A good external frame backpack is a necessity for any long-distance hike or camping trip. Plenty of options on the market are designed to provide comfort, organization, and durability for extended periods of carrying weight.
We researched and tested dozens of external frame backpacks to find the best ones to help you carry everything you need, and not a single thing you don’t. Our favorite, the 60L Waterproof Lightweight Hiking Backpack, is designed with a molded, ventilating back panel, adjustable torso height, and plenty of organizational features.
Here are the best external frame backpacks.
Best External Frame Hiking Backpacks: Editor Recommended
Our Editor’s Best External Frame Hiking Backpacks Reviews
- Lasting and Reliable: Crafted with a premium aluminum frame, the external frame backpack ensures long-lasting durability and reliable performance. This sturdy backpack frame provides excellent support and stability, making it perfect for hunting, hiking, and backpacking adventures
- Ergonomic Design:This hunting backpack features a mesh back panel that allows for enhanced breathability and ventilation during long hours of wear. The extra thick padded shoulder straps and waist belt offer optimal comfort and weight distribution, reducing fatigue and strain on your body
- Ample Storage Space: With dimensions of 14.96"L x 14.17"W x 29.92"H, our frame backpack provides ample space to store all your essentials for your outdoor activities. Whether you need to carry hunting gear, hiking equipment, or camping supplies, this pack frame has enough room to accommodate everything you need
- Versatile and Adjustable: The external frame design of our backpack allows for easy attachment and customization. You can easily attach additional pockets, or accessories to the frame, providing you with endless possibilities for organization. The adjustable shoulder straps ensure a comfortable fit for users of different heights
- Reliable: We stand behind the quality of our product. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and we are committed to delivering a external frame hiking backpacks that meet your needs in the great outdoors
- NOT YOUR BASIC BACKPACK: Feature rich at this price point; Comfort and balanced backpack for men and women.
- TETON TOUGH: The best memories are made with the great durable gear; Perfect for any Adventure; comes in 65L, 75L or 85L sizes and adjustable to fit all; Pocket for Hydration
- CUSTOM COMFORT: Multi position torso adjustment fits medium and tall adventurers; Durable open-cell foam lumbar pad and molded channels provide maximum comfort and airflow; For beginners or experienced Backpackers
- DESIGNED WITH YOU IN MIND: Great quality and thoughtful design; large sleeping bag compartment, multi directional compression straps, with spacious compartments and pockets, a place for everything
- TETON SPORTS PROMISE: Reach out to our AMAZING product support team if you have any questions or concerns; YOU CAN COUNT ON US to get you taken care of and back OUTDOORS
- Lightweight Construction: Crafted with an aluminum frame, this backpack weighs only 4.44 pounds.
- Excellent Load-bearing: The frame pack can bear capacity of 60kg. It's perfect for hiking or hunting.
- Spacious Capacity: Measuring 28.7 x 14.6 x 9.8 inches,it offers ample room to store your hiking essentials, camping gear, and personal belongings.
- Ergonomic Design: The external frame distributes weight evenly, reducing strain on your back and shoulders for comfortable carrying.
- NOT YOUR BASIC BACKPACK: Feature rich at this price point; Comfort and balanced backpack for men and women.
- TETON TOUGH: The best memories are made with the great durable gear; Perfect for any Adventure; comes in 45L, 55L or 65L sizes and adjustable to fit all; Pocket for Hydration
- CUSTOM COMFORT: Multi position torso adjustment fits medium and tall adventurers; Durable open-cell foam lumbar pad and molded channels provide maximum comfort and airflow; For beginners or experienced Backpackers
- DESIGNED WITH YOU IN MIND: Great quality and thoughtful design; large sleeping bag compartment, multi directional compression straps, with spacious compartments and pockets, a place for everything
- TETON SPORTS PROMISE: Reach out to our AMAZING product support team if you have any questions or concerns; YOU CAN COUNT ON US to get you taken care of and back OUTDOORS
- 65 Liters: Ample storage for all your essential gear. 4lb 10oz empty weight, 30 x 18 x 12 inches, optimal carry weight 30-55 pounds
- Versatile Pack: The Coyote is the flagship trekking pack from the bright minds over at Kelty. Fully featured and re-designed for 2020, the Coyote features an advanced perimeter frame for supreme stability on the trail.
- Plenty of Pockets: Kelty Signature wing pockets, two front zippered pockets, and large J-zip top loading access to the main compartment. Daisy chains, water bottle pockets, and sleeping bag compartment keep everything tidy on the trail.
- Tailored Fit: A thru hiker’s dream, the Coyote features the new Fit Pro technology, providing a quick and customized torso fit for each user. Fit pro can be adjusted on the fly with ease, when shedding layers or passing off your pack.
