Every backpacker needs a sturdy and long lasting backpack to carry their gear in. But which one do you get? It needs to be comfortable and hold all your gear easily. If it doesn't do both of these you will not have a good backpacking experience.

There are two different types of backpacks, the internal frame and the external frame. The internal frame has the frame on the inside and will conform very well to your back. That makes it a very stable pack and allows you to go into areas where it might be more difficult with an external frame. They are usually smaller than its counterpart, which means you can't carry as much, but they make up for it in comfort.

The external frame pack has the frame on the outside and is usually large and will reach over your head while hiking. The stability factor is much lower than the internal frame pack and therefore should be for on trail hiking only. The external will carry more with all it's pockets and larger storage space and it will also have much better ventilation between the pack and your back.

When you are deciding between the internal and external packs you will need to look at a few differences. You will need to know how much you intend to carry, whether you need all the external pockets and cavities and what kind of ground you will be covering. All these things together will help you decide which pack will suit you best.

Summary:

Internal and External backpacks have their own unique differences, good and bad. You will have to decide which one suits you best. The internal carries a smaller load but is much more stable for the rough terrain. The external carries a bigger load but and is designed for flat terrain.