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Gear Guide Index » Gear Guide to Internal Frame Backpacks

GEAR GUIDE: Internal Frame Backpacks

Gear Guide Criteria:

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HIDEIMAGEMODELMSRPSIZESPACK STYLEREPRESENTATIVE SIZETORSO FIT RANGEFRAME MATERIALTOTAL VOLUME (cu in)
(representative size)
WEIGHT (oz.)
(BPL tested)
VOLUME TO WEIGHT RATIO (cu in/oz)FABRICFOAM BACKPANELADJUSTABLE TORSO LENGTHHIP BELTSTERNUM STRAP / LOAD LIFTERSWAISTBELT STABILIZERSTOTAL EXTERIOR POCKETS
(not including the main packbag)
ICE AXE LOOPSCLOSUREHYDRATION COMPATIBLE
Camelbak Camelbak KronosCamelbak
Camelbak Kronos
$130One sizeInternal frameOne sizen/aExo-Air Soft Frame composite242050.9483.9 oz 70d silnylon ripstop YesNoPaddedYes / NoYes3 Panel access
Notes: Yes
Aarn Aarn Liquid AgilityAarn
Aarn Liquid Agility
$219.95 NZS,LInternal frameL14-23Acetal perimeter hoop19504940Kolon ripstop and CorduraYesYesPaddedYes / YesYes2 Panel access
Notes: Yes
Bergans of Norway Bergans of Norway Helium 55Bergans of Norway
Bergans of Norway Helium 55
$220One sizeInternal frameOne size16-22Single aluminum stay and frame sheet33555363Diamond Ripstop nylon and polyesterYesYesPaddedYes / YesYes1 Hood and draw cord, and bottom panel access
Notes: No
Luxury Lite Gear Luxury Lite Gear Thru-Hiker PackLuxury Lite Gear
Luxury Lite Gear Thru-Hiker Pack
$295One sizeexternal frameOne size15-22Carbon fiber and aluminum400032125X-ply fabricNoYesPaddedNo / NoNo  Unique
Notes: Yes-option
Bergans of Norway Bergans of Norway Helium 40Bergans of Norway
Bergans of Norway Helium 40
$199One sizeInternal frameOne size16-22Single aluminum stay and frame sheet24404851Diamond Ripstop nylon and polyesterYesYesPaddedYes / YesYes1 Hood and draw cord, and bottom panel access
Notes: No
Dana Design Dana Design Raid ZDana Design
Dana Design Raid Z
$200S,LInternal frameL15-23Two removeable fiberglass rods30514666Dimension Polyant and proprietary LTD Cordura Yes-removeableYesPaddedYes / YesYes31Unique
Notes: Yes
Dana Design Dana Design Racer XDana Design
Dana Design Racer X
$149S,LInternal frameL15-23Single aluminum torso stay20003459Dimension Polyant and proprietary LTD Cordura Yes-removeableNoPaddedYes / YesYes41Unique
Notes: Yes
Six Moon Designs Six Moon Designs Starlite- with internal staysSix Moon Designs
Six Moon Designs Starlite- with internal stays
$170One sizeInternal frameOne size18-242 aluminum internal stays410029141210d Dyneema PackclothNoYesPaddedYes/YesYes31Roll top
Notes: Yes
ULA - Equipment ULA - Equipment P-2ULA - Equipment
ULA - Equipment P-2
$210S,M,L,XLInternal frameM15-23+full length aluminum stay490047.2104Dyneema Gridstop and MeshYesNoPaddedYes / YesYes51Roll top
Notes: Option
ULA - Equipment ULA - Equipment FusionULA - Equipment
ULA - Equipment Fusion
$165One sizeInternal frameOne size18-23Carbon fiber hoop and sleeping pad system350032109Dyneema Gridstop and MeshNoYesPaddedYes / YesYes41Roll top
Notes: No
Mountainsmith Mountainsmith Ghost/Seraph (W)Mountainsmith
Mountainsmith Ghost/Seraph (W)
$150W,MT,LTInternal frameLT19-22/17-19.5 (W)Fiberglass rod30003683Dimension Polyant and HT nylonYesNoPaddedYes / YesYes21Panel access