- Amp Flow: Sweaty backs? Not here. The Amp Flow ventilated back panel will keep you cool and dry on long jaunts in the wild. Aluminum Stay in the external frame keeps your load secure and balanced, for a stable and comfortable hike.
- Rugged internal frame tactical backpak made from 1000D polyester fabric for men and women. Padded hip belt, adjustable shoulder harness with sternum strap, narrow pack design for excellent movement in different environments. Good option as a camping backpack, hunting backpack, backpacking backpack, trekking backpack, bugout bag, so on.
- Total about 70l capacity is just right for most of camping, backpacking, hiking trip, and your special mission. Including one large main compartment, lid compartment, one bottom pocket, two front pockets and two long side zipper closure pockets with utility pockets built in. Large main compartment (appx. 23*12*9 in.) is top loading with heavy duty zipper closure and front loading underneath the front outer pocket. Bungee cord lashing and compression system on front outer pocket
- This backpacking backpack is covered entirely with MOLLE webbing which allows you to attach tons of pouches and gear to increase carrying capacity, including on hip belt which allow convenient and quick access. Various pockets get you organize your essentials and gear well as what you want. 2 top and 2 side reinforced grab handles for your quick carry and movement. Front and side compression straps keep your gear stable and safe. Bungee cord systom on front panel.
- This large rucksack features adjustable suspension shoulder harness system to fit wider range of body size, thick foam padded waist belt, large lumbar pad, back panel and load lifter straps for comfort. Padded hip belt have the stabilizer straps. This internal frame hiking pack would help you focus more on your trail as well as your mission.
- This versatile internal frame backpack is compatible with hydration bladder. Hydration bladder could be hanged on both external and internal pockets. Tube ports built on both side.
- Material：This 75L backpacking backpack is made of 600D Polyester，YKK Zipper，Rain cover included
- Hydration Compartment：This hiking backpack with hydration compartment and can hold a 3 Liter bladder , the tube is fed through the top side of the bag near grab handle
- MOLLE Webbing：This is a military tactical backpack that You can hang on tools,trekking poles,tents,sleeping bags,and other outdoor gear by the molle system，A rifle also can be hanged with the side strap and side pocket
- Side Pocket ，Quickly Access：This camping backpack with 2 side pockets,8"*8", and 2 bigger pockets ,7.5"*13.8",that can hold water bottle or camping、survival gear，The backpack has large zipped access at front that can quickly access to the main compartment, opend as a 15.6" luggage
- Durable，Multifunctional：This 75L molle backpack with chest straps to cope with the weight so that it's well used as a 3 day assault pack,bug out bag,survival backpack,army backpack,trekking backpack or day pack，Suits for hiking,hunting,trekking,camping,climbing,traveling
- [Large-capacity mountaineering rucksack, 60L+5L] This mountaineering rucksack has pockets at various positions for comfort when climbing, and has a rain cover and hydration function. With a capacity of 60 liters, it is ideal not only for mountaineering but also for long-term tent stays in the four seasons. Height 26.38in x width 10.23in x width 7.09in. Weight: 2.56lbs.
- [Ergonomic design and comfortable trekking backpack] The ergonomically designed back pad and shoulder cushion reduce the bite into the shoulder with its exquisite thickness. The back pad has a mesh cushion structure with excellent breathability, so it does not get stuffy even if you use it for a long time and you can wear it comfortably.
- [Multi-functionality/practicality] With a compression strap on the top and both sides of the bag, it is possible to bind things such as trekking poles and sleeping bags firmly. A separate pocket on the back of the backpack allows for convenient shoe storage for travel. A large-capacity model that can store travel items such as sleeping bags, tents, PET bottles, trekking poles, clothing, shoes, and is ideal for mountaineering and long-term travel.
- [Load capacity 15KG] A tough backpack that can withstand up to 15kg. The fabric is made of high quality 420D nylon, which is not only durable and long-lasting, but also has the function of preventing tears and scratches, and also has waterproof performance to prevent the entry of light rain. (* It has a water-repellent property and is not completely waterproof.)
- [Multi-purpose] Lightweight and easy to carry, it is compact and suitable for outdoor/climbing/travel/camping/commuting/business trip/school/sports/gym/hiking/motorcycle/town use/disaster prevention. Even if you carry it on your back for a long time, you will not get tired easily and you will feel comfortable carrying it on your back. Ideal for outdoors.
