noisy gear

My external frame pack has a maddening squeak caused by the webbing rubbing against the frame when I walk. What is the best way to remedy this problem?

Thanks

I used to use either candle wax or powdered graphite at the rub location. Candle wax is not as messy as the graphite.

Get an internal frame pack?

Sorry. Couldn't help myself.

Have you tried changing the tension on the mesh backband? (I'm assuming this is an older-style pack, where the backband periodically had to be tightened.) That used to help with mine.

I'll second the graphite suggestion. And yes, it is dirty. But what the heck--we're backpacking, right?

Clean the frame. Dirt and dust combined with loose joints can cause creaks and squeaks.

Yeah, I know - internal frame is in my furture, but in the meantime, I appreciate the other ideas. Have to rework my budget. I'm converting from being a mountain biker, so most of my gear $$ have been tied up with that for a while.

Not putting much weight in the pack will help. Using wax is also a great idea. Electrical tape put under the webbing might also work.

I've used athletic tape before. I've also returned a Sitka pack for that reason (thought it was designed to be a hunting pack, so squeaking was a big deal).