6 Best External Frame Backpacks

For those who want to pack it all, this Kelty backpack is an awesome choice. The external frame makes it easy to carry heavy loads, and you get over 5,500 cubic inches of carrying space. The top-loading design is convenient for packing and unpacking. 

Above all, this pack is comfortable – or it will be as long as you don’t overload it (which is fairly easy to do).

The dual-density foam waist belt works with the frame and stabilizer straps for an awesome distribution of weight that works with your center of gravity rather than against it.

There are padded shoulder straps and the frame is adjustable to just about any torso length (between 16-22”).

In addition to excellent ventilation from the mesh back panel, the fact that everything is super adjustable and the pack itself is stable makes this an amazing choice whether you’re out for 3 nights or 13.

Yes, you can pack a whopping 90 liters (5500 cubic inches) of gear on the inside of this pack. And that’s huge, more than you’ll need for a few days.

But, there are a few things to note before buying.

First, the hydration pocket is built for short, wide bladders, so you may need a new one to make it work perfectly. Secondly, there aren’t any compression straps and the internal divider and compression system may not suit your needs.

That said, there are several external lashing points, a sleeping bag compartment, an adjustable internal pocket (floor on the top section is adjustable), various pockets and an expandable collar.

Basically, it’s amazingly versatile, but you should expect that given the space you have to work with.

We can hardly complain about the 420D denier-coated packcloth with 1000 denier Kodra reinforcements.

A few buyers express concern over the durability of the aluminum frame, mainly due to the weights they intend to carry. But, it doesn’t appear to be an issue as this is a super reliable, durable, long-lasting external frame backpack.

Plus, let’s be realistic about the weight. For what it carries, 5 pounds 9 ounces is super reasonable.

If you’re often out for several nights at a time, this is the obvious choice for comfort along the way.

For younger hikers and campers, you can’t go wrong with this external frame backpack. The pull-forward waist belt ranges from 20-40” and it can accommodate torso lengths from 13-18”.

The whole pack is completely adjustable to fit a range of body types and you can remove the adjustable sternum strap if it makes the wearer more comfortable.

The padding on the shoulder strap and belt keep it comfortable. And, the venting on the back keeps kids cool. The suspension components are covered with Lycra for comfort.

Given the target age group for this external frame backpack, you get plenty of storage. It carries a good 2050 cubic inches (34 liters) of gear. And, it’s very functional and user-friendly.

There are 6 pockets, including a zippered pocket on the top lid and a couple of stretch pockets.

The daisy chain and attachment loops are in great places for the center of balance for smaller hikers.

The polyester fabric with Lycra-covered suspension components is sturdy enough for the wear and tear of a few years, but this isn’t necessarily a bag that can be passed down through generations.

But, the telescopic frame and adjustability of it does ensure its usefulness for several seasons with the same or a variety of users.

Also, it weighs 3.7 pounds. This is about right for all but the smallest users – and, even then, if you’re not hiking for extended periods, it should be just fine.

Comfort is the name of the game with this external frame back pack. Users, especially women, petites and teens find this to be an exceptionally comfortable fit.

One of the best things is that it’s fully adjustable, which means it can grow as you do (or your teen does). That also makes it usable by a few different people if you’re not all going hiking together.

The dual-density foam waist belt is adjustable and removable (you can work with another if you have one you already love). There are also padded shoulder straps, stabilizer straps and a sternum strap. That said, it doesn’t have load lifting straps like other Kelty models do.

With every element working together to balance the weight, you can expect good things from this external frame back pack.

This stores 2929 cubic inches (48 liters) which is middle of the line; you’ll find smaller packs and you’ll definitely get bigger ones. But, users find it packs a lot more gear than the mere space allowance suggests. You can get a few nights gear easily into this.

There is one drop pocket and 6 additional pockets which keep everything organized. The external lashing points are just as useful.

A few features we really appreciate are the opening at the corners of the internal pocket which allow for storage of a few long, thin items. And, the top comes off as a sling.

We are in love with the ultra-durable ripstop and420D poly back Stafford fabric. The frame is also very durable.

But, it does weigh 5.1 pounds which is on the heavy side for a pack of this size. That might be the biggest downside, especially given the frame of the people this is aimed towards.

This external frame backpack is especially comfortable for larger folks planning to be out for a few days to over a week.

The waist belt (which has storage compartments) is very comfortable. And the frame offers both stabilization and stability.

But, there are a few things we would improve if we could, including load lifters and the ability to make adjustments to your frame easier.

If you’re just using this pack to get to and from your site, and not necessarily carrying it around all day every day, you’re going to love it.

This is big, really big. It can hold 5250 cubic inches (86 liters) of whatever you want to carry. And, that’s before you count for the extra storage available on the shelf.

There are several organizing compartments along with a dedicated rifle mount. In addition, the lashing system enables you to bring fresh game back to camp or back home and the extra lashing system makes it possible to use the frame without the pack which makes this super versatile.

The hydration pocket it sufficient and we think that this pack actually transcends its purpose beyond hunting and for anyone with a larger frame that wants to carry a lot and keep it all organized.

The 1680D heavy duty nylon ripstop fabric won’t give you anything to complain about. Nor will the durable, sturdy frame. This will truly hold up well over the course of time, even when beaten about on particularly grueling trips.

But, you will definitely need to invest in some form of rain protection as the pack itself offers none. For the value for money that you get, you’ll be able to afford something that works for your situation.

And, you should note that it weighs a solid 7.5 pounds before loading it with gear, so it’s what you’d call lightweight.

Wow oh wow on the comfort levels you get here. The ergonomic lumbar support is real and there’s also a ventilated, adjustable shoulder harness. Mix that with the X-shaped load lifting compression strap and you’ve got magic.

On top of that, this will accommodate hip sizes between 24-60”, which is an amazing range, and this pack does carry vertically more than horizontally, so just about anyone can enjoy it.

It’s stable, with sturdy straps and balances the load (which can’t be that big) exceptionally well.

You can fit 3051 cubic inches (50 liters) of gear inside this external frame backpack and it comes with a removable floating lid and two zippered hip belt pockets.

There’s also space inside for a hydration bladder.

But, we do need to point out that there aren’t any zippered pockets on the exterior which can be bothersome for some backpackers.

Apart from that, though, you get a whole lot of quality and storage without sacrificing comfort, which is amazing.

You’re not going to complain about the weight here. It’s a mere 2.7 pounds and it packs away flatly when you’re not using it.

All that boils down to the strong titanium alloy frame.

But, once again, you’re going to need to purchase some form of water protection for this external frame backpack, which is perhaps the one thing that’s holding this bag from taking over the world. Yes, it is that good.