Notes: Yes
ULA - Equipment ULA - Equipment P-1ULA - Equipment
ULA - Equipment P-1
$125S,M,L,XLInternal frameM15-23+1/4 length framesheet reinforced with carbon fiber stay425024177Dyneema Gridstop and MeshYesNoPaddedYes / YesYes31Roll top
Notes: Option
Gossamer Gear Gossamer Gear MariposaGossamer Gear
Gossamer Gear Mariposa
$130S,M,LInternal frameM16-24Two carbon fiber stays42001724740 denier 1.3 oz ripstop silnylon and 210 denier 4 oz ripstop nylonNoNoRemovable paddingYes / NoNo41Roll top
Notes: Yes
Mountainsmith Mounatinsmith Fusion 35Mountainsmith
Mounatinsmith Fusion 35
$159Regular, LargeTop loading, fixed top pocketRegular17-20 (Large fit 20-23)HDPE and 1 aluminum stay2014 (Large is 2136)54.137.2210d nylon Cordura, 420d nylon Cordura, 500d nylon KodraYesYesPaddedYes/YesYes6, plus 2 sidepanel sleeves1Drawcord with fixed top pocket
Notes: Yes
Aarn Aarn Featherlite FreedomAarn
Aarn Featherlite Freedom
$329.95 NZS,LInternal frameL14-23Acetal perimeter hoop and single aluminum stay305161.551Kolon ripstop and CorduraYesYesPaddedYes / YesYes21Roll top
Notes: Yes
Mountainsmith Mountainsmith WraithMountainsmith
Mountainsmith Wraith
$130One sizeInternal frameOne size17-21Delrin hoop160036.444VX-21YesNoPaddedYes / YesYes41Panel access
Notes: Yes
Osprey Osprey Atmos 25Osprey
Osprey Atmos 25
$139S,M,LInternal frameM18.5-20Tubular hoop aluminum152536.744210 denier broken twill and 210 denier double ripstopYesNoPaddedYes / YesNo62Panel access
Notes: Yes
Osprey Osprey Atmos 35Osprey
Osprey Atmos 35
$159S,M,LInternal FrameM18.5-20Tubular hoop aluminum21004151210 denier broken twill and 210 denier double ripstopYesNoPaddedYes / YesNo62Panel access
Notes: Yes
Mountainsmith Mountainsmith TrekLight AT 55Mountainsmith
Mountainsmith TrekLight AT 55
$199MT,LTInternal frameLT17-23 (two sizes)2 aluminum stays in X pattern3356 (5309 extended)67.349.9210d coated Cordura nylon, 420d coated Cordura nylon, 500d KodraYesYesPaddedYes/YesYes82Drawcord and floating top pocket
Notes: Yes
Mountainsmith Mountainsmith PhantomMountainsmith
Mountainsmith Phantom
$170MT,LTInternal frameLT17-22Single aluminum stay and perforated HDPE framesheet33005165Dimension Polyant and HT nylonYesNoPaddedYes / YesYes42Hood and draw cord
Notes: Yes
MontBell MontBell Nupuri 45MontBell
MontBell Nupuri 45
$149One sizeInternal frameOne size18-20.5Single aluminum stay and framesheet275049.655Dyneema ripstop nylonYesNoPaddedYes / NoNo52Hood and draw cord
Notes: No
MontBell MontBell Lightweight Alpine 50MontBell
MontBell Lightweight Alpine 50
$159One sizeInternal frameOne size15-21.5Single aluminum stay and framesheet305058.252Dyneema ripstop nylonYesYesPaddedYes / YesYes32Hood and draw cord
Notes: No
MontBell MontBell Lightweight Alpine 60MontBell
MontBell Lightweight Alpine 60
$179One sizeInternal frameOne size15-21.5Single aluminum stay and framesheet366059.661Dyneema ripstop nylonYesYesPaddedYes / YesYes32Hood and draw cord
Notes: No
Marmot Marmot Alpinist 40 Marmot
Marmot Alpinist 40
$159M,LInternal frameL18-22Single hollow core 7075 aluminum stay26004657Kevlar and 630 denier HD nylonYesNoPaddedYes / No No32Hood and draw cord
