February 13, 2001


Should we use an internal- or external-frame pack?

My wife and I are planning a PCT through-hike starting in April. Should we use an internal- or external-frame pack? We are leaning towards the external because of comfort and ease of packing. We WILL stay under 35lbs fully loaded including food and water. Also, what shoes/boots should we use? We are thinking of the Merrell Red Desert, but also wondering if we don't need a mid-ankle length boot? Should we get a shoe or boot with Gore-Tex lining? Will a boot dry out slower after getting wet from stream crossings with the Gore-Tex lining? Thanks,

— Tim Davidson Bellevue, Washington

Whether to go with an internal- or external-frame pack depends largely on what else you plan to do besides hike. Do you anticipate some climbing along the way, or at least scrambling up some easy peaks? If so, then internal-frame is probably the way to go. They're generally more agile packs, and better on rough terrain. A good choice: Gregory's Whitney ($340), a 5,500-cubic-inch pack that's comfortable holds plenty and is well made. Gregory came out with the Whitney last fall, and it has proven wildly popular already. Another good choice would be Lowe Alpine's Liberty 75+20 ($269).

Still, what you say about external-frame packs is exactly right: They're comfortable to carry —- cooler, in particular -— and much easier to organize when packing. They also work well on extended trail hiking, but are not quite as good as internal-frame models for off-trail use. Clearly, the best pack in this category today is Dana Design's Longbed ($299). It's a fantastic pack —- extremely comfortable and capacious, and with ten pockets and bags it's almost impossible for any item to go homeless. In a lower-cost pack, Kelty's Continental Divide 5300 ($199) is a good-looking, functional pack that modernizes Kelty's traditional external-frame model. Still, get a Longbed if you can.

As for shoes, Red Deserts ($60 -— discontinued for 2001 but still available) are fine —- on your back. Take them out and wear them around camp. They're trail runners, not backpacking boots, and pretty light trail runners at that. For a PCT hike you need some pretty serious backpacking boots. At a minimum, get a pair of L.L. Bean Leather Cresta Hikers ($169). Even better, I think, is a boot such as Montrail's Vercors ($190). Other boots to consider include the Scarpa SL M3 ($219), Raichle's Mountain Trekker ($225) and the Boreal Bulnes ($215).

On other item to look into is a pair of trekking poles. You'll love they way they help with your balance, take some of the load off your knees, and keep your pace in rhythm. Doesn't matter much which ones -— REI's Summit Trekking poles ($60) are fine, so too are Leki's slightly spiffier Makalu Anti-Shock 3 poles ($109).

Have a great trip!