It's because REI doesn't have any lightweight packs that fit me. As mentioned, I don't want to go over 2 lbs. There are plenty of "cottage manufacturer" packs that do have the support structure I need without being heavy. I can't say that of any of the brands that REI carries.

I have had a beef against REI since they stopped being a cooperative for climbers and backpackers and went to being a yuppie store with only a small amount of hiking/climbing gear. In the mid-1980's a number of northwestern climbing/hiking organizations (REI was almost all PNW in those days) tried to take control of the board to reverse the trend. It didn't work.

I'd rather pay the extra shipping/return shipping costs from the folks who basically make the truly innovative gear these days, knowing that I'm supporting made in USA small business.