"I feel NO pack without built-in stays can comfortably carry a 30-35 lb. load, sleeping pad "frames" notwithstanding."

The Nimbus Ozone uses Granite Gear's Composite Topoflex framesheet which is just has capable as any stay/HDPE set up, but comforms to the body much better. This pack will carry up to 50lbs if needed. The waistbelt is also superior to most at this pack weight. After using a Granite Gear pack that has the Composite framesheet, the aluminum stay just seems out-dated.

The Vapor Trail uses an HDPE framesheet, but with the combination of dual density shoulder straps and waistbelts, along with how the framesheet is shaped enable this pack to handle up to 30lbs.