- Internal-frame backpack with 75 L capacity (70 L + 5 L extension collar); made of durable polyester; ideal for hiking and camping
- Extensive storage pockets and compartments; large sleeping-bag compartment; multi-directional compression straps
- Adjustable straps and padded shoulder straps for a comfortable fit; open-cell foam lumbar pad and molded channels for lower-back support and airflow
- Water-repellent exterior coating and integrated water-resistant rainfly for light rain; waterproof cover included for heavier rain; choice of color
- Measures 29 inches long; backed by an Amazon Basics limited one-year warranty
- 【Internal Frame & Ergonomic Design】Internal Frame back, widen and thicken sponge padding shoulder straps,waist belt help to relieve your burden.Breathable mesh padded with durable open-cell foam on the ergonomic back panel offer better ventilation to dissipate heat and give you more comfortable feeling
- 【90 Large Capacity with Milt-Compartments】The Size of backpack is 35X30X90cm and the loading capacity up to 90L.With multiple storage compartments,makes your items organized well and provides large storage space for your short-term travel.This camping backpack supports to put a water reservoir with straw in it
- 【Universal Fit & Customizable Comfort】This internal frame hiking backpack can be able to adjust the tightness as you need and friendly provide a wide range of stretch space for your body.Multi-position torso adjustment offers a perfect customizable fit.Perfect backpack fits for man and women
- 【Waterproof with Rain Cover】This waterproof camping backpack comes with an extra rain cover and waterproof bag included in the package,keep the goods dry in backpack, no worry about raining during outdoor
- 【Durable Backapck】Tear resistant water resistant fabric material,high dense stitching and well-sewn craftsmanship,make this rucksack durable and well for your outdoor backpacking traveling
Best External Frame Hiking Backpacks Buying Guide
Before choosing the best external frame hiking backpack you should consider the following options:
1. Frame Size: The size of the frame you buy will depend on the size of your body and the weight you intend to carry.
The standard size of an external frame backpack is 60-inch, which is suitable for people who are 5 feet 6 inches tall and weigh up to 165 pounds.
If you are taller or weigh more than 165 pounds, you should buy a backpack with a larger frame.
2. Frame Type: Backpacks are available in three types of frames: unisex, male, and female. Unisex backpacks are suitable for anyone, while male and female backpacks are suitable for men and women respectively.
3. Suspension System: Suspension systems help in distributing the weight of the backpack evenly on your shoulders and hips.
If you are carrying a heavy backpack with an inadequate suspension system, you are likely to experience back pain.
The suspension system in a backpack is made up of straps, pads, and frames. The straps keep the backpack in place, while the pads and frames absorb the weight of the backpack.
Check the quality of the suspension system before buying a backpack. An adequate suspension system should have several straps with good quality buckles, medium-density frames, and high-quality foam pads.
4. Backpack Volume: The amount of gear and supplies you intend to carry will determine the volume of backpack you buy.
If you want to carry more gear, you should buy a backpack with a larger frame and a large suspension system. Backpacks with large frames and suspension systems are heavier and more expensive.
5. Backpack Weight: The weight of a backpack is determined by the frame, suspension system, and the material used.
Highly durable materials like nylon and polyester are lightweight, while nylon, polyester, and canvas are lightweight but less durable.
If you intend to trek through trails and carry heavy loads, you should buy backpacks made from durable materials. Backpacks made from nylon and polyester are lighter and more durable.
6. Budget: Backpacks are available in all price ranges. You can get a decent backpack for less than $100.
However, if you intend to carry heavy loads, buy a backpack with a large frame and a good suspension system. Such backpacks will be expensive.
What else you should know about best external frame hiking backpacks
1. What are the best external frame hiking backpacks?
Some of the best external frame hiking backpacks on the market include the REI Co-op Trailbreak 60, the Deuter Futura Vario 65 + 10, and the Osprey Aether AG 70.
2. What are the features of a good external frame hiking backpack?
Some features of a good external frame hiking backpack are that it is durable, has a lot of compartments for storage, is comfortable to wear, and has a frame that evenly distributes the weight of the backpack.
3. How do I choose the right external frame hiking backpack for me?
The most important factor to consider when choosing an external frame hiking backpack is your torso length. Once you have your torso length, you can then choose a backpack with a frame that is the right size for you. Another factor to consider is the type of terrain you will be hiking in. If you will be hiking in rough terrain, you will want to choose a backpack with a suspension system that can help you carry your gear.
4. What are the benefits of using an external frame hiking backpack?
A hiking backpack with an external frame can provide a number of benefits, including better weight distribution, increased ventilation, and easier access to gear.
5. What are some things to consider when using an external frame hiking backpack?
Some things to consider when using an external frame hiking backpack are the weight of the backpack, the type of backpack, and the weather.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best external frame hiking backpacks. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best external frame hiking backpacks will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.