Most of us here don’t have that heavy of a pack. An extra pound here and an extra pound there (stove, clothes, etc.,) really add up fast.

Some lightweight $100 pack ideas:

1. ULA Amp http://www.ula-equipment.com/amp.htm (requires small sleeping bag and tent) $90
2. zpacks http://www.zpacks.com/ (make sure all your stuff is lightweight) $70-$120
3. Thompson peak http://www.fanaticfringe.com/page5.html (keep <20lbs) $80
4. Rodney makes packs <$100 http://www.freewebs.com/litepacks/stockpacks.htm
5. Jam2 $100 http://www.golite.com/Product/proddetail.aspx?p=PA5251&s=1
6. My favorite has been the Mountainsmith Ghost http://www.amazon.com/Mountainsmith-Ghost-Backpack-2800cu-in/dp/B00076Y2V0 but these classics are very hard to find. I have 3 of them for my family at ~$70 each.

-Barry

edit: add another pack