Hunting Packs: Internal Frames vs External Frames

In the hunting and tactical gear industry, the structural integrity of a hunting pack is one of the primary factors that determines the hunter’s efficiency. Whether you are a professional or a hobbyist, learning the difference between external and internal frame backpacks is essential.

When choosing between an internal and external frame the decision usually comes down to what you are carrying and how far you intend to walk. For serious hunters, understanding these differences is the key to field success. Because when you are miles away from the nearest road and standing over a successful harvest your backpack’s engineering suddenly becomes the most important thing in the world.

Internal vs External Frames: The Key Differences

External Frames

An external frame pack is exactly what it sounds like: a pack where the load bearing structure is on the outside. The largest benefit of having an external frame is the ability to carry heavier loadouts more comfortably. Because the frame is a separate, rigid structure, the external frame packs are larger and they offer more storage space and capacity.

Suspension of the external frame pack is attached to a rigid frame, which means the loads remain secure, and if you plan on using a heavy pack for the upcoming season, then training with an external frame pack is a great idea. However, for some hunters, the added weight of the external rame pack can be a downside. The more rigid and durable you make a hunting pack, the heavier it becomes. So, as a hunter, you have to sacrifice a small gain in weight of the empty pack to be able to carry a bigger load.

Internal Frames

Think of this frame type as the agile hybrid that is all about staying light and moving fast. The internal frame pack or frameless pack is built for comfort and weight savings. These types of packs are usually designed with modern users’ convenience in mind. That means you get more pockets, more types of storage, and extra features that make organization easier.

The most notable pro to frameless packs is their flexibility. In the hunting industry they bridge the gap between the field and professional environments. Just like the external frame packs, the internal frame also has a downside these packs have a lower weight and volume capacity. Even the largest frameless packs cannot match the weight bearing capacity of external frames.

The suspension of the internal frame pack is tied to the bag itself; this means all that weight pulls directly on your shoulders. It is fine for a while but it is not a sustainable way to carry heavy loads.

Frame Design and Capacity Differences

Internal Frames: These are the athletes of the pack world, constructed from lightweight materials, they feature a compact footprint that is ideal for long, punishing hikes where you have to be agile.

As per load capacity testing, interior frames are designed for loads ranging between 30-60 lbs. This makes them perfect for day long hunts or scouting trips where you aren’t planning on bringing back an entire animal in one go.

External Frames: These packs are tanks; their frames are heavier because they have a thick and sturdy frame that is designed to last a lifetime. You can buy an external frame if you are looking to invest in a pack that will endure years of being transported in your truck and dragged through mud. In short, this design suits the needs of serious hunters who regularly bring back big game.

External frames are tested and proven to carry loads between 60-100+ lbs. That makes them ideal for hauling meat along with hunting equipment in a single solid pack. However carrying such loads requires some practice leading up to hunting season so you are used to the weight.

Selecting Materials for Frames

Material choice has a direct impact on how an internal or external frame pack will behave when you are out on a hunt.

External Frame Materials: Because these frames need to be stiff they rely on aluminum tubes and carbon fibre stays. Since the goal is to add maximum strength to the pack’s structure you won’t see reputed manufacturers like GAF experimenting with weak lightweight materials in external frame category.

Internal Frame Materials: Internal frame packs are designed to be lightweight from the start. They use plastic or composite sheets to give the pack just enough shape to sit comfortably against your back without adding too much bulk to it.

OEM Perspective: Manufacturing Secrets

Because both types of hunting pack frames are designed for completely different purposes and uses the manufacturing paths of these two packs is very different.

Tooling Costs: Making an external frame is more expensive because it requires precision welding of aluminum and specialized molds for the carbon fibre.

Assembly Complexity: Attaching a textile bag to a rigid frame is a multi step process that requires skilled labour and more hardware. This results in higher minimum order quantities for internal frame packs compared to internal frame options.

Customisation: A professional manufacturer can tweak the design to meet specific needs. So customizations like adjusting the frame height or angles of load lifters to ensure the pack fits the user’s anatomy perfectly are possible thanks to advanced manufacturing techniques.

Ideal Usage Scenarios for Both Frame Variations

Conclusion

Choosing between internal and external frame isn’t about which pack is better it’s about which one fits the mission. If you need a versatile, lightweight bag for scouting and daily activities, go for internal frame packs. But if your goal is to head into the backcountry and haul out a heavy harvest, the external frame is the only tool for the job. To ensure you’re getting the right gear that won’t fail during the hunt, you need to source from a reputable hunting gear manufacturer like GAF which ensures every component is tested to the limit.