(Part 2) Best internal frame hiking backpacks according to redditors

I haven't used that backpack you're looking at but I can tell from its design, that it doesn't look like it'll carry the weight comfortably if you're planning on a 3 day backpacking trip in wilderness. This pack is probably better for normal travel so if you're car camping and have access to amenities then this pack should do fine. It also doesn't look big enough to carry a tent, sleeping bag, food, water, etc.

Assuming you'll be deeper in wilderness and using a tent, sleeping bag, pad, etc., I would recommend something that will carry comfortably (aim weight toward your hips and reduce weight on your back) and there are better options out there. You'd want a backpacking backpack at least and you can probably find lots of options within (or close to) your budget.
Below are a few suggestions within a few different price ranges (not sure how strict your budget is).
Side note: I used to own the previous version of the Teton - it was my first backpack - for the price it did a pretty good job and never had any major complaints:

TETON Sports Scout 3400 60L

Mountaintop 55L Backpacking Pack

Mountaintop 65L Internal Frame Backpack Hiking Backpack with Rain Cover

50L Hiking Backpack EocuSun Waterproof Camping Backpack Outdoor Sport Lightweight Backpacking Bag

Hope this helps - have fun on your trip!

Looks like you want a bag that has MOLLE, neutral colors, and is more geared towards bushcraft/survival types?

Check out Eberlestock, they do a lot of military/hunting gear. The Destroyer pack might be the right size and design for ya: https://eberlestock.com/collections/packs/products/destroyer

You could also look at Mystery Ranch, they do a lot of really tough professional packs as well.

If you're looking for something more budget-friendly, check out the Amazon Mardingtop pack: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06Y2WFCWB/ref=twister_B07BTTXWRT?_encoding=UTF8&th=1

(My comment is based off the assumption that you want a hiking backpack, live in the US, and form follows function here.)

Depends on how much you're willing to spend and how quickly you need it. ASAP? I haven't gone wrong with Osprey packs. I took the Exos 46 on a 50 mile, six day trip through the Wind River range in WY, loved it the whole time. If you want more room, try the Atmos 65. This one came with me 55.4 miles through Yellowstone. Both are phenomenal packs.

Assuming you are in the US and live within a reasonable driving distance to REI, I'll let you in on a secret. They have a "no questions asked" return policy, which leaves them with a fair stock of seconds they can't put back on the shelves. Once a season (or four times a year, however you want to think about it) they put all of this gear out and mark it all waaaaay down. We're talking 50% at least. All you need is an REI membership ($20 one time fee). I've got osprey packs for $20 because it was scuffed, $400 Arc'teryx jackets for $40 because the original owner didn't like the fit, etc.

I would look at small internal frame packs between 30 and 45 litres. Kelty and osprey both make good packs, the [44] has worked well for me(http://www.amazon.com/Kelty-Redwing-Internal-Frame-Black/dp/B004CXENA4/ref=sr_1_3?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1369003362&sr=1-3&keywords=kelty+redwing+50)

I would suggest the 70L over the 60L unless you're extremely anal about ultralight. The extra 10L won't add much weight or bulk, but will definitely come in handy.

As for the bags you listed, I only have experience with similar Teton bags. I currently use the Outfitter 4600 which is a 75L pack. I've been using it for 2 years and have taken it on many backcountry trips in to the Canadian wilderness, and it's held up fine.

Sorry. Looking to donate a bag to anybody or any organization that would benefit from it. I haven’t replaced the adjustments strap. Bag is a Teton hiker 3700.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006JYHHL6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_FWYzDbGCVMDGW

[This is the pack I just got from amazon recently] (http://www.amazon.com/Sports-Escape-Ultralight-Internal-Backpack/dp/B006JYHI24/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1345071118&sr=8-2&keywords=Teton+ultralight). Its made by Teton sports, which I had never heard of but has good reviews. Honestly the material is the same as a $200 plus pack just without the frills. Zippers are nice and strong and the stitching looks quality.

I packed about 45lbs into it to test when I got it. I'm heading out for a week in the mountains on Friday. Its fully adjustable and has removable aluminum stays that you can shape to your back to get the best comfort and weight distribution which is awesome. It takes a bit of trial and error with the shoulder straps to get the distribution right but I got it to where it felt really nice and did a mile out and back with no pain.

Its just over $100 bucks so its in your range and qualifies for free shipping from amazon. But honestly if its just one day I think you could get something smaller and cheaper.