Notes: No
Marmot Marmot Alpinist 55Marmot
Marmot Alpinist 55
$179M,LInternal frameM18-22Double hollow core 7075 aluminum stays33504673Kevlar and 630 denier HD nylonYesNoPaddedYes / No No42Hood and draw cord
Notes: No
Lowe Alpine Lowe Alpine Warp 70Lowe Alpine
Lowe Alpine Warp 70
$199One sizeInternal frameOne size17-21two corrugated aluminum stays42005675Diamond Ripstop 210d nylon and textured nylonYesYesPaddedYes / YesYes42Hood and draw cord
Notes: Yes
Serratus Mountain Products Serratus Mountain Products, Ltd. SummitSerratus Mountain Products
Serratus Mountain Products, Ltd. Summit
$125S,LInternal frameL15-22Two aluminum stays and HDPE framesheet460077601000d 370g Cordura YesYesPaddedYes / YesYes32Hood and draw cord
Notes: No
Crux Crux AK47 BackpackCrux
Crux AK47 Backpack
$2491, 2, 3Internal Frame215-207001-T6 Aluminum2,9004170.3Schoeller Keprotec / 600d CorduraYesNoPaddedYes/YesNo32Hood and draw cord
Notes: No
Black Diamond Black Diamond Sphynx 45Black Diamond
Black Diamond Sphynx 45
$129One sizeInternal frameOne size17-24single aluminum stay24504752420 denier nylon and Ballistics reinforced fabricYesNoPaddedYes / YesYes12Hood and draw cord
Notes: Yes
Black Diamond Black Diamond Sphynx 35Black Diamond
Black Diamond Sphynx 35
$119One sizeInternal frameOne size17-23single aluminum stay21403955420 denier nylon and Ballistics reinforced fabricYesNoPaddedYes / YesYes12Hood and draw cord
Notes: Yes
Serratus Mountain Products Serratus Mountain Products, Ltd. Alpine LightSerratus Mountain Products
Serratus Mountain Products, Ltd. Alpine Light
$176S,M,L,XLInternal frameM15-22Two aluminum stays and HDPE framesheet52007768210d Tomen with Dyneema ripstopYesYesPaddedYes / YesYes32Hood and draw cord
Notes: No
Serratus Mountain Products Serratus Mountain Products, Ltd. CondorSerratus Mountain Products
Serratus Mountain Products, Ltd. Condor
$132S,LInternal frameL15-22Two aluminum stays and HDPE framesheet590082721000d 370g Cordura YesYesPaddedYes / YesYes32Hood and draw cord
Notes: No
Serratus Mountain Products Serratus Mountain Products, Ltd. Ice FallSerratus Mountain Products
Serratus Mountain Products, Ltd. Ice Fall
$110S,LInternal frameL15-22Two aluminum stays and HDPE framesheet35005959420d HT nylon & 1000d CorduraYesYesPaddedYes / YesYes32Hood and draw cord
Notes: No
Osprey Osprey 2006 Aether 60Osprey
Osprey 2006 Aether 60
$199M,LInternal frameM16-22+HDPE framesheet plus 7075 aluminum peripheral stays370064.157.7210d double ripstop, 210d oxford, 420d oxford, 500d Kodra, 840d power meshYesYesPaddedYes/YesYes42Drawcord and top pocket
Notes: Yes
Osprey Osprey Stratos 34Osprey
Osprey Stratos 34
$139S,M,LPanel loadingM18-20.5Fiberglass and delrin composite210045.845.9 Tightened meshYesPaddedYes/YesNo62Panel loading
Notes: Yes
MontBell MontBell Balance Light 40MontBell
MontBell Balance Light 40
$75One sizeFramesheetOne size18-20.5Polyethylene framesheet24404653210d HT ripstop nylon and 1000d CorduraYesNoWebbingYes / NoNo12Hood and draw cord
Notes: No
Lowe Alpine Lowe Alpine Lepton 45Lowe Alpine
Lowe Alpine Lepton 45
