Best External Frame Backpack for Hiking & Hunting

Kelty Trekker 65L

Best External Frame Backpack

The Kelty Trekker 65 does so many things well it is difficult to pick just one thing, but the massive 3950 cu in of volume capacity stands out which when combined with the maximum weight capacity of 55 lbs, means you can shift a lot stuff with relative ease.

The Kelty Trekker 65 is made out of 600D polyester, which is both durable as well as water-resistant. The 5 external pockets combined with the expansive bottom shelf also provides this pack with plenty of outer storage capacity for all of your immediate needs.

When it comes to extra features, the Kelty Trekker 65 once again offers things few competitors do like an ice ax loop and a hideaway daisy chain loop. Of course, this pack also comes with some of the other more common, but still coveted extra features, like hydration pouch, and top-loaded hold-open bar design.

Bottom Line: This external frame pack offers great weight and volume capacities, plenty of storage options, and is one of the more durable products we found.

Introduction

Whether for a day trip, weekend, or extended journey, backpacks are one of the more necessary pieces of equipment for an enjoyable and safe hike. Of course, the type and location of the hike play a critical role in determining which type of pack is the right one for you.

This is especially true if you plan to hike for an extended period or plan on taking a lot of supplies with you. Concurrently, you also want a pack that is comfortable to wear, both in terms of the balance and for heat.

That is why we put together a list of the seven best external frame backpacks, identifying what each pack does better than the others. Then we provide a helpful buyer’s guide, so you can figure out what kind of external frame pack is best for your next hike.

What is an External Frame Backpack?

External frame packs are a backpack that is fastened to a rigid metal frame so that it can support a more significant amount of gear than most other types of packs. While external frame packs tend to find more use in extended hiking and backpacking excursions, it can still offer plenty of benefits for shorter trips too.

External frame packs are a unique type of pack to use if you need to fasten additional equipment on the exterior for quick use. On top of that, an external frame pack is an excellent idea for people who otherwise have issues with back pain or poor posture.

Benefits Of An External Frame Backpack

While internal frame packs are currently the typical choice for many hikers and backpackers, there are many reasons why an external frame may be superior to an internal frame pack for you.

• Has plenty of storage
• Is easier to access than internal frame packs
• Is better for posture than internal frame packs
• Provides plenty of ventilation
• Are less expensive than internal frame backpacks

What to Look For When Choosing the Best External Frame Backpack

Weight

Considering that an external frame pack finds its best use for extended hiking trips, it only makes sense that the weight is one of the more important qualities to consider. With all of the gear and supplies needed for extended hiking trips, there is no reason to compound that circumstance with heavier external frame packs.

That said, you often have to pick your poison as the lightest external frame backpacks rarely offer the largest volume capacities. As such, you usually either have to opt for a heavier bag to carry all of your equipment and supplies or sacrifice potentially vital tools to cut weight.

Size

The size of external frame packs can be taken in a couple of different ways, whether you consider the actual dimensions of the pack, the various capacities, or the fit. Likely, the most critical size aspect to consider is the various capacities, especially for a backpack designed for extended hiking use.

In this context, the size refers to both the maximum weight capacity as well as the maximum volume capacity, though not every manufacturer provides a maximum weight capacity. Of course, any extended trip backpack (whether internal frame or external frame packs) needs to offer at least a solid maximum volume as you can almost always cut weight with shrewd packing.

For the physical dimensions, this matters more depending on where you plan to hike with rough or more treacherous terrain favoring compact, smaller dimensions for balance. The fit will vary depending on the manufacturer, but most offer products that fit active lifestyles.

Bag Included

When purchasing an external frame backpack, it is common to get one with a bag already included. Of course, if you already have a backpack, then you may only need the external frame to assist with comfort and rigidity.

It is worth noting that backpack external frames often account for more than half of the total cost of an external frame pack. As such, unless you already own a high-end pack, you are probably better off getting an external frame backpack that includes the bag– even if it costs a bit more in the long run.

Other things to look for in the bag, are extra features such as a sleeping bag compartment, water hydration pack storage sleeve, compression straps and other attachment elements.

Durability

The durability of an external frame pack is measured both in terms of the frame itself as well as the backpack’s fabric. The frame rarely presents issues with strength as most frames use aluminum, iron, or even titanium.

The backpack fabric, on the other hand, can be a bit more hit or miss with many manufacturers using average quality materials. Look for backpack fabrics made out of either polyester or nylon with a high denier (D) quality as these materials also offers some natural water-resistance.

