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Best for Day Hiking
Gregory Citro H20
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Summary
The Gregory Citro H2O comes in three volume capacities: 24, 30, and 36 liters. It is a comfortable daypack with various useful features that keep you moving, including its own hydration pouch.
Best for Camping
Osprey Aura
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Summary
The Osprey Aura pack comes in two capacities: 50 and 65 liters. It is one of the most comfortable packs on the market, featuring Osprey’s “Anti-Gravity” system that provides comfort and ventilation thanks to a full-length mesh suspension system.
Best Tactical
Mystery Ranch 2 Day Assault Backpack
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Summary
The three-zipper opening allows the user to “rip” open the top, or use the center zip to quickly and easily gain access to the middle of the pack. Inside the pack are multiple pockets, including space for a hydration reservoir and laptop.
The best internal frame backpack is comfortable, lightweight, and functional. It effectively transfers weight from your shoulders onto your hips so it is easier to carry.
Internal frame backpacks are the most common type of wilderness pack sold these days. The internal frame means that there is a solid support on the inside of the pack, making it easier to carry. It’s lighter in weight than an external frame pack of the same size, yet it can still hold a lot of weight and gear.
With so many packs on the market, it can be overwhelming to find the right internal frame backpack for your needs. We examined numerous internal frame packs for size, weight, materials, and comfort. One of my top picks is bound to be right for you, whether you’re embarking on a day hike on local trails or planning a week-long expedition in the wilderness.
Best for Day Hiking: Gregory Citro H20 (Men)
Best for Camping and Backpacking: Osprey Atmos (Men)
and Aura (Women)
Best Tactical: Mystery Ranch 2 Day Assault Backpack
Best Budget: TETON Sports Scout 3400 Internal Frame Backpack
How We Chose The Best Internal Frame Backpacks
My experience choosing internal frame backpacks comes from many years in the backcountry and hundreds of miles hiked, both recreationally and as a guide. I’ve seen my fair share of good and bad internal frame backpacks, from hiking parts of the Appalachian Trail to guiding month-long expeditions. Over time, I tried dozens of packs myself and helped others navigate the sometimes overwhelming backpack market. I’ve personally suffered long backpacking trips due to a backpack that wasn’t right for me and have learned to look for the following characteristics:
Comfort: Padding, airflow, and ergonomics make a big difference out on the trail. I selected packs that will remain comfortable as the miles rack up.
Light Weight: Heavier packs are harder on the body. I looked for packs that were as light as possible without sacrificing comfort and support.
Functionality: Useful pockets, zippers, and accessories can make your life easier. I chose packs with features that were worth the added weight.
Notice that durability was not one of the indicators used. This is because some of the most durable internal frame backpacks are made of heavy materials that add weight and limit breathability. If worn for long periods of time, I prefer to have a lighter and less durable pack and protect it when needed with liners and covers.
The Best Internal Frame Backpacks: Reviews & Recommendations
Best for Day Hiking: Gregory Citro H20 (Men)
Why it Made the Cut: The Gregory Citro H2O (for men) and Juno H2O (essentially the same pack, designed for women) come in three volume capacities: 24, 30, and 36 liters. The 30-liter capacity is an all-around perfect size for a daypack. Combining comfort and utility, this is my pick for the best internal frame backpack for day hiking.
Key Features
Weight: 2.09 pounds
Volume: 30 liters
Materials: Nylon and polyester pack with an internal perimeter alloy frame
Pros
Comfortable: Padded shoulder and hip belt
Cool: Gregory’s VaporSpan back panel is made of moisture-wicking mesh
Convenient: Roomy large interior pocket, with an additional lined soft top pocket for sunglasses
and/or phone, mesh and stretchy side pockets
Cons
Weight: It’s on the medium side for weight
Price: It’s on the pricier side
Gregory has long been a leader in backpack technology, and it shouldn’t be a surprise that one of their models is my pick for the best internal frame backpack for day hiking. The Citro/June H20 is a comfortable daypack with various useful features that keep you moving, including its own hydration pouch.
The back design is made of breathable mesh, which greatly reduces back sweat, keeping you cooler and dryer. Adjustable hip and chest straps add comfort and support, ensuring the load don’t shift as you move. The hydration pouch valve has a magnetic attachment to the chest strap, so taking a sip won’t break your stride. An innovative harness secures your sunglasses right on the shoulder strap, and a hip belt pocket keeps snacks and other essentials at your fingertips.