$129One sizeFramesheetOne size16-20HDPE framesheet27003773Diamond Ripstop 210d nylon and textured nylonYesNoPaddedYes / YesYes32Hood and draw cord
Notes: Yes
Lowe Alpine Lowe Alpine Muon 35Lowe Alpine
Lowe Alpine Muon 35
$119One sizeFramesheetOne size16-20HDPE framesheet21003757Diamond Ripstop 210d nylon and textured nylonYesNoPaddedYes / YesYes32Hood and draw cord
Notes: Yes
CiloGear CiloGear 60 L WorkSackCiloGear
CiloGear 60 L WorkSack
$200S,M,LInternal frameL15-22HDPE framesheet + 1 aluminum stay36603 lb 9 oz64.2Main body is VX51, center panel is VX42, center sides are VX21, side panels are 210d Spectra, crampon pouch is 500d SpectraYesYesPaddedYes/YesYes22Drawcord and top pocket
Notes:  
Arc'Teryx Arc'Teryx Needle 65Arc'Teryx
Arc'Teryx Needle 65
$299S,M,LInternal frameM16-236061 aluminum V-Frame38447055X-PacYesNoPaddedYes / YesYes22Hood and draw cord
Notes: Yes
Gregory Gregory SpectrumGregory
Gregory Spectrum
$119S,M,LInternal frameL19.5-21.5HDPE framesheet210035.758.8Silicone impregnated G 70 fabric, 210 denier HT nylon, and Nylon MeshYesNoPaddedYes/YesYes52Panel access
Notes: Yes
Osprey Talon 44Osprey
Talon 44
$159S/M, M/LInternal FrameM/L>19"aluminum headrail, composite side struts26003868.470d x 100d and 160d x 330 d nylonYesYesPaddedYes/YesNo72Drawcord and top cap
Notes: Yes
Mountainsmith Treklight PCT 45Mountainsmith
Treklight PCT 45
$179Regular, LargeInternal frameRegular17-20"2 flat aluminum stays29295654.2210d Cordura nylon, 210d ripstop nylon, 420d Cordura nylonYesYesPaddedYes/YesYes62Drawcord and top cap
Notes: Yes
Macpac Macpac 35 AmpMacpac
Macpac 35 Amp
$1402,3Framesheet312-19Framesheet21353758210d and 420d nylonYesNoPaddedYes / YesYes42Hood and draw cord
Notes: Yes
Arc'Teryx Arc'Teryx Needle 55Arc'Teryx
Arc'Teryx Needle 55
$270S,M,LInternal frameM16-236061 aluminum V-Frame32346351X-PacYesNoPaddedYes / YesYes22Hood and draw cord
Notes: Yes
Kelty Kelty Cloud 5250Kelty
Kelty Cloud 5250
$750M,LInternal frameL17-21two Lightbeam aluminum stays52507174100% Spectra fabricYesNoPaddedYes / YesYes42Hood and draw cord
Notes: Yes
GoLite GoLite GalaxyGoLite
GoLite Galaxy
$250S,M,LInternal frameL16-22Corrugated polystyrene framesheet with imbedded aluminum rods and attached aluminum stays460058.279Arrowhead Cordura, Dimension Polyant X-pac, SilLiteYesYesPaddedYes/YesYes52Drawcord and top pocket
Notes: Yes
Granite Gear Granite Gear Nimbus LatitudeGranite Gear
Granite Gear Nimbus Latitude
$230S,RInternal frameR14-22Tepex Composite380056.86770 denier 2.4 oz silnylon, 210 denier HT hybrid Cordura, and 8.5 oz DurastretchYesYesPaddedYes / YesYes22Panel access
Notes: Yes
Granite Gear Granite Gear Nimbus OzoneGranite Gear
Granite Gear Nimbus Ozone
$200S,RInternal frameR14-22Tepex Composite380048.77870 denier 2.4 oz silnylon, 210 denier HT hybrid Cordura, and 8.5 oz DurastretchYesYesPaddedYes / YesYes22Roll top
Notes: Yes
Gregory Gregory G PackGregory
Gregory G Pack
$149S,M,LInternal frameM15-19.5 (3 sizes)HDPE framesheet270047.457Silicone impregnated G 70 fabric, 210 denier HT nylon, and Nylon MeshYesNoPaddedYes / YesYes62Draw cord and top pocket
Notes: Yes
Gregory Gregory Z PackGregory
Gregory Z Pack
