bag and very little if anything is lashed to the outside. This gives the bag a more compact profile so they don't stick out to the sides of the hiker, making them ideal for narrower trails. They are packed so that the lightest and least used items are placed at the bottom of the bag. Heavier items, such as stoves and fuel bottles, are placed up in the middle of the bag and against the back while placing lighter items such as clothing as a cushion around them and toward the outside of the pack. Items that will be needed on the trail are placed in the top bag and pockets. A nice feature of many of these bags is that a camelback or other hydration system is often built into them. If loaded properly a hiker will have a lower center of gravity using these packs, which is helpful in situations where balance is an issue. On the negative side, these packs are designed to hug the body, allowing no air circulation between your back and the pack. Also, finding something in your pack may involve a lot more unloading than with an external frame. This is the type of pack that my son used the last time we went to Philmont, and he was very pleased with it. Philmont suggests using an internal frame pack with a capacity to hold at least 4800 cubic inches.

Pack Covers

Whichever type of pack you decide you will also need a pack cover. These things look like big shower caps that go over your pack. Most packs are water resistant to a certain degree and a light drizzle or the occasional splash will probably not penetrate them. But they are not waterproof and every seam and zipper has the potential to let water in. Rainstorms are very common at Philmont, but that does not stop the hike. Also, we will not be able to bring our packs into our tents at night so a good pack cover is a must.
Items such as clothes and sleeping bags should also be placed in waterproof ziplock or plastic bags inside the pack as a last line of defense. Your pack cover should be easily accessible in a pocket of your pack so it can quickly be put on during a hike.