Haven't been here in a LOOOOONG time... bought a house, and year-round remodeling has kept me off the trails. No more!
I'm upgrading (lightening) my load a piece at a time, and I've come to pack replacement time. Upon doing research, I decided on the Osprey Atmos 65 which I have on backorder at REI.
However, the Golite Pinnacle & Quest both seriously interest me, but I can't find any info on anybody carrying more than 22 or so lbs in them...
My total pack weight, with water & food, is around 35 lbs... certainly not ultralight. But I'm posting in this forum because the packs mentioned are considered UL packs. I have a feeling the Atmos 65 will handle 35 lbs no problem (from what I've read), and the Quest might be able to as well, but the frameless Pinnacle?
Basically, I'm looking for something in the 4000-4500 range with at least 1 external pocket (front or top), 2 would be even better.
Oh- the pack I'm coming from? An LL Bean Ridge Runner 4000. Actually a pretty cool pack, has served me well, but it's faded & beat up, and weighs 5 lbs 9 oz. I've already lightened my tent & bag, pack is next.