[Maybe this one] (http://www.amazon.com/Sports-Summit-Ultralight-Internal-Backpack/dp/B006JYHH34/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1345072392&sr=8-4&keywords=Teton+ultralight) which is half the size and considerably cheaper

EDIT: Also in the past I have found really nice packs for cheap on craigslist. You can almost always find a nice REI or north face pack in good shape around your price range. Another option at least

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07G76ZL27/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_jfHQDbYKPCNDH

I really appreciate all of the work you have put into the list! I have been studying it closely along with Andrew Skurka's book.

The lack of decent entry-level gear on the market is kind of amazing. It applies to other gear categories, but backpacks seem like a particularly weak point.

I was actually planning on buying the Teton Sports Canyon 2100, assuming my stuff will fit volume-wise (my estimate is 30-40L, but not sure yet).

It seems like a relatively heavy pack for someone who wants to go light, but the user reviews are decent and the price is right. Beats me..

The best approach is to borrow as much as you can to just start getting some experience. One of the main drivers of cost in backpacking is weight, which you really won't appreciate unless you're putting up massive mileage on your two day trips.

Figure out which features you'll actually appreciate before you start putting money down for them. You may find that based on your preferences, it doesn't make any sense to pay another $200 for a backpack that's 3 lbs lighter. Or if you're pretty sloppy about your waterproofing, you'd want a synthetic bag over down. If you prefer short multi-day trips over week-long affairs, you'll be better off with a smaller pack.

It's much cheaper to just buy gear that fits your needs.

But, that advice isn't exactly what you asked for.

• Backpack: High Sierra Titan 55 ($82 currently) - Extremely cheap for the function. I love this backpack, but you may need to send the first one you get back because it has a weak buckle or something.
  
• Sleeping Bag: Marmot Trestles 30 (~ $100) - Warm, tough, and synthetic so I don't die when I inevitably get it wet.
  
• Tent: REI Passage 2 ($160) - It's light and it works well. Held up perfectly over a very wet weeklong hike on the Appalachian Trail. I'd recommend it, but I'd imagine that there are cheaper tents out there for comparable quality.

I think with that sort of weight you might appreciate a frame. But if you are certain you don’t want one, then maybe spending a whole lot less might be decent so you can upgrade if you need to. One option I can give you is the 3F UL gear pack, I don’t think you’ll get anything else in that price range new. It’s Chinese yeah, but made from slightly beefier material(Amazon, AliExpress ). I’ve used it on a few trips without issue with a weight including food and water of about 12kg. I would definitely try and lower my weight more though for a frameless. Otherwise try get second hand from r/ulgeartrade or r/geartrade.

Hi!

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I am the same, always bring a flask of whiskey. I also always bring a pipe and tobacco, cob pipes are pretty light.

Anyways, here are my suggestions:

• Your backpack is very heavy. You might be able to find one on the gear exchange or something so you could potentially do that before the trip. You could also get the Osprey Levity which would save you about 2 lbs. The 3F UL Backpack is also a quality, very inexpensive, UL Backpack that would save you some weight.
  
• Lose the sleeping layers. You can use your hiking layers to sleep in as long as you keep them dry.
  
• Lose the camp shoes.
  
• You can get a flask like this and save a few oz.
  
• Camelbaks or hydration bladders in general are really inefficient for carrying water as far as weight goes. Consider just bringing another smart water bottle is you feel like you need more storage.
  
• You will need a wind screen for the BRS
  
• Your tent is on the heavy side. If you aren't ready to splurge on something else, The 3F UL 1 person tent is a great, fairly light, tent for a great price. Also, I have never found a footprint to be needed. You can also get similar tents on amazon if you are on a time crunch but I can't attest to their quality.
  
• First aid kit and hygiene kit is very heavy. For the first aid kit you could probably bring less of each thing to get it down to a little over an ounce. You probably don't need deodorant. For hygiene I only bring a toothbrush and little 15ml eye dropper of Dr. Bronner's soap, I brush and wash with it. Maybe consider the weight difference between bringing glasses and the contact solution? I don't wear either so i'm not sure.
  
• If you bring the Dr. Bronner's you don't need hand sanitizer.
  
• Looks like you have a heavy knife. There are much lighter options. I really like my Opinel No.6, weighs 0.9oz
  
• You could save weight by bringing a Picaridin spray pen.
  
• I don't know about you but I have found that I can get 5 days on one full charge from my phone if put in airplane mode and only used for photos and minor navigation. If you were confident and didn't absolutely need your phone you could go without the power bank.
  
