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Posted by Bill S on December 2, 2007 at 2:22:09 pm EST
In reply to Curious, And wanting to know? posted by Old Hermit on December 1, 2007 at 5:59:52 pm EST

Herm,
You have touched on most of the relevant points. If you are on good trails, it doesn't really matter whether you put the gear inside or outside the pack, as long as it is securely fastened so it doesn't swing around or fall off. If you are bushwhacking, and potentially catching branches, rocks, and other "grabby" things, then the pack better be covered with a sturdy material (which could mean putting everything inside an internal frame pack made of 1000 denier cordura). When bushwhacking, you also want a pack that is as smooth in its outer surface as possible, with no straps, protruding pockets, mesh pockets for water bottles, or anything else that has the slightest possibility of hooking on anything (I have had a branch hook, then release to come close to smacking the person behind).

But sometimes gear has to be readily accessible. Hence, ice tool loops, crampon patches, climbing rope tie-on points, and ski loops keep these things ready to hand. Daisy chains and outside mesh pockets for water bottles are made to carry stuff on the outside.

As with all things in the outdoors, it all depends on context. Sometimes a pack basket or a hard-case pack is the way to go. And sometimes it is adequate to use a fanny/lumbar pack or a messenger bag sling over the shoulder.

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