High Sierra Explorer 55L Internal Frame Pack

[Eagle 1]

I know that there are a number of 72 hour pack topics around here, but I'd like some input about one particular thing.

I need a new way of carrying my 72 hour gear (old way was a duffel bag and one extra bag, but was annoying) and I found the High Sierra Explorer 55L Internal Frame Pack on Dick's Sporting Goods' website. Here's the page on it: http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2667647

When I actually went to the store yesterday, all I found was an external frame pack, appeared to be about the same size, but I was unsure about it. This one seems like a bit higher quality, and as far as these packs go, fairly cheap at $100.

It looks like it will carry all of my gear easily, but the only thing I'm unsure about is the sleeping bag, which is the biggest piece of equipment to pack. I've got one of those mummy -25 degree bags from Fish & Stream (if that means anything), and while the page on Dick's site says "Front-load sleeping bag compartment with divider," it's just hard to tell if it's the right thing from a picture and what they write there.

Does anyone here have any experience with this particular pack, or any other input?

[JC004]

no, but it's $20 cheaper at REI, BTW http://www.rei.com/product/760599

[Eagle 1]

Thanks.

How bout this question then. For those who know, for CAP's purposes, does external vs internal frame make a difference?

[davidsinn]

Thanks.

How bout this question then. For those who know, for CAP's purposes, does external vs internal frame make a difference?

Only to the guy humping it through the woods. I personally prefer external as I like strapping things on to it.

[Major Lord]

External frames in my opinion are better for heavy loads, since they can stay rigid enough to shift a lot of weight to your hip belt. Other than water, I have been self sufficient in the woods for up to 8 days with my Kelty rigid frame  pack. Internal frames are great if you are off trail, or climbing. Many do a pretty good job of dividing the weight between your hips and shoulders. If you fall down, an internal frame is less likely to knock out teeth, or split your skin. They also won't bend or brake like an aluminum frame pack will. I have both types.

Major Lord

[JC004]

In the past, one of the main reasons for having an external frame has been ventilation.  However, manufacturers are developing packs now with much better ventilation.  I'd say not a lot of low to mid-range packs are made with external frames anymore, so if you went with an external frame, you could be pretty limited. 

I recently went to the REI flagship store in Denver.  There were not many externals to be found.

There is the advantage of being able to hook things to the pack, but if you have the appropriate loops and such (or add them), that pretty much negates that issue.

Frame quality and therefore weight distribution does vary.  It may be a couple pieces of metal basically shoved into the back padding or it may be more frame-like.  You should try to get some idea of how the internal frame is made.

[Eagle 1]

Thanks for the input guys. I also got some info from one of the instructors at the SAR academy I'll be attending soon. I'm going to head down to Dick's tomorrow and see if they have any more packs to offer than what I saw the other day, and pick up some other things that I need.

[Eagle 1]

Well, I'm happy to say that I found that right pack to get the job done (though it does require some creative packing).

First off, when I went to Dick's Sporting Goods near me the only feasible thing was a black external pack that seemed like it might be able to do the job and was fairly cheap, but overall that one failed.

My current pack I got from Eastern Mountain Sports (and is an EMS brand - internal frame). First off, and I never ever do this, I just wanted to say that this particular store (at 221 Glen Cove Road, Carle Place, NY 11514) was just hands down the best in customer service I've ever been to. The guy assisting me was very experienced in the area (years in the business and doing hiking himself) and went out of his way to get me what I needed and was up front about more expensive things that really weren't worth it. They just don't make costumer service like this anymore.

Anyway...I've been able to pack all of my winter 72 hour gear (minus some I just added to my 24 hour pack), with the only extra thing I need to carry being a foam sleeping mat, which isn't a big deal at all.

So basically, it looks like I've got this all down pat now (though at the end of the academy I might just throw the sleeping bag over my gear rather than carefully pack it again since we have to move quickly then). Thanks for the help here and in PMs

[Stonewall]

FWIW I was at Gander Mountain the other day and came across an awesome pack by Gregory.  I have no need for it but I was still in National Capital Wing (Virginia side) and spent time in the mountains and national forests, I'd buy this thing ASAP.

It's got a hefty price but after 30 minutes of playing with it, I confirmed this would by "my pack" to take me through to 2020.



Gregory Whitney 95 - - With endless options in organization, access, and the amazing load support of the Response™ CFS Suspension, the newly updated Whitney will keep your gear within easy reach and your back in perfect comfort. This fully featured pack offers ultra durability and load support for the most challenging backcountry locales in the world.

Features:

•Response™ CFS Suspension
•Top, front, side, and bottom access
•Front pocket and twin side pockets with stash pouch
•Top pocket converts to a fanny pack
•Hideaway water bottle holder and stash pocket
•Dual waistbelt pockets
•Dual hydration ports and sleeve
•Water-resistant zippers
•Water and wear-resistant bottom panel
•210d HT double diamond ripstop and broken twill nylon fabrics


A review I found on this pack:

Expedition-Worthy Pack Adjusts to Any Body
More adjustable than any bag we tested, the Whitney has shoulder straps that pivot automatically to fit a variety of body frames. What's more, the cant of the seriously reinforced waist belt can be set to five different angles. The bag offered unmatched internal access through three side pockets and three back access zips. Bonuses include two belt pockets and a detachable lumbar pack, but, despite all its features and a rating to haul up to 65 pounds, the tent, sleeping bag, clothes and extra water we jammed in there pushed hard on our hips.

[Eagle 1]

I managed to find online exactly what I got:
http://www.ems.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3655881

I gotta admit it looks a bit more like a suitcase/duffel bag combination, but it gets the job done comfortably. The only things (in addition to the sleeping mat I mentioned before) that doesn't fit inside are the E-Tool, but I have a pouch that that goes in, and tucked it in between the "deployable" pack and the regular pack, so that's taken care of, and shoes that are just tucked in with the straps already on the bag.

[Stonewall]

I managed to find online exactly what I got:
[smg id=119]

I'm going to blunt with you.  As someone who has been a ground team member turned ground team leader turned ground operations branch director for over 20 years, plus 10 years in the Army Infantry turned Air Force Security Forces....that would be that last pack I'd use to carry my 24/72 hr gear outside of an airport before checking it in the with the airline.

[Eagle 1]

Well, like I said, it gets the job done - and compared to what else is offered around me, a fairly good deal.

I love CAP, but since my priorities will be changing to college next year, I doubt this pack is going to see much action out of a few exercises, and who knows, possibly a mission (it is capable).