  All together these adjustments would save you around 10.4lbs. Hope this helps!
  
  ​
  
  Good luck and have a great trip!

I'd personally lean toward one with a hip belt, however I think the ones you linked seem a bit over kill and heavy (I did not look at the product specs tho). I know a lot of the budget European airlines limit you to about 20lbs as a carry-on.

I found this that looks to be modeled off a Gregory pack and seems a little lighter weight: https://www.amazon.com/Internal-Resistant-Waterproof-Lightweight-Traveling/dp/B07MK299YP/ref=mp_s_a_1_7?keywords=40L+backpacking+backpack&qid=1556155207&s=gateway&sr=8-7

The most important thing IMO is that the pack fits you properly and distributes the weight well. If it doesn't you might as well just take your EDC. Hope this helps, and hope you have an awesome time in Europe!

Thinking about getting this pack off Amazon...my budget is pretty small https://www.amazon.com/Rhino-Valley-Backpack-Lightweight-Activities/dp/B07FXG2ZRM/ref=sr_1_57?keywords=internal+frame+backpacking+pack&qid=1565074612&s=gateway&sr=8-57

I was hoping for more ways to attach stuff to the outside of the pack than just those straps all the way at the bottom. Is that what those 2 buckles are for?

Side question: does this look like a decent cheap pack?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CGLV9ZX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_WmOCDbP54H0A2

This was the first pack I ever purchased -cheap, not ultralight (3.3 lbs I think) but the thing is actually built really well - I've had it for 3 years and taken it on many overnight trips and it's still in great condition even in rainy and muddy conditions. At the very least its been good for packing up and using as luggage on airplane trips. The straps are better than some of the pricier packs I've tried on - by all means not the best but a decent gateway to backpacking

If you don't need milspec, check out this pack.. I enjoy it so far, though the hip belt could be bigger.

https://www.amazon.com/BeGrit-Backpack-Backpacking-Travelling-Mountaineering/dp/B071VV97RY/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1502243635&sr=8-4&keywords=begrit
I have this one. Amazing price, just $ 24.99.
This is an amazing backpack. You can easily strap a tent or sleeping bag to the bottom, and it has plenty of room for all your essentials. The main compartment is very large, from top to bottom. There are two pockets on the outside. The strap contains an emergency whistle. It fits comfortably on my back.

My girlfriend uses this pack, and loves it. I think it's very well designed, and can hold a lot for a carry-on. Lots of nice touches to make it travel friendly as well (lockable zips, panel loading, etc.). However, I still think its more of a luggage/duffle than a backpack. The retractable shoulder straps dont have much support, and I think would be pretty tiring for any long walks.

I opted for the Kelty Redwing 44 instead. Not quite as much compressible room, but its something I can really hike with, with good straps and a lightweight frame. The hipstrap and frame bar are removable, to go lighter weight. Also was able to fit it in the overhead bins when fully packed.

I got this one last year. I love it. Convenient pockets, multiple points of access to the main cargo area, camelbak ready, etc. If you're a prime member, you can have it in two days!

I'm going to honest with you. In my opinion, if you're spending less than $90, you're buying something that will be needing a replacement within the first couple treks. I've had my Kelty Redwing 50 for years and it has never let me down once. I have a bigger pack for longer treks, which are few and far between lately, but for the most part the Redwing is my go-to. Its a bit pricier than what you're looking to spend, but I promise you it till last you many year, and many miles. My wife uses an Osprey Stratos which she loves, but I personally find the Kelty so much more comfortable to wear for extended periods. Again, a bit pricier than you're looking to spend, but I'm a believe that when it comes to things like packs, boots, and tents, you get what you pay for, so spending the extra money once make a bit more sense to me than spending a lesser amount multiple times. Hope this helps, and please let me know if you have any other gear questions! Happy travels!

If you're going to be lugging around 3 days worth of gear i would recommend something with a much better hip belt. Something similar to the below pack would be better. Its much more pleasant to put the load on your hips.

Also, first time backpackers tend to bring along too much stuff. Watch a few youtube videos to see what backpackers typically bring. Aim for a pack weight <35lbs including food and water.

Have fun! I hope you wind up loving it.

hiking bag

I used a 65L Osprey Atmos for a month around Europe. My gf used the woman's version, 50L I think. It is a great multipurpose pack, and does not need to be packed completely full. Obviously pack as little as you can manage to live with. Minimize clothing by making sure they are versatile (for multiple outfits) and able to be layered. I recommend bringing a silk sleep sack for warmth and bedbug protection.

