External frame backpacks are the best packs for carrying bulky, heavy loads. External frame packs have a padded harness and pack attached to a tubular frame made of a lightweight material, typically aluminum. While internal frame backpacks dominate the market, a few manufacturers continue to offer external frame packs. Backpack model availability based on June 2010 retailer and manufacturer information.
Kelty Tioga
The Tioga is a large, top-loading pack. It features side and front zippered pockets for keeping smaller items handy, and separate sleeping bag and main compartments. It has both a hydration reservoir sleeve and a water bottle pocket, giving you the choice of how you carry your drinking water. The Tioga is offered in 5,000 and 5,500 cubic inch sizes. The Tioga 5000 fits 16 to 19 inch torsos, and weighs 5 pounds 9 ounces. The Tioga 5500 fits 16 to 21 inch torsos, and weighs 5 pounds 10 ounces.
Kelty Trekker
The Trekker is a mid-sized, top-loading pack. It features several external zippered pockets. It has both a hydration reservoir sleeve and a mesh water bottle pocket. The Trekker series is offered in 3,900 and 3,950 cubic inch sizes, a popular size for multi-day backpacks. The Trekker 3900 is designed for shorter torso lengths (14 to 20 inches), and weighs 5 pounds 6 ounces. The Trekker 3950 is designed for average torso lengths (16 to 22 inches) and weighs 5 pounds 7 ounces.
Alps Mountaineering Zion
The Zion is a mid-sized, top-loading pack. It features multiple external zippered pockets, a hydration reservoir sleeve, a water bottle pocket and separate sleeping bag compartment. It has a 3,900 cubic inch capacity, and weighs just 4 pounds 15 ounces, making it lighter than many comparable packs. It is adjustable for a torso range of 17 to 24 inches.
Outdoor Products Firefly
The Firefly is a mid-sized, top loading pack. It is features a hydration reservoir sleeve, several external pockets, easy-access water bottle holders, and compression straps. The Firefly holds 3,750 cubic inches, and weighs 5 pounds 4 ounces. It is an affordable, entry-level pack. The pack is comfortable, adjustable, and loaded with features, but may not be a durable as more expensive, high performance packs.
Youth Backpacks
Youth backpacks have features comparable to adult backpacks, but are scaled for children and adolescents. The Mountainsmith Youth Scout is an affordable pack for older children. It adjusts to torso lengths of 13 to 17 inches and has a capacity of 3356 cubic inches. The Kelty Trekker 3900 has similar specifications to the Youth Scout, and is a suitable choice for adolescents who are active backpackers. The Kelty Jr. Tioga 2050 is designed just for kids. It has a capacity of 2,050 cubic inches, and fits torso lengths from 9 to 14 inches.
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