Originally Posted by
Mags
Three things not to skim on IMO:
Sleeping bag/quilt
Shoes
Pack
Not that less expensive options are bad, but price should be the last consideration. A more expensive pack is not necessarily better, but if you buy a pack with the price being the main criteria, you may not like the pack in the long run.
The SMD pack is a good bargain right now, handles a lot of weight and is not heavy. You indicated you don't plan to carry much so the 50L pack may fit your need well. A friend of mine hiked the CDT with that model last year.
Believe it or not, the Ozark Trails (Walmart) packs are serviceable for moderate use. High Sierra and Teton Gear is in a similar category.
But they are heavy and $50-$70 depending. If you wait as others suggested, you will finder a better quality pack for not much more money. Look at the other examples people found.