"Best" is really subjective.

For those on a budget or need to build multiple bags, here's some great, cheap packs. Suitable for most backpacking (maybe not hardcore extended adventuring/mountaineering). Great value for the money.

Small

Medium

More sizes available. Search Teton Backpacks on amazon.

48L is pretty small if you are going to be doing any sort of camping etc. I'd recommend at least looking at a 60-65. Anyways, that's not what you are asking.

As far as cheap but sturdy, I bought both the Teton Fox for myself and the Teton Sports Explorer for my girlfriend and found them to be both fairly reliable. This was for an 8 week backpacking trip where I stayed in hostels through Europe (my gf was there for 5 of the weeks), so it didn't go through the rigor of camping, through I'd be willing to say that they would be entirely adequate.

For you, I would say that maybe the Scout or the Summit could be good matches.

Another advantage of going this cheap is that even if the backpack ends up breaking (again, not likely on the first trip), you'll be in a better position to understand what you do and don't like about it.

Oh and don't forget a raincover if they aren't built in.

TL;DR: Teton makes good cheap backpacks but I don't have experience with the smaller sizes. Also think about a slightly larger backpack.

Edit: Forgot to mention that I bought mine without trying it on first and it was close to the perfect size (could have used slightly longer straps over the shoulder, I'm 6'1"), but I have some decent experience with backpacks. For the most part, if you read enough of the reviews you'll find people of certain sizes fitting/not fitting.

Edit dos: Even more thoughts. It's free to try on backpacks in stores, and worth your time just to get accustomed to what the various sizes actually feel like and what sort of features you like. Once you try a few you'll get the hang of it.

Is there something I can point to that makes those brands better than the cheaper ones? I'd like to be able to tell the wife why we ought to spend the money. She thinks we ought to get one of these or one of these instead.

I don't know enough to tell her why it's a bad idea. Just durability or am I missing something?

As many of the other commenters have stated - buy your pack to fit your gear. If you buy your pack first you will find all sorts of things to fill it with.

That said - I have the Deuter pack a size larger than this - the Deuter ACT Lite 65 + 10 Pack. and it works great for my needs. I have used it on many weekend trips and one 10 day trek. All my trips are Boy Scout trips, so we tend to carry more gear than non-Scouts. The 10 day trek was to Philmont last summer. Philmont required us to carry several days worth of bulky food at a time. My gear took up about 2/3 of the pack and then I had plenty of room left for food or large water dromedaries when needed. The +10 expansion worked great for this as I could fill to the brim and then shrink it down as we used up the food and water.

A couple critiques I have about this line of packs.

• There are almost no accessory pockets. Externally the only zip pockets are 1 on the lid and the 2 belt pockets. Everything else goes into the large compartments. I made this work with multiple small bags to keep clothes, cooking gear, rain gear, and other things organized. This worked well for me, but would not work as well for a more disorganized person who really needs the separate pockets to put stuff in.
  
  
• The hip belt pad only comes about 2/3 of the way around my 34" waist. Around the front is adjustable strap. This was different than some of the other packs that wrap almost all the way around. I was ok with this and it carried the load well. It may not work for everyone.
  
  
• Buy a rain cover that is large enough. The +10 will make this equal to a 60L, so if you buy a 50L cover it won't be big enough. Also know if you will strap anything to the outside, because your cover will need to be large enough. I bought the Deuter cover which fits 40-70L.
  
  If you are a beginner and want to try something cheaper to get started - we
  have had luck with Teton brand backpacks for our Scouts. My son took the
  [Teton Escape 4300](
  https://www.amazon.com/Sports-Ultralight-Internal-Backpacking-Mountaineering
  /dp/B006JYHI24/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1481035907&sr=8-1&keywords=teton+4300)
  to Philmont and it worked well for him. The Teton Hiker
  3700 might be more the
  size you are looking for.
  

Cheap Backpack Suggestions?

Looking to get a lighter pack, but not looking to spend a lot at the moment, as I will probably get a better pack later once I know my needs better.. I have a two night backpacking trip in about a week in Red River Gorge. I'll be using my hammock. I have found these four:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LPJUNYW/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_4?smid=A14Q688O8PFMTG&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DZK65W8/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_5?smid=A38N1X0G3NLPB&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07C7V8Y38/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_6?smid=A14Q688O8PFMTG&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000F34ZKS/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_7?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

Thoughts? Better suggestions? Prefer Amazon due to quick shipping.