I was kinda in the same boat. I started back into hiking with a MountainSmith Cross Country. This is a very nice pack but heavy. I currently am using My Homeade Gossamer Gear G4. I feel I improved it bye adding a arched aluminum support sandwiched between two layers of closed cell foam in the back pad. I went and did five miles loaded with this pack for the first time a couple days ago. I was Amazed! I would definatly look at Gossamer Gears offerings before you decide.