We present for your use these optional, removable internal frames with aluminum stays for the Techonaut 30 and Techonaut 45 travel bags.

When we began packing, using, and carrying the Techonaut, we were surprised to discover that we didn’t feel it needed an internal frame — we had assumed that we would be including an internal frame with the pack. Nonetheless, Nik designed an internal frame, and we tested it in the Techonaut — nope, didn’t do much for us.

Our next step was to test that perception further by packing two Techonaut 30s — one with an internal frame, one without — and asking various folks at the factory to try them on. No one knew which bag had the frame and which didn’t; folks wore each bag with and without a laptop in the device compartment.

Nearly everyone preferred the Techonaut without the internal frame; we suspect this has to do with the structure of the bag and the Skeleton back panel design: it helps the bag hold its shape and the integrity of the back panel without the need for an internal frame.

When we performed the same tests wearing the Techonaut 45 with the internal frame, the results were different — and 50/50 split. Half of the crew liked the way the Techonaut 45 Internal Frame changed the carrying experience, and half felt it didn't do anything for them. 

So, rather than subject folks to an additional expense that may not improve their experience of the bag, we decided not to include the internal frame with the Techonaut. That said, we heard from many of you who still wanted the ability to order an optional internal frame, so this one's for you!

The frames are made of die-cut .055” thick High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), with a nylon webbing sleeve sewn down the center that encases a 1/2” / 13mm wide 6061 aluminum half stay. 

We’ve bent the stay to a generic spinal curve; we recommend you re-bend and/or adjust the curvature to best fit your own back (see here for instructions). If you just want a frame sheet, the stay is removable, though it's worth noting that a frame sheet sans aluminum stay does just about nada when it comes to shifting the weight of the pack onto one's hips. (Read more about that here in our Guide To Backpack Frames.)

And if you're using the optional Techonaut Internal Frame, you might want to add a 1" Padded Hip Belt (works great with the Techonauts!) too.