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Product Features
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About Outdoor Products
Outdoor Products is a worldwide outdoor sporting goods manufacturer, established in 1973. Before that time, the Outdoor Products founders were busy retailing outdoor sporting goods in their Los Angeles-based department store, "The Famous Department Store". This retail establishment was noted for a wide array of merchandise and was the primary source for outdoor gear in Southern California during that time. The experience of buying and selling outdoor gear eventually led the Outdoor Products family to designing and manufacturing their own goods. Eventually, the new product line became the hottest-selling items in all their four floors of retail space. Outdoor Products no longer has their department stores but they still continue in their longtime retail commitment to customer satisfaction. This commitment is backed by an unrivaled lifetime guarantee and a desire to create the most innovative, quality designs at an unbeatable price for outdoor enthusiasts and novices alike.
What’s in the Box?
Outdoor Products Dragonfly external frame backpack
Manufacturer's Warranty
Fully guaranteed against defects in workmanship and materials as long as the original owner/purchaser keeps the bag.
Amazon.com Backpack Guide
Finding the Right Backpack
For extended trips into the backcountry, there's no getting around the fact that you'll have to carry life-sustaining supplies on your back. Here are some things to keep in mind when shopping for a backpack:
Internal vs. External
Up until late 1970's, external frame packs--which consist of an exposed, lightweight metal frame attached to a fabric pack-bag--were the only thing going. In recent years, though, packs that place the support structure of the pack inside the pack, known as internal frame packs, have boomed in popularity.
The good news about internal frame packs is that they hold the weight of your load close to your body, making it easier to maintain your balance on uneven terrain. Meanwhile, internals provide stiffness and support, but they are not completely rigid, which makes them more flexible when you're doing active sports. With the added flexibility comes a high degree of compressibility, meaning you can use the pack's compression straps to cinch down your load and keep items from shifting and throwing you off balance. Internals also sport slimmer shapes that allow for more arm movement in all directions--another big plus for off-trail bushwhackers, skiers and climbers. Last but not least, internal frame packs offer a greater range of adjustability in the shoulder harness and hip-belt than external frame packs.
There are some negatives for internals. First, once packed, it can be difficult to grab needed items out of them quickly. And because internal frame packs consolidate the load into a single, body-hugging unit, proper packing is very important. To distribute the weight properly, you should pack your heaviest items close to your back and in the middle portion of the pack-bag. Plan on getting a sweaty back with an internal, too, given the fact that they are pressed right against you. Finally, internal frame packs are priced higher than external models.
External frame packs are very good at focusing the weight of a load directly to the right place: your load-loving hips. While internals, when properly packed, do this effectively, too, you can always rest assured that an external will distribute the load evenly, no matter how unevenly packed it may be. Externals also offer easy access to your gear via multiple, easily-accessible compartments. Plus, because externals don't situate the load directly against your back, you'll enjoy far more air flow. Finally, if you're on a budget, or you're buying for a growing child, externals are more affordable.
If you plan on hiking on easy to moderate trails and you don't need a lot of body movement, you'll probably be fine with an external. But because externals are so rigid and inflexible, challenging trails or any kind of off-trail pursuit can become painful and frustrating. Also know that your balance is far more compromised with an external frame pack during activities like stream crossings and hops through talus fields.
Packs for Shorter Trips
In addition to backpacks designed for overnight trips, rucksacks are great for day-trips, warm-weather one-nighters, single-day ski trips, or fast alpine assaults. Some rucksacks blur the line between backpack and rucksack with integrated internal supports and sophisticated hip belts and shoulder harnesses. Choose a pack in this category based on your intended use. Short day hikers don't need an internal frame, while climbers and skiers with heavier loads likely do.
Sizes and Capacities
Packs in the 3,000 cubic inches and lower category are good for day hikes or overnighters in warm weather with minimal gear. Packs in the 3,000 to 4,000 cubic inch range are good for one- or two-night trips in colder weather. If you're going to be out for up to three days, look for a pack in the sub-4,000 cubic inch range. Choose a pack with 5,000-6,000 cubic inches for week-long outings. And finally, for trips lasting a week or more, you'll need something in the 6,000-plus cubic inch category. Keep in mind, though, that bigger packs weigh more, and since every ounce counts, you'll want to choose a pack that offers just enough space for your outings and no more.
Product Details
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Pack Frame Design,
By
This review is from: Outdoor Products Dragonfly External Frame Backpack (Sports)
I bought one of these in 1991 when it was sold by Coleman under the Peak 1 brand name. This is the best frame design ever for a backpack. After 15 years, it still holds up. The cleverness of the design is in that the frame is flexible enough to move with you, but stiff enough to support the pack. It won't fatigue, break or corrode like aluminum frame packs plus there are enough attachment points that you can configure the pack anyway you want.
If you're interested in an external frame pack, buy one of these. Great design. I'll be buying these for my kids as they get older. ** Update 1/6/2008 ** My oldest son (11) recently went on a two night backpacking trip with his scout troop. He carried ALL his gear in and on this pack. Not once did he get fatigued or sore, nor did he complain about this pack. Another new scout who is about the same size had a much more expensive pack and had trouble the entire trip. When we got back, his dad was so impressed by how this pack worked for my son he ordered one for his son. I've already bought another one for my other son who will be entering boy scouts this summer. ** Another Update 1/13/2011 ** Three years later and both of my boys are still using these packs (I'm still using mine from 20 years ago!). As they have grown, we've simply adjusted the attachment points of the straps. These really are great packs. Neither of my boys has ever complained about soreness or chafing. Some here have complained that the strapping or buckles shattered. We've never had that problem. It is imperative that you adjust and load the pack properly. No pack, no matter how well it's made will ever be comfortable if it isn't adjusted and loaded properly. However, these packs are very accommodating for boys of all sizes and will carry enough gear for several nights camping.
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great scouting pack!!,
By Mom (California) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Outdoor Products Dragonfly External Frame Backpack (Sports)
Good choice for a new scout. Perfect for their weekend trips. Can fit all essential items without being over stuffed. Size is perfect for the "inbetween" size person----not a child but not an adult either. This pack is perfect for the "tween" size--it distributes the weight evenly and doesn't topple over the carrier. Weight when packed is manageable. It has a lot of separate pockets for packing things so they are easily accessible without disturbing the rest of the gear. Highly functional and well made. We are very glad we chose this pack!
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great starting Boy Scout Pack,
This review is from: Outdoor Products Dragonfly External Frame Backpack (Sports)
I have bought two of these for my two sons. They are a great deal. The new frame design has great improvements. In just two months, the time between purchases, they made the frame idiot proof with markings to help adjust the pack to yourself and formed a handle in the frame to pick it up. The frame is of a hard black plastic.I would reccommend this back to anyone! I have no complaints. Love the lifetime warrenty. I always chose Outdoor Products. The price is right and you can't go wrong.
2115|R38A7K3YXO1BFS;2115|R2OWI92NLMU7FE;2115|RGOWH6YE80A6C;
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