What is the difference between an internal frame pack and an external frame pack?
A. Internal frame packs have soft frames built into the pack. The bag hugs the body tightly and comfortably and is very well-balanced, which is invaluable when hiking or climbing on difficult terrain. The absence of an external frame also lessens the likelihood of snagging the pack on branches as you walk. External frame packs usually have more pockets and compartments than internal frame packs. The rigid external frame also allows backpackers to carry heavy loads more comfortably than in an internal frame pack. Many hikers choose this style for extended trips. “The important thing is that the pack feels right on you,” says L.L.Bean employee and avid mountaineer Tim Paul. “On the Appalachian Trail, which is a pretty open trail, half the hikers have external frames and half have internal frames. It really depends on what rides comfortably on your shoulders.” “My personal preference is an internal frame pack,” said L.L.Bean salesclerk Mary Yeo, who climbed Aconcagua in South America with
