I finally swapped my old external frame pack for an internal frame on the Appalachian Trail last fall

After 15 years of carrying a 1980s Kelty with a frame that squeaked like a haunted door, the difference in weight distribution was so dramatic I actually cut 3 days off my usual 50-mile section hike through Shenandoah, has anyone else made that switch and noticed their shoulders stopped hurting?

2 comments

2 Comments

kellymurphy9d ago

Man, that squeaky Kelty brings back memories. I did the same swap about a decade ago - went from a frame that sounded like a rusty gate to an Osprey Atmos. The weight distribution change is real, especially on the shoulders. I used to have to stop and adjust straps every few miles, now I can go a full day without touching them. The internal frame also lets you move your head without hitting the crossbar, which I never realized I was missing until it was gone.

the_henry8d ago

Used to think the external frame stuff was just the old school way and that people who upgraded were just throwing money at gear. But man, I had a Gregory with that stupid squeaky crossbar for years on the Pacific Crest. Thought the noise was just part of hiking. Then I borrowed a friend's internal frame for a weekend trip in the Smokies. First time I could look up at a hawk without my neck getting jammed against metal. Took me about three miles to realize I wasn't hunching forward to balance the weight anymore. I went home and ordered a new pack that same night.