Initial impressions: surprising surprising surprising...this pack could be the beginnning of the return of the external pack...if you are old enough try to remember what you loved about your first external frame pack. Mine was a Jansport D2 and Valcour model beets is almost 5 pounds. I emptied the Mithril of all that I carried on the 5 day section from Buena Vista to Bearwallow Gap and then placed those contents into the luxuylite pack-easy, compartmentalized, order instilled as to where something is but subjectively it felt lighter than the same equiped internal frame pack. I like how it stands up because of its frame, the integral seating pad that allows you to rest against the cylinders, its user adjustable frame top bar height-for when you want to carry even more gear/pads/etc. You will like how the cylinders remove to make day packs or add bigger or smaller cylinders, and you can day hike with the front pack. The hip belt was a bit surprise in that it is very comfortable and are the shocking shoulder straps that are intended to carry no weight at all. The uprights on the ends of the frams are intended to accept an umbrella for those of use who like umbrellas but hate to loose a pole to hold it. Color selection is good with me choosing green/gray. and after packingit up I had plenty of room left for other gear.
Bottom cylinder: PeaPOd,ArcAlpinist,Speer Hammock, MacCat Fly
Midle Cylinder: camp clothes (1pant 1shirt 1thermawrap jacket 1 puffball vest)
3 days of food, stove, fuel
Top cylinder: essentials (toiletries/meds/tp/reading glases, rain gear, hat) still with room left over.
Umbrella on frame upright.
Next week it will be trailtested probably from Max patch road to Davenport gap and I will report back with more info if any are interested and detailed pics if any want to see them.
MedicineMan