$169S,M,LInternal frameM17.5-19.5Single hollow core 7075 aluminum37605075140d Dyneema Gridstop, 210d HT nylon, and Nylon MeshYesNoPaddedYes / YesYes32Hood and draw cord
Notes: Yes
Kelty Kelty Haiku 4350/Haiku 4350 WmsKelty
Kelty Haiku 4350/Haiku 4350 Wms
$180mens, womensInternal frameMens16-22, 12-17 (W)two Lightbeam aluminum stays43506369Hardline and nylon microfiberYesYesPaddedYes / YesYes32Hood and draw cord
Notes: Yes
Black Diamond Black Diamond Shadow  55LBlack Diamond
Black Diamond Shadow 55L
$179One sizeInternal frameOne size17-21Y-rod aluminum suspension33605561210 denier silnylonYesNoPaddedYes / YesYes12Hood and draw cord
Notes: Yes
Black Diamond Black Diamond Shadow 45LBlack Diamond
Black Diamond Shadow 45L
$169One sizeInternal frameOne size17-21Y-rod aluminum suspension27504956210 denier silnylonYesNoPaddedYes / YesYes12Hood and draw cord
Notes: Yes
Six Moon Designs Six Moons Designs Comet- with internal staysSix Moon Designs
Six Moons Designs Comet- with internal stays
$180One sizeInternal frameOne size15-20 inches2 aluminum internal stays37002713770d Silicone Nylon and nylon meshYesYesPaddedYes/YesYes32Drybag rolltop
Notes: Yes
Osprey Osprey Atmos 50Osprey
Osprey Atmos 50
$199S,M,LInteral frameM16-22.5Tubular hoop aluminum305049.162210 denier broken twill and 210 denier double ripstopYesNoPaddedYes / YesNo82Hood and draw cord
Notes: Yes
Osprey Osprey Exposure 36Osprey
Osprey Exposure 36
$129S,M,LInternal FrameL14-22.5 (3 sizes)HDPE framesheet with 1 aluminum stay24004949210d nylon twill, 210 x 420d nylon ripstop, 500d plain weave nylonYesYesPaddedYes/YesYes22Drawcord and floating top pocket
Notes: Yes
ULA - Equipment CatalystULA - Equipment
Catalyst
$225S,M,L,XLInternal frameLS = 15-17, M = 18-20, L =21-23, XL = 23+Composite framesheet with 1 aluminum stay std, 2 aluminum stays optional460043107Dyneema GridstopYesNoPaddedYes/YesYes52Dry bag
Notes: Optional
ULA - Equipment CircuitULA - Equipment
Circuit
$175M,LInternal frameLM = 18-20, L = 21-23Carbon fiber and delrin loop3700 (60L)32115.6Dyneema GridstopYesNoPaddedYes/YesYes52Drawcord
Notes: Optional
Vaude Vaude Cross Ultralight 35Vaude
Vaude Cross Ultralight 35
$70One size (small)Internal frameOne size14-16.5 (estimated)Trocylen foam framesheet210023.589.4210d diamond ripstop PU-coated nylonYesYesUnpaddedYes/YesNo32Drawcord and top pocket
Notes: Yes (port only)
Osprey Osprey Aether 75Osprey
Osprey Aether 75
$239S,M,LInternal frameM14-22.5Single aluminum stay and 2 composite fiberglass struts45007560210d double ripstop and 420d chainlink fabricYesYesPaddedYes / YesYes42Hood and draw cord
Notes: No
Osprey Osprey Aether 60Osprey
Osprey Aether 60
$199M,LInternal frameM16-22+2 composite fiberglass struts370056.665210d double ripstop and 420d chainlink fabricYesYesPaddedYes / YesYes42Hood and draw cord
Notes: No
Mountainsmith Mountainsmith SpecterMountainsmith
Mountainsmith Specter
$280MT,LTInternal frameLT17-22Twin 6061 T6 corrugated aluminum stays 51507668Dimension Polyant and HT nylonYesYesPaddedYes / YesYes42Hood and draw cord
Notes: Yes
Granite Gear Granite Gear Nimbus MeridianGranite Gear
Granite Gear Nimbus Meridian