Lashing Points

The lashing points can refer either to where the external frame connects the backpack (if the frame is purchased separately from the pack) or how the backpack fastens other pieces of equipment. Much like with the fabric of the backpack, you want to make sure that the lashings offer plenty of durability.

This might be more important for the lashings than the backpack proper as the tools connected can fall out while a small hole will rarely ruin your goods stored inside the bag. While plenty of lashings are nice, it is important to remember that you can always use your own rope or other lashings to secure equipment to the frame.

Shelf

The shelf is generally a spot on the frame, below the backpack bag, where you lash equipment for additional storage. Things like sleeping bags or other large, bulky items are the primary pieces of the equipment fastened to the shelf of an external frame pack.

So long as an external frame backpack’s shelf can accommodate your external gear, you should not worry about this too much. That said, many high-end backpacks now offer specific pockets to keep your sleeping bag safe from getting snagged.

Best External Frame Backpack Reviews

MT Military Surplus Rucksack Alice Pack

Best External Frame Pack for Durability

The military needs to make products that not only work for all kinds of people and situations but can hold up under some of the most punishing conditions the world can throw at them. This is where the MT Military Surplus Alice Rucksack shines the brightest with a build that outclasses most other products we reviewed by a mile.

For one, this is the only backpack on our list that is made out of 1000D nylon, which is not only a more robust material but features the most durable construction we came across. On top of that, the MT Military Surplus Alice Rucksack reinforces the natural water-resistance afforded by the nylon material with an 1800 mm waterproof coating.

In terms of capacities, the MT Military Surplus Alice Rucksack is a bit up and down with one of the larger maximum weight capacities on our list at 40 pounds. However, this backpack also has the smallest maximum volume at just 2000 cu in making it better suited for a weekend camping trip.

That said, the MT Military Surplus Alice Rucksack makes excellent use of everything afforded to it with one of the most reasonable price tag on our list. However, the shoulder straps are not the most comfortable, but the adjustment hardware is some of the more durable as well.

Bottom Line: The military is known for making things that last, and the MT Military Surplus ALICE Rucksack can do that better than any other product on our list.

Vargo Exoti AR2

Lightest External Frame Pack

The Vargo Exoti AR2 is one of the more high-end options we found, and its construction and specs make that point abundantly clear. By far, one of the best things about the Vargo Exoti AR2 is that it only weighs two ⅗ pounds, which is almost half the weight of most other external frame backpacks that we reviewed.

A big part of how the Vargo Exoti AR2 sheds so much weight compared to other backpacks is through the use of a titanium frame. Not only is this material lighter than aluminum, iron, or steel, but it is stronger than all of them as well.

That said, titanium is a significantly more expensive material than other metals commonly used for external frames, and this price is reflected in Vargo Exoti AR2’s cost. Still, you get what you pay for, and the Vargo Exoti AR2 offers a surprising amount of volume capacity at 2807 cu in for its lightweight design.

This backpack combines that lightweight build with an ergonomic design that sits better on your shoulders and offers better ventilation than some of the other products we reviewed as well. The main issue with the Vargo Exoti AR2 is that it does not provide a true shelf and only uses lashings for external storage.

Bottom Line: For those extremely weight-conscious hikers, the Vargo Exoti AR2 sheds enough pounds to add a couple more in gear, unlike other external frame hiking backpack we reviewed.

Allen Rock Canyon External Hunting Pack Frame

Best Hunting Frame for an External Backpack

Allen Company Rock Canyon External Hunting Pack Frame, Tan, One Size

Hunters who already have a small pack, will love the Allen Rock Canyon which has ample room for lashing on your bag, your rifle and any other supplies you need to take on your trip.

Easily the most significant benefit of this approach is the fact that you do not have to pay for the backpack, which makes the Allen Rock Canyon significantly less expensive than most of the other products that we reviewed. On top of that, this external backpack frame is made out of aluminum, so you do not have to worry about its durability.

On the other hand, the Allen Rock Canyon External Hunting Pack Frame is 5 pounds on its own, which will only make the whole arrangement heavier when you add the backpack. Still, this external backpack frame features a contoured design to make carrying it for long distances easier and more comfortable.

Even better, the Allen Rock Canyon External Hunting Pack Frame works with pretty much any backpack on the market, thanks to the numerous lashings it provides. Of course, you can use some of these lashings to secure equipment outside of the backpack as well.

