CB...there's nothing wrong with an external. As long as it fits and it's somewhat comfortable, then go for it. I happen to have, among my many internals, 3 externals...Dana Designs Shortbed, Longbed and Terraframe...all work very well. Kelty and Jansport still produce external frame backpacks. I carried a Jansport D3 for years and it never held me back. Just know, that internals have come a long way and are preferred if going off-trail, bushwacking, just because there's less to get caught on in the brush. If being on established trails...an external can't be beat. Ed