[pct-l] buying new light weight pack or using one of my older plastic or aluminum frame packs?

[gwschenk at socal.rr.com]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: david genny
> 
> Almost everything I read people tend to have an easier time with internal
> frame packs or light weight packs. I am trying to save money but I really
> dont want to get to the ADZPCTKO and find my outdated external frame is a
> joke to the more experienced hikers and will become a pain in some portions
> of the pct. The pack has always been good to me but I have never really used
> an internal frame or light weight pack so I'm really not sure how much
> better it is, that and besides the aluminum frame which weighs less than a
> pound, the pack weighs close to nothing and is pretty roomy for
> gear....anyone used both kind of packs and can help me out?

Who cares if the "experienced" hikers at the kickoff think your pack is a joke. These are the same "experienced" hikers that attach saws to their hockey sticks for ice axes. :-)

You know how well the external frame works for you, that's all that matters. The only real disadvantage to an external frame would be on third class scrambling, where you would want a pack to ride closer to your body. So unless you plan on some off-trail adventures along the way, and their are lots of opportunities for that, an external frame should be fine. If it works for you.

Gary