Outdoor Products Firefly External Frame Pack
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Price : $63.89
You Save : $17.11 (21%)
Product Description
Amazon.com Product Description
A great entry-level external frame backpack, the Firefly is equipped for a variety of overnight excursions. The Firefly includes a large top-loading main compartment, dual side pockets, and large front and bottom pockets with access to the main body, giving you 3,750 cubic inches of space in which to store your gear. The pack excels from a hydration standpoint as well, with an interior hydration-ready pouch that holds a 2-liter bladder (sold separately) and a pair of side pouches designed for easy water-bottle access (each holds a 0.5-liter water bottle, also sold separately). Additional storage stems from the lashing tab on the bottom, which can hold such items as a rolled-up tent or sleeping bag.
More importantly for your health, the Firefly's mesh suspension system keeps you cool even while hauling a huge load, while the ultra-padded shoulder straps and hip belt distribute the weight evenly across your back and hips. The result is a pack that feels comfortable even after several hours on the trail. Finally, the Firefly includes a couple of straps that compress and hold everything together, including a Bungee system on the upper flap and top and mid compression straps.
The Firefly, which also comes with a bonus rain cover, measures 14 by 29 by 9 inches (W x H x D) and carries a lifetime warranty.
About Outdoor ProductsOutdoor 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.
Amazon.com Backpack GuideFinding the Right BackpackFor 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. ExternalUp 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 TripsIn 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 CapacitiesPacks 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.
The ultimate entry level external frame backpack. A lot of pack with a great price.
Product Details
- Shipping Information: View shipping rates and policies
- Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
- ASIN: B000FNQF4W
Product Features
- Entry-level external frame backpack with 3,750 cubic inches of volume
- Large top-loading main compartment and front and bottom pockets
- Interior hydration-ready pouch holds 2-liter water bladder (sold separately)
- Mesh suspension cooling system; ultra-padded shoulder straps and hip belt
- Includes rain cover; measures 14 x 29 x 9 inches (W x H x D); lifetime warranty
Outdoor Products Firefly External Frame Pack
Customer Reviews
I purchased the Outdoor Products Firefly backpack from another website after they ran a sale that beat the Amazon price (unusual, but it happens). I am getting into the bivouac and backpacking experience and needed a starter pack to begin doing some preliminary treks to familiar places. For a 3,500+ cubic inch pack, I expect it to carry enough supplies for a 2-4 day trip (about 50-60 lbs. at least). I packed it with spare clothes for support and some free weights interspersed to simulate a full pack (app. 43 lbs.) and took it on a 3 mile test hike at a local greenway. A review of the features and my experience is below (YMMV):
Pack - 3.5 stars
The pack is made of fairly thick material; more than I expected from a lower-end pack. The seams look good, but I didn't have time to thoroughly test them. It does have a sleeping bag compartment with an unremovable divider, but this seems unnecessary to me as I would just lash the bag to the frame on a hike. The overall design of the pack is adequate and typical of an external frame with the exception of two items: the cup holders and a way to store oversized items (machete, rifle, etc.). The cup holders are darn-near horizontal on the pack. This makes it easy to get to without taking the pack off, but if you bend over (or walk at all bent over, i.e. when using trekking poles), any bottles in those holders are coming out. If you use the hydration sleeve (which will hold about a 1L hydro pack handily IMO), the design of these pockets is unnecessary. The pack also does not have a convenient way to store long items. The "sleeping bag" divider is open on the sides which would allow you to put some of the longer items inside (using the full length of the pack, but I want to have easy access to a machete for bushwacking and a rifle for hunting, and breaking open the pack to get these tools (or others) just doesn't do it for me. Overall, the pack is good, but I would need to use some creativity to make it work for my preferences.
Frame - 1 star
The frame is an "Enduroflex" frame, which is basically code for hollow plastic. It does not provide much rigidity to the pack for the weight you will be carrying. The flexing that it does also makes it difficult to sinch down as it will bend to your body instead of providing support. Unlike a "true" external frame pack where you can lash to any exposed frame area, this pack only has a few "lash slots" dotted around the frame, which don't provide nearly the versatility as an aluminum frame. The frame also does not extend far enough above the pack to allow you to lash items to the top of the frame (where they carry better). Another downside to the frame design is that it does not extend far enough down to allow the pack to rest when you sit. When you sit down with an aluminum frame, the legs will usually be far enough down to allow the pack to rest on whatever object you are sitting on. This pack was about 2-3 inches short of coming to rest when I sat down in it, but different body types might allow it to come all the way down. The real flaw in the frame is the quality of the materials. When I got back from my test hike, the frame would not rest vertically when leaned against the wall. It wanted to slump to one side. Upon inspection, the frame HAD BENT ABOUT 4 INCHES OUT OF PLACE on one side of the lower section. Even if I could put that aside, I can't trust the rest of the frame to hold up on a longer trek (not with the weight of my gear), so I will be returning the pack ASAP because of this. If you are an ultralight backpacker or are only using this for day hikes, this may not be much of a concern for you, though.
Comfort - 4 stars
The pack did carry well and was able to situate easily on my back. You can't tighten the straps too tight or else the frame will "flex" (pun intended). Otherwise, it was easy to adjust the shoulder and belt straps for fit. You can also adjust how the straps harness to the frame based on body type. When it arrived, it was fitted to the "large" slots, so I didn't have to adjust it (I'm a big guy), but I did try to move some of the points for shiggles and they were easy to adjust.
Company - 1 star
Outdoor Products' customer service is TERRIBLE, so you will be stuck with the pack once you buy it unless you have a good retailer (which I do thankfully). I sent them an email via their website 2 days ago and still have yet to receive even an acknowledgement that they received it, much less a response. They also don't answer phone calls (only require you leave a message or send an email), so don't expect to get any help from them after the sale if you have an experience like mine.
Summary - 2 stars
Because of the design flaws in the frame, I am returning my pack. There are not enough redeeming qualities to warrant me keeping it after the frame failure. As previously mentioned, if you are using it in an ultralight or brief hiking situation (one, maybe two days), you may not have to worry about the items I was concerned about. For a 3+ day bivouac pack, this thing is AWEFULL. My recommendation is to save up a little extra money and buy the Jansport Carson or Kelty Trekker which have much better constructed (aluminum) frames and packs and their customer service is outstanding. If this review helped you, please indicate so for others.
The Outdoor, Firefly backpack, is great pack to take on overnights. It has good storage compartments, and a very comfortable support frame on it. The shoulder and waist belts were padded well. My friends pack didnt even have that much padding. The tilted bottle holder worked well for reaching your water without taking the pack off.I also liked the way you could separate your clothing from your food and cooking goods. overall it worked just the way I wanted it to.
Mark
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