External vs. Internal.

[Graceless]

 For DH sake.
   He has a decent external I found.But it isn't great* its just usable for now . I was thinking about getting him an internal but it would have to be an XL and so the question is. would there really be a huge difference for him? Would he like it better? he's not one to complain and seems happy with his external and all the internals at the sporting places don't fit so we have no clue what it would feel like yk? Its a paradox ... Maybe I should start scouting ebay again and see what comes up in the XL dept:P
Ideas? Suggestions,Opinions?

[auwesman]

There's a lot of advantages and disadvantages to both.
External definantly breathes more, you can usually attach more items to the outside and some like how it transfers more weight to the hips.

Internal keeps the weight much closer to the body, keeping you more balanced and allowing you to move more naturally.  If you don't get an internal that fits well, it can ruin the experience   It shouldn't be able to move side to side and it shouldn't rub your back.  I had one pack that did that and I returned it immediatly.  Now adays they make internals that breath MUCH better so your back keeps cooler (which used to be a MAJOR disadvantage)

I have both but 99.9% of the time now I use an internal.  I've taken both above 10,000 feet and both were capable.  I just like the feel of an internal and how everything is inside the pack.

Just make sure he puts the pack on and puts WEIGHT in it!  Thats the only way to find a good pack!

[Cuffs]

The sizing will be the issue.  The S, M, L, XL sizing for backpacks is NOT like that for clothing.  The size is based on torso length, from the C7 vertebrae to the iliac crest.  Whats that?  The C7 is the one that makes the 'bump' at the base of the neck and the Iliac crest is the invisible line that would run around your middle at the top of the hip bones.  You can find an excellent picture of this here:  http://www.usoutdoorstore...ions/backpack_sizing.html

Several packs these days come with interchangeable belts to accommodate different waist sizes.  The best thing to do is to visit a reputable outfitter and be fitted for a pack.  

The internal frame packs you will find at the 'sporting' places are most likely not fitted, nor better brands.  Im assuming you are referring to Dicks/Academy type stores...

Alabama Outdoors and Mountain High Outfitters are your best bets in the Birmingham area.  AO has 9 stores throughout the state if you are not in the 'Ham area.

I know this was not all that helpful as it didnt exactly answer your question, but I hope it helped!

[ednotmilkman]

Graceless,

I'm with DH since when I needed my first overnight BP, I just looked at the Campmor web catalog and bought the cheapest thing they had.  Looked sturdy enough for $50 to me !  It has taken me across 3/4 of the Pinhoti, Conecuh Trail and an 8 day backpack in Montana since I bought it last year. I'm not sure if I measured my torso right or not; I just put all the adjustable straps in the holes marked LARGE on the frame and have had no problems except broke the hip belt buckle the last day of the Montana hike. Luckily the group co-leader carried a spare. After getting home, I ordered my own spare for only $3, from Campmor.

http://www.campmor.com/ou...door/gear/Product___90518