Backpack Reviews

Backpack Reviews: Best Internal Frame Backpacks 2010 – 2011

#1 TETON Sports Explorer 4000

On the top five list of Amazon’s best-selling internal frame backpacks, the TETON Sports Explorer 4000 (see it at Amazon.com) comes in at #1. Reasonably priced, this backpack offers features typically found on high-priced packs. The adjustable torso portion of the backpack can adjust from a 5’1” hiker to a 6’4” backpacking individual. Other features contribute to giving this backpack a number one rating among consumers:

• Padded shoulder strap and waist belts
• Padded lumbar area for ultimate comfort
• Airflow system in lumbar area to reduce heat

Featuring a padded bladder pocket that carries up to 3 liters of liquid, the Teton4000 also offers a top-loading main compartment and a ready hydration system (sold separately). Reviews from sixty-four consumers averaged 4.3 of five stars for this number one best-seller.

#2 Teton Sports 5200 Internal Frame Backpack

The Teton Sports 5200 Internal Frame Backpack (see it at Amazon.com) is ranked at #2 on Amazon’s best-selling internal frame backpacks. The durable backpack has a large 85-liter capacity and weighs 5.5 pounds when empty. Other features that keep consumers happy are:

• Two aluminum stays with contoured hip, shoulder, and lumbar pads
• Height adjustable shoulder straps for a variety of torso lengths
• Top-loading main compartment

Serious hikers enjoy this product’s adjustments to the shape of anyone’s back, shoulders, hips and lumbar. The height of shoulder straps is also adjustable allowing for a variety of torso lengths. Average customer reviews of the Teton 5200 favored this internal frame backpack with ninety-three customer reviews that averaged 4.4 on a five-star scale. Read the rest of this entry

1. JanSport Trail Series Carson Backpack

Leading the way in Amazon’s best-selling External Frame backpacks, is the JanSport Trail Series Carson Backpack (see it at Amazon.com). Popular features of the nylon adjustable aluminum frame backpack include:

• Ergonomic s-curve shoulder straps
• Large main compartment with two zippers, giving panel and top load access
• Breathable mesh lumbar cushion
• Foam padded hip-belt
• Water bottle pockets on each side

The JanSport Carson Backpack’s aluminum frame adjusts to fit 16″-21″ torso lengths. The mesh lumbar cushion stays dry and comfortable. The average customer review of this JanSport backpack results in five stars from nine of eleven reviews submitted.

2. Outdoor Products Firefly External Frame Pack

The next best-selling External Frame Backpack is from Outdoor Products. Their Firefly External Frame Pack (see it at Amazon.com) is considered to be a beginner-level external frame backpack. The padded shoulder straps work with the hip belt to distribute weight evenly across the back and hips. The Firefly also includes:

• Large, top-loading main compartment
• Large front and bottom pockets with access to main compartment
• Side pouches for water-bottle access (sold separately)

Additional storage space is available on the bottom of the pack for a sleeping bag or tent. Also included on the Firefly Backpack are straps that hold the contents together, a rain cover and a lifetime warranty. This pack received an overall rating of four stars from twelve customer reviews. Read the rest of this entry