So you've probably noticed that we have a Camp Genius section and a Backpacking Genius section, and you're probably thinking to yourself, "well...that seems a bit over done.  Don't most people camp and backpack all in the same outing?"  You're absolutely right they do.  So to stop the confusion here's how we mixed things up.  Backpacking Genius will cover all the stuff you need to get you to where you're going.  Once you're there, where ever there is, Camp Genius wil be your source of info and advice.  Based on the nature of these two categories you might see a bit of repetion, but you know what they say about repetion...neither do we, but it makes things better.

Question of the day:

"Dear GearGenius.com, What's the difference between an internal frame backpack and an external frame backpack.  I was at my local sporting goods store last night and the sales person mentioned over and over again that the packs I was looking at where 'internal framed' packs.  Thanks for the help."   - Sue, ID

Answer of the day:

Well Sue, that's a great question.  I'm sure you're not alone in being slightly confused.  All backpacks that were meant to carry some type of load have a frame.  The frame is used to give the pack shape, support, and to help transfer the weight of the pack to your hips.  External frame packs have that frame on the outside of the pack fabric, while internal frame packs have the frame on the inside of the pack.  With internal frame packs sometimes the frame can be made of a big sheet of plastic, sometimes it's an aluminum stay running the length of the pack, sometimes it's two aluminum stays running from corner to corner and crossing in the middle, and sometimes it's a combination of all three.

Each type of design has an advantage.  External frame packs are able to keep the load higher in the pack making for a better weight transfer onto your hips.  They carry awkward loads and big objects better.  They also do a good job of keeping the main body of the pack away from your body, which helps keep you cool.

Internal framed packs have a more streamlined shape, which makes it easy to slip through tight stops.  It also makes it so the pack follows the movements of your body better.  Internals are more expandable and compressible which makes it easier to fit a variety of loads.  Also, based on the fact that they are currently the more popular type of pack, it's also easier to find a 'nicer' internal frame pack.  A lot of the big pack companies have stopped producing external frame packs.

Hope that helps!   - Tim@geargenius.com