Lighter Pack

[TerryMcC]

I'm looking for a pack which is lighter than my MacPac Casade 65 litre (2.75 kgs). This pack has served me very well over the years; I've managed to get everything into my 65 litre pack for up to five days of walking in both summer and winter. However, as I get older I am looking to reduce the weight of my load. Ideally I am looking for something less than 2 kgs, not less than 65 litres, and a pack which is still comfortable to carry up to 20 kms each day. I've spent some time looking at overseas website for ultralight gear, but I am just not too sure about the comfort factor for many of these packs.

Any advice would be kindly appreciated.

[Scottyk]

Maybe Osprey packs are a good option. I don't use one myself but I have friends that use them for bush walking and they love them. Maybe others can give advice on particular models, this look ok for your needs though http://www.ospreypacks.com/en/product/m ... ifications

[norts]

Jmac(mbr on here) gives a very good rap for the Hyperlite 4400 72 litre wt -881grams.
http://www.hyperlitemountaingear.com/pa ... eries.html

Just under your specs of 65 litre is the Exped Lightning 60 - 1.1kg. You can at least try it on before buying.
I have one but have only used it on an overnighter so far, very comfortable though.

Roger

[GPSGuided]

Obviously many major brand offerings to look at with an easily obtained 2kg upper limit, but do check out AARN's range. Smaller company that specialises in a more weight balanced setup. There are also many discussions and users on this forum on their range of packs.
http://www.aarnpacks.com

[Strider]

Osprey would definitely be a good starting point.

[DannyS]

Have you had a look at the ULA range of packs? I have the Circuit at 1kg, Ohm 2.0 at 730grams and swear by them. They carry extremely well and are very functional, extremely well thought out packs! I originally bought the Circuit but have found it's volume too big for my 3 season kit, so I bought the Ohm for 3 season and use the circuit for winter use. I'm very impressed with these packs, you could also consider the Catalyst or AirX for even bigger capacity.
I've looked at the Exped 60 Lightning and found that although it carried quite well, there were too many compromises in functionality because of the design.

[nq111]

Osprey would definitely be a good starting point.

+ 2 for Osprey if they otherwise suit your needs.

Very refined designs and super comfortable

[wayno]

black diamond infinity 60 1.7 kilo

[wander]

One Planet WBA.

[TerryMcC]

Thanks guys, that is good advice. I've had a look at all of your advice and the Osprey Volt 75 looks like a good option. It is a bit larger than my current pack, but it is light. Paddys is selling them now, so I can go and have a look/feel. Again, thank you all. Kind regards Terry

[Strider]

I haven't seen the Volt before but I like the look of it. A bit skint on the features, but it appears to be a good option for the price.

[DannyS]

I've looked at the Volt 60, I thought it was a very good pack. Has all the features you need without being excessive, it's a well thought out pack that carries well . I think it's a good choice.

[Strider]

Sorry I didn't mean that its totally featureless. Though the lack of bottle pockets would be the greatest annoyance for me, and if that bladder sleeve is anything like on the Talon series...

[wayno]

I haven't seen the Volt before but I like the look of it. A bit skint on the features, but it appears to be a good option for the price.

i think the volt is a half way pack between their lightweight models and their heavier standard pack options...

[Strider]

I haven't seen the Volt before but I like the look of it. A bit skint on the features, but it appears to be a good option for the price.

i think the volt is a half way pack between their lightweight models and their heavier standard pack options...

Yeah it does look that way. A more substantial harness, but a more basic pack overall.

[whynotwalk]

black diamond infinity 60 1.7 kilo

You're a dangerous man, wayno! I'd been after a lightweight pack for shorter trips, and this does look good. Then I found one on Bivouac for less than $140 delivered. Ka-ching

cheers

Peter

[wayno]

lucky, i think bivouac are ditching a lot of the black diamond range,
comfy as, takes a bit of getting used to the ball join on the hip belt, feels like the pack isnt connected to the belt properly to start with, but you can lock that motion off as much as you light, after a while you'll appreciate the extra flexibility of moment it allows with that and the dynamic shoulder straps how they lengthen and shorten on opposite sides automatically as you walk I"ve got five black diamond packs..... if i can find an excuse to buy more i will....

[Joomy]

Since noone has mentioned them yet, I will add http://www.ula-equipment.com/ and http://www.crux.uk.com

I personally dislike the cluttered, overly complicated design of many main-stream packs. Crux are super streamlined, super tough, light and waterproof to boot. ULA have more pockets and features but very highly regarded, and very light for what you get.

[DannyS]

Actually I suggested the ULA packs a few posts back and totally agree with you. Sometimes when it's loaded up it's hard to believe I've got a light weight pack on, excellent packs.

[Joomy]

Quite right, sorry! I've actually never used a ULA pack but they look great and I'm trying to convince my girlfriend to get one in purple.

[DannyS]

Quite right, sorry! I've actually never used a ULA pack but they look great and I'm trying to convince my girlfriend to get one in purple.

She won't be disappointed, I would buy another of these packs without a second thought.

[wayno]

bear in mind if you go to some ultralight pack designs you are looking at frameless designs, to use those you need to make sure your packing techniques are up to scratch to avoid objects poking you in the back when you're wearing the pack...
they arent as supportive of your back as framed pack, if you have back issues be careful about going to frameless overnight packs
they arent for everyone, some people prefer a frame and more padding for comfort sake....