Moutain Climbing Backpacks for Regular Camping

[Jeff Marshall]

Everyone,

I have been seeing more and more of these mountain climbing backpacks while camping.  Has anyone hear used one and how do they compare to regular backpacks? 

Best,
Jeff Marshall
Tent Camping Tips

[Bigdog57]

I have noticed the trend too.  I am 'old school ex-GI', and prefer the military modular approach.  I'm an external frame kinda guy.

I can't help thinking these people are reading too much Sierra Club, and being pushed by marketing ads to the less versatile (by my way of thinking) tall skinny packs.
Then again, I haven't tried one.  Maybe they actually work?

[Jeff Marshall]

I don't know.  I am starting to think it is mainly marketing hype trying to expand the mountain climbing market.

Best,
Jeff Marshall
Camping Books

[campman]

I think the mountain climbing packs are an example of people getting too caught up in the marketing and advertising of the "professional outdoorsman".  Regular camping backpacks work just fine for camping.  You don't need an external pack for camping at your local campground.