All the convenient features come at a cost, and that’s weight. Although two pounds isn’t heavy, other daypacks
can weigh half that, but often sacrifice comfort and utility.
Best for Camping and Backpacking: Osprey Atmos (Men)
and Aura (Women)
Why it Made the Cut: The Osprey Atmos (men) and Aura (women) packs come in two capacities: 50 and 65 liters. The 65 L capacity is a versatile size for backpacking 2 to 7 days. With various size options, comfort, and functionality, this is my choice for the best internal frame backpack for camping and backpacking.
Key Features
Weight: 4.5 pounds
Volume: 65 liters
Materials: Nylon pack with suspension frame
Pros
Comfortable: Designed to conform to your body, with mesh back to keep you cool
Variety of sizes: Both the men’s and women’s packs come in three sizes based on torso length
Numerous pockets: Has top lid pocket, sleeping bag pocket, and hip belt pocket
Cons
Weight: It’s in the middle of the pack for weight
Price: It’s not the most inexpensive pack
Osprey is a leader in the backpack industry, and their 65 L Atmos/Aura pack is a perfect size for weekend to week-long treks. It’s also one of the most comfortable packs on the market, featuring Osprey’s “Anti-Gravity” system that provides comfort and ventilation thanks to a full-length mesh suspension system. The shoulder straps easily adjust for torso length, and the hip belt cinches and expands to fit most hips. Properly adjusted, even a 50-pound load is bearable.
The pack offers flexible storage, with a removable top lid that provides added storage when needed but can be ditched to shave ounces. A large, stretch-front mesh pocket swallows jackets and other outwear, so you don’t have to put wet clothes in your pack. The organization continues on the inside with zippered sleeping bag compartment on the bottom and a divider that removes to provide access to the rest of the pack. The shoulder straps feature a unique trekking pole attachment system, and you can find ice tool loops on the back. There is a sleeve for a hydration reservoir as well.
Loaded with all of these comfort features and padding, the Atmos/Aura weighs about four pounds. That’s light, but those that are weight-conscious might want to look for an alternative. Cost can be a concern as well, but the quality construction and top-shelf materials will stand the test of time.
Best Tactical: Mystery Ranch 2 Day Assault Backpack
Why it Made the Cut: Mystery Ranch sells high-quality load-bearing equipment for outdoorsmen, hunters, and the military. Their packs are some of the best in the biz. Because it has a very sturdy yet lightweight frame, the Mystery Ranch 2 Day Assault Backpack is my pick for the best internal frame tactical backpack.
Key Features
Weight: 3 pounds
Volume: 27 liters
Materials: Cordura nylon with Molle grid
Pros
High Quality: This sturdy pack is made from durable 500D Cordura fabric that is built to last
Storage: Multiple internal pockets with convenient Y-shaped zip opening to access storage area partially or fully
Hip Belt: A removable hip belt to help disperse your load from the shoulders
Cons
Price: You pay for the high quality
There is so much functional design in this pack. The three-zipper opening allows the user to “rip” open the top, or use the center zip to quickly and easily gain access to the middle of the pack. Inside the pack are multiple pockets, including space for a hydration reservoir and laptop. The padded sleeve fits laptops up to 15 inches and features a loop at the top for the days you want to swap your computer for a hydration sleeve.
With a full-length plastic frame sheet, Mystery Ranch’s fully adjustable Futura harness system, and a removable waistbelt, the pack remains comfortable even stuffed with a couple days’ worth of gear. The exterior has two water bottle pockets, enough Molle webbing to attach plenty of accessories, and compression straps. You can even personalize the Assault Daypack with a piece of Velcro to attach your favorite patch.
Price is again an issue, with the Assault costing twice as much as some of its same-sized competitors. But you pay a premium for durability, and heavy-duty 500 denier Cordura constructing doesn’t come cheap.
Best Budget: TETON Sports Scout 3400 Internal Frame Backpack
Why it Made the Cut: TETON Sports makes reliable budget outdoor gear. The Scout 3400 internal frame backpack provides relative comfort and versatility for less than $100. This is my pick for the best budget internal frame backpack.
Key Features
Weight: 4.5 pounds
Volume: 55 liters
Materials: Ripstop poly and canvas body with aluminum stays
Pros
Price: Half the cost of top brand packs
Comfortable: Padded hip belt, shoulder straps, and mesh back
Adjustable: The torso length adjusts to fit a wide range of body sizes
Cons
Weight: Far from the lightest pack in its class
Sizing: It does not have a variety of sizes based on torso and gender
TETON sports packs are a great solution for those looking for a comfortable and useful internal frame backpack with a less painful price tag. You wouldn’t want to tackle the Appalachian Trail wearing the Sports Scout 3400, but it makes a great starter pack.
