I have been brought up with external frames. First had a laminated wood frame ( small, maybe 25 Liters?) then the first 10 years of large backpacks with frames of Al alloy, then endured steel for a couple of months, , then progressed to a Polymer ( Nylon?) frame.
My last small ( about 40l) backpack is a modern one, with an internal frame. I do not know the material of the frame.
I wonder what your thoughts and preferences are?
Imo, the external frames have some positive benefits over internal frames:
'cooler' summertime, only two areas where a mesh strip is against your back.
can be used to directly fasten stuff on the sides, top and bottom, plus attach a lower/upper shelf
Fairly easy to repair when it fractures ( Aluminium alloy)
Negative - exposed for damage.
I broke ( extreme loads though) about 3 Fjallraven frames, my mates similar number, all replaced under warranty.
Materials: Aluminium tubes are light, do not flex much, (which is a negative on long treks).
Fairly fragile. If used in Scandi winters - extra fragile
Steel tubes are virtually indestructive, can be straightened, but due to small diameter, can be uncomfortable if frame/hip and shoulder straps and frame do not fit properly. Heavy.
Polymer ( aware of only Coleman made them) was for me the best. Incredibly strong, some flexibility, huge amounts of adjustment positions.
Negative - no top or lower shelf available. So limited 'expansion' possibility.
Care had to taken in very cold Scandi winters.
Laminated wood - very little experience, only had use of dad's antique day pack a few times,
But with modern lamination tech I would not be surprised if this was the best material.
I imagine it is strong, repairable, but somewhat impact fragile.
What are your thoughts?
My last small ( about 40l) backpack is a modern one, with an internal frame. I do not know the material of the frame.
I wonder what your thoughts and preferences are?
Imo, the external frames have some positive benefits over internal frames:
'cooler' summertime, only two areas where a mesh strip is against your back.
can be used to directly fasten stuff on the sides, top and bottom, plus attach a lower/upper shelf
Fairly easy to repair when it fractures ( Aluminium alloy)
Negative - exposed for damage.
I broke ( extreme loads though) about 3 Fjallraven frames, my mates similar number, all replaced under warranty.
Materials: Aluminium tubes are light, do not flex much, (which is a negative on long treks).
Fairly fragile. If used in Scandi winters - extra fragile
Steel tubes are virtually indestructive, can be straightened, but due to small diameter, can be uncomfortable if frame/hip and shoulder straps and frame do not fit properly. Heavy.
Polymer ( aware of only Coleman made them) was for me the best. Incredibly strong, some flexibility, huge amounts of adjustment positions.
Negative - no top or lower shelf available. So limited 'expansion' possibility.
Care had to taken in very cold Scandi winters.
Laminated wood - very little experience, only had use of dad's antique day pack a few times,
But with modern lamination tech I would not be surprised if this was the best material.
I imagine it is strong, repairable, but somewhat impact fragile.
What are your thoughts?
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