I'm updating my pack this summer so I'm soliciting ideas. So here's the situation, anyone have suggestions or recommendations?
I want something ~50L weighing less than 2.5lbs that will carry at least 35lbs. Hydration compatible is a huge bonus, and it needs some structure - the frameless packs don't work well for me.
So far I have tried:
Osprey Talon
Osprey Exos
Granite Gear Blaze
Granite Gear Leopard
GoLite Jam
Mountain Hardwear ThruHike
Six Moons (the upcoming lineup just does not appeal to me at all)
Mountain Laurel Designs (frameless)
Bergan's Helium (it can't be found in the state of Michigan)
Right now I'm leaning toward the Granite Gear Crown VC 60 and I'll swap out the plastic for an AirBeam which will shave off 2oz and should allow me up to 40lbs of weight. If they'll let me, I want to replace the hip belt with the one from the Blaze. I'm very thin and my bony hips could use the extra padding.
Moosejaw is going to hook me up with the Black Diamond Speed 55 and Mission 50 so I'll test those soon.
Other packs I'm trying to get my hands on:
ULA AirX
Gossamer Gear Gorilla
Gossamer Gear Mariposa
Any of the HyperLight Mountain Gear Packs