With Frame or no Frame - the backbone analysis of a backpack

This issue had baffled many of my adventure racing friends for a long time. To choose a backpack with a frame or one without a frame for the gruesome adventure race across the Sahara or the scenic hike across the Gobi.

To answer this question, this blogger took two highly rated backpacks to the test

1. Raidlight SAC Runner R-Light 30L (without frame at 690g)
2. Osprey Atmos 35 (with frame at 1.16kg)

These two packs have sufficient capacity to store equipment and food for a 3 day to 7 day adventure race and have been tried and tested by many adventure racers before. They have proven to be highly reliable and both have great reviews by their users.

Both have very breathable shoulder straps, side compression system and a good waist suspension system to shift the weight from the shoulders to the hips but that's where all the similarities end.

Comparing just the visible features,

I like the Raidlight because

1. The Osprey Atmos is 326g heavier.
2. It has a whistle attached to the shoulder strap.
3. It has a bottle pouch on the waist to allow easy access to water.
4. The hydration system is external and you do not have to remove your items to remove the hydration pack.

I like the Osprey because

1. It has a more durable material and can last several races ( I doubt the thin material of the raidlight can)
2. It has an external pocket for easy access to equipment without the fear of them dropping off.
3. It has a built in external sleeping pad straps.

For the test, I loaded both the packs with a 5kg packet of rice and three 1.5litre PET bottles. I tighted all the straps and started to move around in them, simulating a jog and rigorous activities.

The Osprey came out the winner as it provide way more comfort than the Raidlight. For one, the Raidlight under all that weight cannot stay close to my back and the load started to droop to the bottom often hitting my ermm...ass.

The Osprey stayed firm and the airflow system provided cushion from the edges of the contents of the bag.

Also the weight of the items in the Osprey were successfully transferred to my hips while the Raidlight's weight felt as if it was tightening and adding stress on my belly and pulling me backwards. After 20km, this type of "backward pull" will demoralise any adventure racers struggling to move forwards.

For my next adventure race, I will definitely take the Osprey Atmos 35 as my race partner... ... I only wish if Osprey can improve their design a little further and add a bottle pouch in the waist pouches and a whistle to their shoulder strap.