light weight backpack without a lot of $$$$

I had to carry a bear container last time I went out for the better part of a week. I know there is good reason for that, but my usual (REI Flash)50 liter pack wasn't big enough and the container didn't strap on or fit in it hardly at all. So I went back to my large (80 L or 5000 cu in?) Jan Sport pack that weighs more than 4 pounds. It worked very well, has lots of pockets and is very comfortable. However I could probably cut the weight of the pack in half except I'm seeing the price tag of ultralite pack between $200 and over $400. Is there, are there, ultralite packs in the 60-80 liter range that don't cost an arm and a leg? I'd like some suggestions if you have any.

REI sells a 65 liter flash... though it is barely under 4 pounds. I don't think you would be able to get much below $200 unless you are willing to give up a frame.

Osprey Exos 58
Granite Gear Blaze AC
GG Leopard (on sale now at REI)

all around $200

I use the Exos 48 most of the time, and one of the things I like about it is that it is an unadorned "bloody big single sack" (as Colin Fletcher used to put it.) I also have an Atmos 50, which has a divider between compartments, and I believe I can put more gear into the Exos 48 simply because the pack bag is simpler, and things fit better for some reason. It also seems to be slightly "rounder."

The Exos 48 won't hold the canister, obviously - I just wanted to tell you about it because the Exos 58 is also a single large main compartment, and might work.

Perhaps you could buy a used one. Sort of like buying a used car --- something good that was treated well by the owner and doesn't have too-o many miles on it.

Besides this site (backcountryforum.com), there are forums for buyers looking and sellers offering on whiteblaze.net. I think BPL charges to list things on their site, but there may be others.

Or if you live near an REI store, look for their sales, including members only "garage sales", anniversary/coupon sales, etc. If you're patient and have an idea of several common pack types that would work for you, you might get something at a good price.

Dont waste your money on the flash. I have one. The frame slips out all the time

Glenn, how much weight do you typically carry in your exos48?

Generally, I carry fifteen to sixteen pounds which, with the Exos, means I'm carrying about 18 pounds for a weekend. Of that, I carry one liter of water and a pound of food a day - 4 pounds; another half pound is the small fuel canister.

I've carried 23 pounds in the pack, and noticed no real difference in the carrying comfort. Above 25 pounds, the suspension starts to "collapse" - the hipbelt won't stay put and I can't get the weight off my shoulders.

Perhaps the equivalent of the 70L Jam from the former Golite? I know Bearvaults fit in the Pinnacle and 70L Jam so they should in this new incarnation though I've never seen one in person. They may not work if you're skinny and need the long torso though.

Two suggestions: ever think of making your own? Several good models out there to choose from. I made the G4, afterwards designing my own. At 18lbs of gear you are well within the range of these packs, and pack weights are usually < 2 lbs.

Second thought, if you are able to hang the food look at an Ursa bear bag. Ursack

all the flash have the same problem?







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Meo Tan

I don't have any personal experience with these packs but the Klymit Motion 60 and the Granite Gear Crown VC seem to fit the bill, but they are on the bottom end of your size requirements.

PaHiker, the OP is probably backpacking in Olympic National Park (he lives near there). ONP won't allow Ursacks and insists on a hard-sided canister.

Bummer. The only other option is a 21oz polycarbonate by Lighter1, but at $95 it isn't cheap.

ONP does loan bear canisters, so there is no need to buy one unless going there frequently (which I suspect the OP does). Last time I was there, their stock seemed to be about half Garcias, half Bear Vaults (the latter are lighter).