Internal Frame, External Frame, Daypacks at Thehighroute.com

"The love of wilderness is more than a hunger for what is always beyond reach; it is also an expression of loyalty to the earth ... the only home we shall ever know, the only paradise we ever need -- if only we had the eyes to see."
Edward Abbey (American writer and naturalist)

How to pack a backpack

When preparing your backpacking gear for a camping or hiking trip, properly loading your backpack is nearly as important as .......

How to size a backpack

Day Trips: up to 2400 cu in

Overnight Hikes: 2700-3400 cu in

2-3 day Hikes: 3400-4000 cu in

Long Hikes: 3700-4900 cu in

Expedition type Hike: 4900-5800 cu in

Backpack of the Year 2008

Primero 60

Buy at
Altrec

The Primero 60 is a mid-capacity, state-of-the-art, multiday pack for the serious backpacker

Hydration sleeve
Load lifters with thumb loops
Adjustable torso length with interchangeable hipbelt
Unique dual-pivot hipbelt evenly spreads load
Trampoline sleeping bag divider
X Radial™ frame
EVA back panel by MDI
Contoured E-VAP™ foam hipbelt
3-point hipbelt closure
E-VAP™ shoulder harness
Contoured cranial cavity
Removable, floating lid with mesh pocket and key clip
Side access to main body
Side and removable bottom compression
Waterproof bottom and hood with welded construction
Highly water-resistant pack body
Lash point on hood
Dual access stretch woven side water-bottle pockets
Dual trekking-pole loops
Front tool loop and daisy chain
Two side compression straps with integrated attachment buckles
[SIZES] S - L

Specifications

Weight: 4.5 lbs
Volume: 3650 cu. in./60 liters (med); 3950 cu. in./65 liters (large)
Ext Volume: 4300 cu. in./70 liters (med); 4600 cu. in./75 liters (large)
Dimensions: 24-1/2" x 13-1/2" x 9-1/2"
Fit Range: 16"-19" (med); 18"-21" (large)
Fabric: 630D Oxford

From Altec

Top Rated by Outside Magazine
Mountain Hardware Direttissima

mountain-hardwear Direttissima

Buy at
US Outdoor Store
Rei

This is an excellant choice for alpine climbing and weekend backpacking trips. This pack can be compressed for small loads. The suspension system has a compression-molded back panel and thickly padded shoulder and hip straps.

1) Capacity: 3200 cu in
2) Weight: 4 lb 3 oz
3) Body Fabric: 420D/96T HT nylon ( Top quality nylon pack cloth offers outstanding abrasion resistance and tear strength. Polyurethane coating and DWR finish)
4) Bottom: 630D HD nylon ( quality nylon pack cloth offers outstanding abrasion resistance and tear strength)
5) Hide-away, full wrap compression straps offer clean appearance and maximum versatility
6) Fully reinforced three point haul system
7) Hydration compatible
8) High durability HardWear tarp on front panel resists damage from ice axes, crampons and rocks
9) Minimalist Option: Remove framesheet and top pocket, swap padded belt for 1 1/2 in. webbing hipbelt (included) for reduced weight to 3 lb. for summit push

Backpack Stores

Altrec
Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS)
Moosejaw
Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC)
Sierra Trading Post
REI
US Outdoor Store