Looking at differnt pack options

[Buffalo Skipper]

I am looking into different pack options for my son, who is 14. I have a ULA Circuit, and though this may be an option for him, I am want to at least look at other similar packs. So for the sake of this discussion, what are other packs similar in size, capacity, weight and cost to the ULA Circuit? He is insistant on having an internal frame, and I believe that for now that is a good choice for him.

What other packs in the 50-60l capacity with good suspension and sub 3 lb pack weight range should we be at least looking at? He will be carrying usually around 20 lbs but occasionally up to 30 lbs.

[Nutbrown]

The Osprey is not sub 3 lb, but they make one for youth. There is a 48 and a 35. They look to be smaller versions of the adult packs, and if that is the case, the great suspension and the 'internal' but really external frame makes the weight easy to carry.

[bigcranky]

The REI Flash packs are good, and less expensive (especially on sale.) The Gregory and Opsrey packs are also worth looking at.

Is he still growing? The Osprey Ace 48 (http://www.rei.com/product/768245/osprey-ace-48-pack-youth) and the Deuter Fox 40 (http://www.rei.com/product/807783/deuter-fox-40-pack-juniors) have adjustable torso lengths, which might be better than buying several packs as he grows. Of course, he might already be tall enough that both of these are too small. Here's an REI youth pack, the Passage 65 (http://www.rei.com/product/808326/rei-passage-65-pack-youth), with a similar adjustable torso, but it seems sized for older kids - might be just the thing.

[Buffalo Skipper]

The REI Flash packs are good, and less expensive (especially on sale.)...
...Here's an REI youth pack, the Passage 65 (http://www.rei.com/product/808326/rei-passage-65-pack-youth), with a similar adjustable torso, but it seems sized for older kids - might be just the thing.

He started with the Passage 65. But it ended up being too heavy and not what he wanted, so we sent it back (nearest REI is 7 hour drive). On my suggestion, he selected the Flash 65, but due to a mix-up on the order, he got the large, which is simply too big for him. REI is out of Flash 65 in Medium (and my guess is that they are discontinuing this model, hence the prolonged 2 month sale on all men's and women's Flash 50 and 65 packs). So we are looking at other options (they still have the women's M in stock, so that is on the list).

I have an Osprey Aether 70 and a Stratos 24, the latter is a large daypack, and I do like the Osprey packs. But I have since migrated to the ULA Circuit, so I am open to other ideas. The Stratos 58 may be an option, but it is pricier and heavier than the Circuit.

[dalemc]

I'd recommend a custom pack from zpacks. So far I have bought an exo and a zero pack. What's nice is you can order it to perfection.

[Singletrack]

Any of the Granite Gear Packs. The Meridian Vapor is 3200 cu.in. and weighs just over 3 lbs. If you take the top pocket off, you can get it down to less than 2 1/2 lbs. On sale at Sunny Sports, for 149.95. Size medium.

[skinewmexico]

I'd say ULA Circuit, or Gossamer Gear Mariposa Plus. I have both, and they're both great. Use the ULA more in the desert, and the Mariposa more in the mountains.