I am not a gear expert, by any means, but have done my research when it comes to gear for my troop. I am very happy with ALPS Mountaineering backpacks and tents. The cost is more than this pack that you are looking at, but they have a range of packs, both internal and external. My Scouts all have this pack

http://alpsmountaineering.com/…..ngZion.htm

It is reasonably priced, well constructed, and has a lot of features that are important, such as extra pockets, and a metal frame. The material holds up well, and the company is great to work with. I have ordered from the 4 times in the last 10 months, because I like the gear, use it and get asked about it. Oh, by the way, that pack was $71.49. The company offers a 45% discount to scouts, off the MSRP…just call them and start an "account" if your troop doesn't have one.

We all know that a scout is thrifty, but when it comes to this pack that you are looking at, I would opt for one with a metal frame and more padding on the hips and shoulders. The frame will hold up better, and if there isn't enough padding on the hips or shoulders, you may have one scout who won't want to backpack anymore, due to being uncomfortable.

ALPS is good, Kelty is a small step above in my opinion…I have a Kelty (Trekker 3900) pack and (Teton 2 person) tent, and my son has an ALPS (Zion) pack and (Lynx AL2) tent (see my troop site for recommended gear, http://www.troop1363.com).

SM Jerry told me, and I believe in this, "go cheap now, then go cheap next year, and the year after, and the year after…or get the good stuff now, and it will last you a long time"…and he's right. If you buy the quality stuff, it will pay off in dividends. And in the long run, you will spend more going "cheap" every year, than buying the "good stuff" right off the bat.

I have seen some of the Outdoor Products line, and I can say that I am not impressed. The rip-stop material seems chincy, and the overall quality of the pack seems sub-par. I have read some reviews that show it in a favorable light (http://www.trailspace.com) but the packs and other things that I have seen from this manufacturer don't meet my standards, nor a gear expert that I asked, Jason Klass (Survivor Stud…watch him on YouTube for a good laugh)

I tell my scout parents this…they can go cheap if they want, but I don't recommend it. The biggest thing that I hear is "I don't want to spend that kind of money on an 11-year old boy."

To which I give the usual "go cheap now…." story, to which they may reply, "I don't want to be out that money if he quits…"

"Then if he quits, call me…I am sure that I can find another scout who will pay you a fair price for your gear, and if not, the troop will buy it from you…"

Hope this helps

There is a huge debate over external vs. internal frame packs. Most outdoor specialty stores (at least in my area) don't even stock external frame packs, as they deem them "antiquated" or "not practical"…if they are so impractical, then why do companies still make them? (sorry, this was an argument that I got into with a guy at a local, name-brand store that rhymes with Steel's).

As for which one, internal or external, the main thing that I have found is this…

Wear what is comfortable. What works for you, may not work for the next person, even scout-aged hikers. A general statement is go external for young hikers/scouts. Why?

Loads can be better balanced – larger frame, better weight distribution

More ventilation – sits further away from your back

Easier to make adjustments on-the-fly – if a scout's pack isn't sitting quite right, it's easier to adjust the frames or straps to fit snugger in different areas

Easier to clean – you can take the whole pack off of the frame a lot easier, and then have just the bag part of the pack cleaned

Eaiser to maintain – the frame is easier to clean and keep in top shape.

Practicality – for the most part, our troop doesn't do a lot of rock climbing or bushwhacking. We stay on trails, so there aren't a lot of things that our packs snag on. Internal frames keep a pack snugger to your body for those who do a lot of rock-climbing or off-trail activities.

These are just some of the things that I have noticed when it comes to backpacks. Personally, I will be geting an internal in the near future, because that's what I want.

As for the Amazon stuff, that's an added bonus