Light Weight External Frame Packs?

[Charles Schaefer]

I love external frame packs, they're infinitely more comfortable imo than internal frame, and yes, that's after trying on some of the nice internal frame packs from Osprey and the like. So here's the problem I have: I need a pack that's in about the 40 liter range and I'd like something fairly light weight, but that's sort of a back seat to comfort. Well anything that small in an external frame is a youth size pack that wont fit my 21 inch torso, and every external frame I can find that will fit my torso seems to be 65+ liters. So, barring the $600 luxury lite pack, does anybody know of an external frame pack, that fits a 21 inch torso and is roughly 40 liters?

I've never done any myog before so I'd like to avoid it if I can.

Thanks for any help.

[Ken Thompson]

http://www.zpacks.com/backpacks/exo.shtml

[Bill Wang]

I have a Zpacks Exo. If you order tall size it goes upto 24" torso. 14oz!

[David Ure]

The ULA OHM is an external and the main bag is about 40l.

[Charles Schaefer]

Thanks, the zpacks looks like a decent option, not a big fan of how the ula ohm looks. I was really hoping for something more like a traditional external frame pack, I guess if I can't find anything I could try my hand at making a bag and putting it on a pre-existing frame.

[rich y]

http://www.ospreypacks.com/en/group/superlight/exos_series

[Matthew Perry]

NM

[David Goodyear]

I do agree that there is nothing like the comfort and carry of an external. I was where you were a year ago and bought an external with a robust belt and frame – cut it up and made a packpag that fit my needs.

MYOg was the way to go for me and it may be for you. The beauty of it is that not only do you get what you want, you develop skills to repair, modify or replace gear as you see fit. Plus, you don't have to spend $$$$$ for gear – only $$.

Good luck in your search.

Dave

I'm not sure this will be helpful, but use it as you see fit.

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=48577&skip_to_post=464981#464981

[Vince Contreras]

Hi Charles!

I think MYOG may be the best option as well; were I you, I'd look over the offerings over at KUIU.com. I have one of their 2012 ICON frames on order, and plan to have Joe over at Z-packs or Chris at Zimmerbuilt build a cuben pack-bag for me. One of the best parts about a packbag, in my opinion, is the ability to use it like a "beaver tail", stuffing extra gear in-between the pack-bag and one's pack frame. The new KUIU ICON frame promises to be the stiffest, strongest frame on the market for its weight.

[Charles Schaefer]

I think I'm going to start watching yard sales, craigslist, etc for old external frame packs and I'm just going to go the myog route cannibalizing an old frame.
Those KUIU packs look really nice, but at $300 for just the frame and suspension that's a little rich for my blood; I'm still in college.

[jscott]

I bought a used Luxury Lite pack and then got rid of the cylinders. Instead I just strapped a GG pack on the frame. It carries a bear canister great and is very comfortable and light. Not for everyone though.

[John Nausieda]

Start watching ebay for Alpenlite external frame packs. They can actually stand up because of the frame style. Air moves up your back and keeps it cooler. You can use the original nylon packs or lash anything to it-Sil nylon drybags, cuben etc.Shop right and wait for a deal-about $50 plus shipping.
Example (not mine}.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-ALPENLITE-CA-USA-EXTERNAL-ALUMINUM-FRAME-BACKPACK-CAMPING-HUNTING-NICE-/120943741327?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c28cf098f#ht_500wt_1102

[David Goodyear]

Here is the frame I used – frame only for $90 – you can carry an elephant with it. Great suspension and belt with good ventilation – feels much better than the old externals.

Link: http://www.sunnysports.com/Catalog.aspx?op=ItemDisplay&ProductID=KLTPCHFN&Page=1&Term=kelty cashe&Hit=1

Enjoy,

Dave

edit for speelling mistakes

[Paul McLaughlin]

This is bigger than you want, but it's likely the lightest frame you'll find for a low price:

http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___60987

Says it goes up to 21" torso.

Use it as is, or hack off some of the pockets to lighten it, or make your own bag from lighter fabric, or lash on some stuffsacks. the bar that holds up the top of the packbag can be dispensed with if you make your own bag or do the stuffsack thing.

Making your own bag I'd bet you can dip under 3 lbs total, maybe get down to 2 1/2 lbs.

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