I have decided it is time to downgrade my backpack. For the last 8 years I have been using an Osprey Xenith Pro as my primary pack. This was the perfect pack for long trips (my longest was 250 miles) or when working as a guide and carrying all the equipment the kids couldn't. But now...I am doing mostly overnight or 3-4 day trips. Somehow my 7000 cubic inch pack seems like overkill. Not to mention it weighs 8 lbs.
So here is my question: What do people think about the variety of ultralight pack out there.  I would love any input about fit, durability or materials etc. for your favorite pack. Thanks!

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http://www.nwwalkabout.com

Remember, to comfortably carry a lightweight pack, because of the limited suspension and support, you have to make sure you also lighten up ALL of your gear, especially your tent and sleeping bag.

My favorite is the ULA packs. They are made of Dyneema, have generous hip belt pockets, and do not have any extra zip pockets or hoods, just large mesh pockets on the outside. It really forced me to be organized, so I can carry less stuff (the essentials), and access all of my small stuff without opening the poack, or even takling it off.

My favorite is the ULA Conduit. Although both the Catalyst and Circuit are great lightweight packs that still have a frame. I used a Fusion (pre-Circuit) for two years before I switched to the frameless Conduit.

Here is the Conduit set up at 29 pounds for a 4-day solo trip.

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"If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went."
- Will Rogers

Thanks for the info. I already use a tarp as my shelter and have a nice light sleeping bag and pad. The backpack is the last piece of the puzzle. Is there a place in Portland that carries ULA packs?

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http://www.nwwalkabout.com

Nope, only direct from Utah, and two shops along the AT.

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"If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went."
- Will Rogers

I went through the lightening-up process a couple of years ago and am happy to share the extensive research I did at that time.

It's good that you have everything but your pack; it's considered best to buy the pack last so it will fit the rest of your gear.

Some other highly recommended lightweight packs come from Granite Gear, such as their Vapor Trail (32 oz.), (some Granite Gear models are carried by REI, but you'll probably have to order them) and from Six Moon Designs (located in Beaverton). I have the Six Moon Designs Comet, 27 oz. with the optional aluminum stays, and love it. ULA has an outstanding reputation and would have been my second choice, but since the Six Moons Comet fit as though it had been custom-made for me, I never got that far. For me, ULA's problem is that only their heaviest pack, the Catalyst, will fit my short (15") torso length. If it hadn't been for that, I would have started with them.

For most lightweight packs, it's best if total pack weight (including the pack) is 30 lbs. or less. For the ULA Catalyst or the Granite Gear Nimbus Ozone, both of which have sturdier suspensions, 40 lbs. or less. I've carried close to 30 lbs. in my Six Moon Designs Comet. My back was fine, but my bum knee wasn't too happy, especially with part of the hike on soft beach sand. I was sherpa-ing for grandkids on that trip, and the oldest, who normally could carry most of his stuff got sick on the day we packed out!

Be sure to take all your gear and the equivalent in food and water with to try on packs--you need to be sure your gear fits inside and that the pack's suspension is comfortable with the load you're carrying. If you order through the internet, do the same as soon as the pack arrives and hike around the house for several hours. Boring, yes, but then you can return the pack if it doesn't work out, and you'll be out only the shipping charges.

I wouldn't get a frameless pack (lots of those around; try Gossamer Gear, Mountain Laurel Designs, ZPacks or GoLite, although I've read that the most recent packs from GoLite have durability issues) unless your total pack weight is 20 lbs. or less. Some really hardy folks carry more, but from what I've read, over 20 lbs. seems to be uncomfortable for most. For me, anything over 10-12 lbs. in a frameless pack is uncomfortable, but that's me. Your Mileage May Vary.

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May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view.--E.Abbey

Seems to me the first variable to consider is the volume you want to put inside the pack; the second variable whether you want/need a frame of some sort Then off trail ruggedness with consideration to brambles or rocks and. last. stability, if one is scrambling. Consider Cilogear if you need rugged while fairly light, Montbell's Versalight for less expensive lightweight and framed stability at 35 or 50 liters.

Steve

Thanks for all the info everyone. I am taking my old pack and some other gear to Next Adventure this weekend and then I can start hunting for my next pack. How exciting!

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http://www.nwwalkabout.com