What is the difference between a rucksack and a backpack? Nothing. These terms are interchangeable, and they are for the purposes of this article.
When buying a rucksack, the first thing to decide upon is what type of pack you will need. There are three basic rucksack categories and each one has its advantages.
The three types are: daypacks, external frame and internal frame backpacks.
A day pack is what you might see around your average high school that is designed to carry books, lunch etc. You may find a commuter on a train carrying her laptop in one. You may find someone at the airport pulling along the wheeled variety.
External frames are exactly what their name indicates. They are usually large and have a lightweight metal frame surrounding them. They are popular with the military and have been around for hundreds of years. The external pack allows you to attach boots, your sleeping bag etc to the frame. You don't have this advantage with internal frame packs. Although tying things to the frame can save space in the pack, it can also be a disadvantage in certain situations, like climbing. The external backpack is designed for the serious hiker and works well on flat and gentle terrain. External frame backpacks are also uncomfortable. They are big and bulky and somewhat awkward, and do not fit well against your body. Although external frames are great for carrying a lot of gear, they just don't measure up when it comes to comfort.
Internal frame backpacks have only been around for about forty years and were designed to eliminate all the drawbacks associated with the external models. There are a few design features that give this backpack a definite edge over the external frame model. Internal frames are built with the frame on the inside of the pack. This frame is flexible and allows the backpack to fit the contour of your back, resulting in a much more comfortable fit. Internal frame backpacks are also wider at the bottom which lowers the center of gravity making it much easier to balance.
So to conclude, it really depends on your need. The day pack is obviously for small jaunts into the countryside or to take to school etc, whereas the frame rucksacks are for more serious activities.
If you plan to be a carry a lot of gear, or are thinking of joining the Special Forces, or like to clang your mugs around then consider an external frame pack. Otherwise and internal frame backpack is probably the best for you.
When buying a rucksack, the first thing to decide upon is what type of pack you will need. There are three basic rucksack categories and each one has its advantages.
The three types are: daypacks, external frame and internal frame backpacks.
A day pack is what you might see around your average high school that is designed to carry books, lunch etc. You may find a commuter on a train carrying her laptop in one. You may find someone at the airport pulling along the wheeled variety.
External frames are exactly what their name indicates. They are usually large and have a lightweight metal frame surrounding them. They are popular with the military and have been around for hundreds of years. The external pack allows you to attach boots, your sleeping bag etc to the frame. You don't have this advantage with internal frame packs. Although tying things to the frame can save space in the pack, it can also be a disadvantage in certain situations, like climbing. The external backpack is designed for the serious hiker and works well on flat and gentle terrain. External frame backpacks are also uncomfortable. They are big and bulky and somewhat awkward, and do not fit well against your body. Although external frames are great for carrying a lot of gear, they just don't measure up when it comes to comfort.
Internal frame backpacks have only been around for about forty years and were designed to eliminate all the drawbacks associated with the external models. There are a few design features that give this backpack a definite edge over the external frame model. Internal frames are built with the frame on the inside of the pack. This frame is flexible and allows the backpack to fit the contour of your back, resulting in a much more comfortable fit. Internal frame backpacks are also wider at the bottom which lowers the center of gravity making it much easier to balance.
So to conclude, it really depends on your need. The day pack is obviously for small jaunts into the countryside or to take to school etc, whereas the frame rucksacks are for more serious activities.
If you plan to be a carry a lot of gear, or are thinking of joining the Special Forces, or like to clang your mugs around then consider an external frame pack. Otherwise and internal frame backpack is probably the best for you.
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