A backpacking bag is excellent for camping because it keeps your hands free for other things like helping out your friend or to hold a walking pole.#break#In the golden days external frame bags were commonly used but since a few years after its introduction internal frame packs are more common.#break#An external frame backpack consists of a rigid external frame that is strapped to the wearer’s back using an array of straps.#break#Some old time hikers still choose external frame packs because you can carry some stuff by securing it to the external frame.#break#Another reason to use an external frame hike backpack is because they’re cool to wear.#break#In this modern day external frame hiking packs have almost been completely replaced by internal frame hiking packs.#break#It is known that they are simply much more convenient and carrying a heavy weight is so much easier because the center of gravity is much lower and since the weight is much more closer to the body, it is also more balanced.#break#Internal frame hiking packs compensates for the lack of external lashing points with a big capacity.#break#Some have features that allows you to carry your other camping gear like bivvy, sleeping bag or poles on the outside.#break#I saw one hiking backpack with a snow melter. Pretty useful in the mountains.#break#Even though this type of hiking backpack tend to make your back, it still gives you better comfort than external frame backpacks.#break#Some producers are sharp enough to improve the overall ventilation of the hike backpack by having minimal surface area in contact with the back.#break#Whether you choose external frame or internal frame hiking packs it is important that you get the right fit for you because it makes a huge difference in the comfort you feel especially if you carry a heavy weight.