View Full Version : Non Frame Pack use
Flynt Scout
20-07-2008, 20:58
I was just given a military pack made by a company called Fox products. The pack is excellent size, weight, and much more simple than my normal backpacking pack. I would like to use it on an upcoming backpacking trip but have a dilemma, it has no frame except for ventilated back padding. Do you think it would be alright to use as long as it was packed correctly. Any thoughts on this would be much welcomed do to the fact that my normal camping pack is internal framed.
I have one with no frame apart from padding, it's only 35l, and perfectly comfy.
David.from.Holland
21-07-2008, 10:51
I use a non frame pack for backpacking trips. Just pack it sensibly (and keep the weight limited) and you'll be ok. You could use your sleeping pad in the back for support and comfort. Be sure to give it an extended test run before you take it on a multi day trip though.
There is no point in having a frame in a pack that is only 35L. You just don't need it for that weight/size.
I have a 50L Lowe Alpine climbing pack which is OK unless you stuff it full - then, there's a bit of back-ache at the end of the day.
As suggested above, if you really want something there, either fold your Thermarest or chop a closed-cell foam matteress into sections the same width as your pack, then gaffer tape them back together so you have a 'tape hinge' between sections. Then stick that against the inside-back of the pack.
My 40L pack has a removable back-board which I took out and replaced with my thermarest, folded as suggested above.
A well-packed sack has plenty of rigidity to distribute it's weight evenly across your back and remain stable without a proper frame. It's slightly harder to get the weight to really sit on your hips, but not impossible if you're happy to slacken your straps off now and again to give aching shoulders a rest.
It's a great way of reducing the overall weight of your pack if that is your priority, but there are those who would argue that without a proper frame it will feel heavier anyway. The only thing to do is give it a try, it works for me.