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Types of Backpacks

Your hips are considered to be the load bearers, therefore most backpacks today are constructed with that in mind. They contain some sort of frame allowing your hips to take the brunt of the carrying weight making it possible to hike in an upright position while maintaining a normal pace.

There are three types of backpacks available: soft side, internal frame, and external frame. The soft side pack has no sort of frame. This type of pack would be adequate for a day hike, but I wouldn't recommend it for anything more. The soft side pack does not have any means of support, therefore you body absorbs the weight in un-natural weight-bearing areas. The internal frame and external frame backpacks are more rugged and enable you to carry more weight comfortably. They are pretty much what they sound like: an internal frame pack has a metal or alluminum frame (or stays) sewn into the pack itself. These frames run parallel to the spine and offer great load support. The external frame pack has a tubular frame with the pack attached to it.

When it comes to an internal or external frame backpack, they each have their advantages. Its a matter of personal taste when it comes to transferring the weight of the backpack to the hips and, however keep in mind that internal frame backpacks don't allow for good air flow between the pack and your back. Modern internal frame packs have ventilating mesh which helps in air flow, but the pack still rests mainly on your back.