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JanSport loaded the external frame Carson Backpack with some of their most popular internal frame features. In many ways this large pack looks and operates like an internal, but its easy-to-pack, easy-to-adjust design and excellent weight transfer are evidence of its external roots. As serious backpackers know, nothing handles heavy loads like an external-frame pack. The Carson's adjustable aluminum frame system fits 16- to 21-inch torso lengths. This weeklong pack has both top and panel access, so it extends for overloading and helps you reach your gear quickly. Dual water bottle pockets keep you hydrated, and twin daisy chains let you clip on some extra gear.
Bottom Line: Experience the advantages of both external- and internal-frame packs with the JanSport Carson Backpack.
I'm brand new to backpacking, but have done a bit of camping and day-hiking. I want to start taking weekend backpacking trips and, sometime this year, take a 5 day trip. I'm not considering going light or ultralight, and will need a pack that I can use comfortably on my weekend trips, but will also be suitable for the 5 day trip I want to take. Would I be better off getting an external frame, such as this one, or going with a smaller internal frame, around 3500-3700cu in?
Hey Ken,I was in your shoes about 2 years ago when I was getting into overnight backpacking. If you are looking to eventually get a pack for a 5 day trip, I think you are in the ballpark of what size of a pack you should get. In 2007, I did several shorter weekend trips and then a "grand finale" trip to Glacier NP that lasted 7 days in the same pack that is 4400 cu in. Anything in the 4000 - 4800 cu in range should be good for your objectives. If you are not planning on going light as you said, I would hesitate on getting a pack below 3800 cu in. for a 5 day trip unless you are OK with strapping items on the outside of the pack (assuming you are packing a lot). A pack 5k cu in and above would probably be unnecessary unless if you wanted to pack a lot of stuff/go on an extended trip. I'd recommend something like the Gregory Baltoro... it's the size you are looking for, it's extremely sturdy, and very comfortable, and it can hold a heavy load. I used this pack for a year straight on many trips and I've been very happy with it.http://www.backcountry.com/store/GRE0059/Gregory-Baltoro-70-Backpack-4149-4638cu-in.htmlIf you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me directly... I'd be happy to assist you with anything else (ggoodson@backcountry.com) - Greg
After Backpacking for over 40 years...Ive come back to the external frame backpack...The Jansport external frame is still is one of the lightest most balanced frame/packs I've used and I have used most of the different designs..The Carson is an updated pack like one(a Jansport) I used in the 80's..In fact I still have it...frame has not changed much but the pack sure has...The pack and frame is a good 2 to 3 pounds lighter than the Jansport Internal frame I have and hauling about 45lbs, I found it to be quite roomy and rugged on a barely used trail in the North Georgia Mountains. The pack retains the cool look of the internal as well as being a front and top loader,you just won't believe how it feels on your back..Check it out!!!!!!
This pack is very comfortable. I love the external frame because I can strap my tent and my sleeping bag to the frame. The backpack is perfect for 3-5 day getaways. I went on a 3 night trip and had to take my own water. This pack carried it all. I had over 60 pounds in the pack and it worked perfectly. It has lots of small pockets perfect for flashlights, and other small gear and multiple straps on the outside for attaching other gear as well. I hiked over 12 miles straight and had no issues with comfortability. A great pack that I recommend.
This bag saved my back. I have a pretty screwed up spine, and my wife and I are amateur campers. So needless to say we bring way too much crap. Not to mention the 5 dogs. (seriously) We camp at Lost Maples in Vanderpool, Texas. I highly recomend it. It's about a mile hike to our site. We brought an air mattress and enough blankets to keep 5 dogs myself and my wife warm, a small propane grill, the tent, chairs to sit on, a medium size cooler to carry the food for that night and the next morning, dog food, dog bed, fishing poles, and of course beer. We also had misc items in the bags like clothes and bathroom atems etc. Everything else was strategecly bungeed to the back of the bags. 3 trips and that's all it took. Definatley think these bags were a great investment. Next year we won't bring so much.
I am an intermediate hiker. I plan on hiking the appalachian trail upon my return from Operation Iraqi Freedom and was wondering if this pack would be the one for me. It seems like the type of ruck I am used to, seeing as I have never used an internal frame. My load will more than likely be around 50 lbs, just wondering if it is more comfortable with such a load or if I would be better off using an internal frame pack. Thanks.
I picked one of these up recently as a second pack, my other is an internal. The thing about internals is your back cooks (at least the ones I've wore). If you like having breathing room, 50# in this thing is way more comfortable than any internal. Seems to be build alright, time will tell. I have used this pack for about a year now and it has been great! No back sweat, and unbeatable for carrying heavy loads. You will not be dissapointed!
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