Outdoor Products Firefly External Frame Pack
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Our Price: $70.75
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Average Rating: 3.5
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Product Details
Main 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
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 Products
Outdoor 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 Guide
Finding the Right Backpack
For 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. External
Up 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 Trips
In 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 Capacities
Packs 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.
Other Details
- Brand: Outdoor Products
- Label: Outdoor Products
- Manufacturer: Outdoor Products
Customer Reviews
Great Value
This pack offers so much at such a great price. It is perfect for a young Boy Scout as it is adjustable and will grow with them.
Great Backpack
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
Warning! Do not purchase!
I took this pack on it's first trip last week. I packed it with just over 30 pounds of gear. 5 hours into my hike one of the shoulder straps tore off at the seam. I used another piece of strap to rig the shoulder strap back together and carried on. The next day I was tightening the top flop down by the strap and it also tore away at the seam! I had to use a bungee cord to help keep that part of the flap down. Coming off the trail I noticed one of the internal pockets had completely ripped open, also at the seam. My hiking buddies couldn't stop laughing at the ridiculous pack I was using. Obviously this pack is very poorly manufactured and will not hold up under normal hiking conditions. It comes with a replacement guarantee, but why would I want another one of their poorly manufactured products? Fortunately Cabella's will give me my money back. Stay away from this one.
Good, sturdy youth backpack
My 10-year-old is small and skinny, finding a backpack with a fitting hip belt was a nightmare. Found the Firefly at the local scout shop, but had to return it as the hip belt was too big. However, saw it again at another local store, for some reason, that hip belt was smaller and this bag is perfect for his size and frame. Sidepockets come in very handy and it did survive a week of being tossed around in Boy Scout Camp. It is true that it is difficult to attach sleeping bag, mat and tent, although a mat can be strapped at the bottom, a non-bulky sleeping bag fits into the bag itself, tent on top. Not ideal, but than, if you want a sturdy backpack that is smaller than your kid yet surprisingly roomy, I can definitely recommend it.
Just OK
To be fair, I have not yet used the pack, but am preparing to go on a 5 day trip with it. Three things that you need on any backpacking trip- a tent, a sleeping pad, and a sleeping bag. But there is no room for these three items! Right now I'm just lashing the tent and sleeping pad to the the frame, but that leaves no space for my sleeping bag. I could sort of bungee/lash it below the sleeping pad, but it then would rest against my rear end while hiking and would sit on the ground each time you put the pack down. The pack looks cool and there are plenty of individual compartments, but I have to believe there are better packs out there with a better design.
Also, you can get this pack much cheaper on other sites.