The TETON Sports Scout 3400 internal frame backpack is one-size-fits-all but can be adjusted to fit your torso, waist, chest, and shoulders. Just don’t expect the same level of customization you’d find in a top-of-the-line pack. And sizing could be tricky for adults who don’t fit in average height and weight ranges.
It has some nice features, including a sleeping bag compartment, hydration sleeve, external gear pockets, and side and lower gear loops to attach gear externally. The included rainfly keeps contents dry when storms hit.
Note that snaps, straps, and zippers are more likely to break or loosen on budget packs. While this is a great choice for beginners, you probably shouldn’t expect it to last a lifetime.
Things to Consider Before Buying an Internal Frame Backpack
From the space you require to fit all your gear to the various design options, it can be overwhelming to purchase a new backpack. Here is what you need to consider.
Space
Do you need to carry a little or a lot? Most backpack brands list the internal storage volume of a pack in liters. Internal frame packs range from 10 to 100 liters in capacity. Here’s a breakdown of the storage space you should choose based on your needs:
15-30 L Pack: Daypack size. This is perfect for a summertime day trip with enough room for a bottle of water, a warm layer, and snacks.
40-60 L Pack: Multi-day size. This accommodates enough gear, food, and water for an individual spending two to five nights in the wilderness.
70-100 L Pack: Expedition size. This is for long multi-day treks of a week or more. It is also used for those who must carry a lot of gear or are traveling in extreme weather.
Design
Backpack bodies are designed to fit the needs of hikers. However, keep in mind that any extra features will also add weight. Here are some key features to look for in an internal frame backpack:
Pockets: It’s common for your internal frame pack to have pockets for water and small items. Keep in mind that although more external pockets might help you organize your items, it adds weight and makes you less streamlined.
Side and/or Bottom Access: While most packs offer access to the contents from the very top, some also have side and/or bottom zippers to allow the user to access the contents without emptying it.
Hooks and Tool Attachment: Larger packs will often have external hooks to attach gear to the outside of the pack by rope or carabiner. Some packs will have lash points or Molle straps to attach tools as well.
Hydration Pouch Sleeve: Having access to a hydration pouch allows the user to access water easily and removes the need to pull out water bottles.
Other: A built-in rainfly, a sleeping bag compartment, a removable lid that converts to a daypack, and a cell phone holder are all optional features on some packs. It’s important to consider which of these features you value when shopping for a pack.
Price
Anyone who has shopped for a quality internal frame backpack knows that they aren’t cheap. With prices ranging from $50 to $500, it’s important to consider your needs before pulling the trigger on a purchase. Higher-priced backpacks often offer more variety in sizes and are composed of lightweight, high-tech materials. For some, the higher cost is worth it in order to shed pounds and add additional comfort.
FAQs
Q: How much does an internal frame backpack cost?
Pricing varies widely based on the size of the backpack and the features it provides. Daypacks from respected hiking pack brands (Osprey, Gregory, Arcteryx, Deuter, and Kelty) start at over $100, and backpacking packs can get into the $400 range. These packs are built to be lightweight, comfortable, and used frequently over hundreds of miles. Budget brands can deliver a similar pack for half the price but will likely lack features and comfort.
Q: Can you carry-on an internal frame backpack?
It depends on the size. Most 15 to 40 L packs should meet requirements as a carry-on and fit in the overhead bin. The concern of checking a backpack of any kind is that loose straps can catch on items and hurt the pack. If you have to check a backpack, consider packing your filled backpack in a large duffel.
Q: Do people still use external frame packs?
External frame backpacks have been around a long time. Some people prefer this style of pack for its durability and functionality. Awkwardly shaped items sometimes don’t fit well inside or onto internal frame packs, so hunters, for example, might prefer the external frame to carry a rifle or bow against the exterior frame. Internal frame packs are generally lighter and more comfortable than external frame packs, yet they can still carry the same weight.
Final Thoughts on the Best Internal Frame Backpacks
The best choice for an internal frame backpack depends on how much space you need. Write out what you’ll be taking or, better, gather it and take some measurements (and see the “Space” section above). Then, look carefully at the features of the packs you’re considering to see if they will be truly useful for you.
