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
- 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 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
- Five decades of design building packs focused on being duable, simple, comfortable and reliable for all your backpacking events
- Tradition meets feature rich pack reliable external frame design for your next adventure
- Features: Top Loading, Top Lid converts to Sling Pack, Zippered side pockets, front pocket w/ organization, Stretch front pouch, Hydration Compatible
- Suspension Features: Adjustable suspension, External Frame, Dual density foam waist belt, Padded shoulder straps, stabilizer straps, Sternum strap
- Dimensions: Size (L x W x D) 29 x 22. 5 x 13 in, Weight 5 lbs 5 oz, Volume 65 L, Optimal Carry Weight: 20-55 lbs
- Sport Type: Designed For Hiking And Outdoor Lifestyle
- Adjustable Shoulder Straps: Comfortably Carry Up To 75 Pounds
- Durable Aluminum Frame: Tackles Rough Terrain
- Padded Hip Belt: Provides Weight Distribution
- Foldable Design: Easy To Store And Transport
- 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
- Durable polyester fabric
- Air mesh covered suspension provides maximum air flow
- Multiple shoulder strap positions
- Padded waist belt and shoulder straps
- Torso range: 13"-18", Weight: 4 lbs. 1 oz.
- A legendary pack, now even better: re-imagined Redwing 36 features an advanced perimeter frame, a new AMP-Flow ventilated back panel, and shock cord stash system.
- Plenty of Pockets: Kelty Signature wing pockets, two front zippered pockets, and hybrid U-zipper top loading access to the main compartment. Daisy chains, water bottle pockets, and side compression straps keep everything tidy on the trail.
- 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.
- Built to Last: Kelty is synonymous with quality in the outdoor community for good reason. Kelty gear is built for play, and built to last. Your Redwing backpack is ready to be put through the ringer on the trail, airport, and everywhere in between.
- Dimensions: 23x17x10 in, 2lb 9oz (Men’s), and 22x17x10 in, 2lb 9oz (Women’s).
- Material：This 70L internal frame backpack is made of 600D Polyester，YKK Zipper，Rain cover included
- Customizable Comfort：Multi-position torso adjustment, Adjustable Padded sternum strap and hip belt , Breathable mesh bearing system design mean this hiking backpack can comfortably fit men, women of different body sizes
- Large Capacity：4272 Cubic Inches，with multi-compartment and pockets，The main compartment has a grid zipper bag, a water bladder compartment, and two inner pockets，can provides ample room for your outdoor essentials，and the molle system allows you to attach other hiking gears to the pack
- Big Side Pocket ，Quickly Access：The camping backpack has large zipped access at the front that can quickly access the main compartment, opened as big luggage
- Perfect Outdoor Gear：This 70L hiking backpack is suitable for Multi-day travel, can be used for backpacking travel, mountaineering, hiking, climbing, camping, exploring, skiing， A decent holiday gift for families and friends who love outdoor sports
- 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
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.