$250Regular Torso, Short TorsoInternal FrameRegular TorsoRegular torso fits 18-22 in Short Torso fits 14-18 inComposite3,8005667.9210d Cordura nylon, 70d silicone/urethane hybrid nylonYesYesPaddedYes/YesYes32Drawcord and top pocket
Notes: Yes
Granite Gear Granite Gear Stratus LatitudeGranite Gear
Granite Gear Stratus Latitude
$270S,RInternal frameR14-22Tepex Composite4800786270 denier 2.4 oz silnylon, 210 denier HT hybrid Cordura, and 8.5 oz DurastretchYesYesPaddedYes / YesYes22Panel access
Notes: Yes
Granite Gear Granite Gear Vapor TrailGranite Gear
Granite Gear Vapor Trail
$150S,R,LFramesheetS15-25HDPE framesheet330032.210270 denier 2.4 oz silnylon, 210 denier HT hybrid Cordura, and 8.5 oz DurastretchYesNoPaddedYes / YesYes22Roll top
Notes: No
GoLite QuestGoLite
Quest
$175Men's M,L Women's S,MInternal FrameMen's MMen's M 17.5-19.5, L 19.5-21.5 Women's S 15.5-17.5 M 17.5-19.5Composite framesheet with 2 attached aluminum stays42505183.3PU-coated nylon VelocityYesNoPaddedYes/YesNo62Drawcord and top pocket
Notes: Yes
Arc'Teryx Arc'Teryx Needle 45Arc'Teryx
Arc'Teryx Needle 45
$225S,M,LInternal frameM16-236061 aluminum V-Frame27465649X-PacYesNoPaddedYes / YesYes22Roll top
Notes: Yes
GoLite GoLite InfinityGoLite
GoLite Infinity
$199S,M,LInternal frameL16-22Corregated polystyrene and aluminum rods325039.582SilLite HG and X-Pac compositeYesNoPaddedYes / YesNo52Hood and draw cord
Notes: Yes
ALPS Alps Mountaineering RockALPS
Alps Mountaineering Rock
$119One sizeInternal frameOne size15-20Single aluminum stay and horizontal T stay35005267210 denier HD ripstopYesNoPaddedYes / YesNo52Hood and draw cord
Notes: Yes
GoLite GoLite ContinuumGoLite
GoLite Continuum
$159S,M,LInternal frameL16-22Corregated polystyrene and aluminum rods26003868SilLite HG and X-Pac compositeYesNoWebbingYes / YesNo52Hood and draw cord
Notes: Yes
GoLite GoLite VisionGoLite
GoLite Vision
$120S,M,LInternal frameL20-22Corrugated Polystyrene with imbedded aluminum stays195030.164.8SilLite HG and X-Pac CompositeYesNoUnpadded meshYes/YesNo32Panel
Notes: Yes
Mountainsmith Mountainsmith Auspex/Chimera (W)Mountainsmith
Mountainsmith Auspex/Chimera (W)
$230W,MT,LTInternal frameLT15-22Twin 6061 T6 corrugated aluminum stays 400065.361Dimension Polyant and HT nylonYesYesPaddedYes / YesYes32Hood and draw cord
Notes: Yes
REI Cruise UL 60REI
Cruise UL 60
$130M,LInternal Frame, top loading, fixed top pocketLM fits 17-19", L fits 19-21"Hollow aluminum stays anchored to delrin sheet at bottom and aluminum headrail at the top3970 (65 L)51.177.7140d ripstop nylon and 210d double ripstop nylon, PU-coatedYesyesPaddedYes/YesYes8, includes cradle behind kanga pocket4 elastic tool loopsDrawcord + top pocket
Notes: Yes
Mchale Mchale Pop Speed BumpMchale
Mchale Pop Speed Bump
$360CustomInternal frameCustomCustomTwo 7075-T6 aluminum stays35004088210d Dyneema GridstopYesNoPaddedYes / YesYesOptionOptionRoll top
Notes: Option
Mchale Mchale Subpop/PopcanMchale
Mchale Subpop/Popcan
$336CustomInternal frameCustomCustomTwo 7075-T6 aluminum stays35004088210d Dyneema GridstopYes, partialNoPaddedYes / YesYesOptionOptionRoll top
Notes: Option