September 04, 2003 Are external-frame packs yesterday's gear? For multi-day trips to the Sierras, I've been using an REI Wonderland external-frame pack, 5,000 cubic inches of cavernous, organized, old-school pack. Everybody I see these days, though, has internal-frame packs that look so comfortable (maybe they're fooling me). Am I still living in the '80s with my Wonderland? Is it time for an internal-frame pack? If so, any suggestions? — Alex Chino Hills, California Got your own gear question? Express yourself in the Gear Forum Wow, I can't even REMEMBER the Wonderland, so that must be an oldy-but-goody. Really, in a lot of ways, internal-frame packs were, and are, great. They're effective at distributing loads, keep your back cool, and are usually easier to pack than internal-frame models. But, external-frame technology sort of ossified with the rise of their internal-frame brethren, and it was soon supplanted by the upstarts' better design and quality. Generally speaking, I've long preferred internal-frame packs, and have used a Dana Terraplane ($400 these days; www.danadesign.com) for years without complaint. Four or five years ago, Dana Design tried to revive the external-frame concept with its Longbed and related packs. This retrofit incorporated flexible rods into the external frame, for a pack that was less rigid than other models. I thought it fabulous, as did a lot of other folks. Alas, Dana discontinued these packs last year. I picked up a Dana Terraframe—a Longbed frame with a Terraplane pack—for $99 from Northern Mountain Supply. Lugged it up Mount Rainier in July and loved it. For the first time in years, my fractured collarbone didn't ache from a pack load. Still, with technology marching forward, you might take a look at one of several new packs. In the external-frame category, Kelty makes an updated classic called the 50th Anniversary Pack ($240; www.kelty.com), extremely highly rated by reviewers. In internal-frame packs, Gregory's Shasta ($249; www.gregorypacks.com) is a classic pack, really well designed, comfortable, and big. And of course, the Terraplane remains a superb pack if I'm going to play favorites. Many of the items reviewed by the Gear Guy can be found at REI.com. Click here to find the internet's biggest selection of outdoor gear and apparel.

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