Although internal-frame packs dominate the recreational backpacking market, traditional external-frame packs still offer several advantages for sportsmen. They are generally less expensive than internal designs, more rugged, and offer greater load-carrying capabilities. What an external-frame pack may add in bulk and weight, it makes up for in durability. Whether you are looking to access the backcountry for a week or a day, either to hunt, fish, or just wander the great outdoors, here are a few pointers on finding the right external-frame pack for your next adventure.
For all-around use, it is hard to beat an external-frame pack with at least 40 to 50 liters of capacity, or roughly 2,500 to 3,000 cubic inches. That’s enough for a two- or three-day outing, with longer trips requiring more volume. Look for a pack with plenty of attachment points and a load shelf for hauling game as well as for stowing your sleep system while hiking.
If you are looking specifically for a backcountry hunting pack, then consider an external frame that you can modify for various scenarios. Reduce pack weight by configuring the bag to carry only those provisions that the trip demands, and then strip the set-up to just the frame for long hauls off the mountain with your hard-won game.
A minimalist, military-style ruck can help hone woodsmanship and outdoor skills by reducing your load to the bare essentials. High-volume packs are antithetical to the practice of bushcraft and survival, and the traditional ALICE pack is a tried-and-true system for those expeditions where what you know is more important than how much you can carry.
