One of the many things about a serious pack like a MR is that it is SO much more versatile than the U/L toys intended for strolling around suburbia. Guys who actually GO into wilderness and camp/hike there for extended periods soon find what works best, one cannot learn this unless you do and have done it.The slight extra weight of a really good pack is not noticeable, especially for a guy of your stature and the overall improvement in ability to handle ANY load you choose to is well worth the minor increase in pack weight.