Bottom Line: If you already have the back and just need the external frame, the Allen Rock Canyon has the lashings and durability that you need.

Kelty Trekker 65L

Largest Volume Capacity External Frame Backpack

Kelty Trekker 65 Backpack, Garnet Red

The Kelty Trekker 65 is, without a doubt, the most impressive overall external frame backpack that we encountered with great specs at every point. This begins primarily with a substantial maximum volume capacity of 3950 cu in, the most on our list.

However, the Kelty Trekker 65 doubles down and combines that massive volume capacity with one of the largest maximum weight capacities of 55 pounds on top of it. The ability to offer the largest maximum volume and the second-largest maximum weight capacity is likely due to the use of 600D polyester material.

Not only does this material afford the Kelty Trekker 65 these top-tier capacities, but it also makes this one of the most durable external frame backpacks we reviewed too. Of course, you do not get something for nothing, and this external frame backpack is one of the more expensive options on our list– though not egregiously so.

The Kelty Trekker 65 also comes equipped with plenty of external storage, whether you need to stow something in easily retrievable pockets or on its solid shelf. The only potential concern with the Kelty Trekker 65 is in challenging terrain where the top-heavy load balance might be unsafe.

Bottom Line: The Kelty Trekker leads or comes in second in so many major categories that the somewhat high price is more than worth the investment.

ALPS Mountaineering Zion

Best All-Around Value External Frame Backpack

ALPS Mountaineering is known as a high-end manufacturer of outdooring equipment for every stage of the process and provides the best all-around value that we came across. Not only does this external frame backpack offer some solid specs, but it does so at a lower price than most of its other competitors too.

For starters, the ALPS Mountaineering Zion provides the second-largest maximum volume capacity on our list at 3900 cu in, which is just a hair off of the top place spot. Even better, this hiking backpack comes in at a hair lighter than many of the other options we reviewed and employs an excellent ergonomic design for increased comfort.

It is worth noting that the low cost shows up a bit in terms of the materials used as the ripstop nylon and fastening hardware do not offer the same level of durability as many of the other options on our list.

Bottom Line: The ALPS Mountaineering Zion offers plenty of storage, inside and out, at one of the better prices we came across.

Kelty Yukon

Largest Weight Capacity External Frame Backpack

The Yukon is another Kelty product, but this model aims to offer a great set of specs at a more reasonable price than the flagship model. That said, it is still a little bit surprising that the Kelty Yukon offers the largest maximum weight capacity on our list at 60 pounds.

This is even more surprising considering that this external frame backpack has a maximum volume of 2900 cu in, which is good but still far short of the top of our list. Of course, this is likely once again due to the use of 600D polyester fabric for the construction, providing plenty of structural integrity as well as general durability.

It is worth noting that while this is technically a less expensive Kelty product, it is still slightly above average in price compared to the other products on our list. However, the Kelty Yukon makes up for this with plenty of external storage, including easily accessible pockets and a great shelf.

From a functional standpoint, the only potential issue with the Kelty Yukon is that the zippers can be a bit difficult to use when the pack is fully loaded. Like the other Kelty, the Yukon is another exceptionally comfortable product, but this model does not have the same top-heavy issue due to the smaller volume capacity.

Bottom Line: When you need a smaller pack that still has some top of the line specs, the Kelty Yukon has you covered.

ALPS Mountaineering Red Rock

Best Budget External Frame Pack

ALPS Mountaineering rounds out our list with one of the least expensive products that we came across that also offers solid functionality. Outside of the extremely low price, the ALPS Mountaineering Red Rock is also one of the lightest products on our list, weighing only 3 ¾ pounds.

An area where it excels is in the external storage aspect, with some of the largest side pockets we encountered. It also does not hurt that this model provides one of the better shelves for lashed storage, either.

That said, when you pay this little, you should expect to give up something in return, and one of the biggest concessions the ALPS Mountaineering Red Rock makes is its volume capacity at only 2050 cu in, and is not as capable of carrying heavy loads as some of its competitors. As if that were not enough, the polyester material is also the least durable out of any other product we reviewed.

On the other hand, the ALPS Mountaineering Red Rock uses stretchy Lycra with the polyester to increase its flexibility. This, combined with an all-around ergonomic design, padded shoulder straps, and hip belt, makes this one of the more comfortable external frame backpacks on our list.

Bottom Line: The ALPS Mountaineering Red Rock offers a good mix of a lightweight design with a comfortable build at a price that cannot be beaten.

Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API