Looking for recommendations for a pack for 1-3 night trips. My base weight is generally around 8 lbs, and 10 lbs with a bear can. I'm looking for a pack that:

1. Is durable and can take a bit of bushwacking
2. Good compressibility for smaller loads
3. Has an internal frame
4. Can carry a bear can when necessary

I've tried a circuit previously, but it just wasn't comfortable on me. I currently use a Granite Gear Nimbus trace for longer trips (5 days plus) and LOVE it, but would prefer something a bit lighter with less space for overnighters and weekend trips in the 40-50 liter range.

Thanks!

Edited by aaronufl on 01/28/2012 18:56:33 MST.

I love my Golite Jam, but based on your criteria it wouldn't fit unless you count the foam pad as a frame. On the frameless backpack SOTM report, it had better load carrying capacity than some frameless packs. I am not sure about how you could carry a bear canister but you could probably figure something out. You might want to look at the GG Mariposa Plus of the GG Gorilla, the gorilla should have a great capacity for a sub 3 night trip.

Conner,

I actually did have a jam, but had to get rid it of it because it wasn't terribly comfortable with the bear can. I like the idea of frameless packs, but for the most of the places I hike/camp, it just isn't feasible.

I'm considering giving the GG crown 60 a go when it released, but I don't really need the 60 liter capacity.

The osprey talon 44 is also one I'm thinking about. I have the 11 and it is a great daypack.

Edited by aaronufl on 01/28/2012 14:20:59 MST.

The osprey hornet 46 is very light for a mainstream pack, and particularly if you remove the detachable, and unnecessary, lid. You can remove a foam pad that gives a little more body to the pack, and it still keeps its two little internal frame stays to transfer weight to the hips. Again, it is a mainstream manufacturer pack built very sturdy if you are worried about durability. I'm using on Monday for a quick overnight. My 20 degree kit will weigh 6 pounds 2 ounces base weight. I'm doing an after work quick overnight on the Appalachian trail so food and water weight will be one sandwich and a liter of water. Nice! I like the Hornet. I just ordered a zpacks Zero in my obsessive pursuit of ultralight, and it will fit a little more than the hornet and I ordered a dry-bag-style roll top. So in Cuben, it will be like a drybag pack. I do lots of kayak camping, too, so the zpacks zero has the advantage of no internal stays for even easier packing inside the dryhatch.

Check out the Elemental Horizons Aquilo pack. Per the SOTM report is transfers weight incredibly well, is much lighter than the GG Nimbus series, and should have enough volume for a bear canister.

The HMG Porter.

It's durable material, no need to worry. Oh and it's also 2 lbs.

Compressibility is the best I've seen from a framed pack.

Has frame + removable stays.

Carries a bear can 10x better than the closest cottage manufacturer. (NB: This may be hyperbole, but the sentiment is true)

That's surprising the Circuit wasn't comfortable. I have a Circuit and HMG Windrider right now, and the Circuit is probably 1.5 times more comfortable.

If the Nimbus works, check out the GG Crown that's about to be released? 2lbs 2oz. http://www.granitegearstore.com/Crown-VC-60-P304C7.aspx

Edited by TRAUMAhead on 01/29/2012 01:27:31 MST.

@Christopher: I found the shoulder straps on the circuit rubbed me the wrong way (literally). No matter how I packed it, my 20-25 pound loads on two 60 mile trips left me with VERY sore shoulders, something I've never experienced with my other packs. YMMV, I suppose.

The Crown is intriguing, but I don't really need another pack with that much capacity. I have a talon 11 that I use as a daypack (and love), so I think I'm going to give the Talon 44 a shot and see how it goes.

I really like my Absaroka pack. Sometimes you see one on gear swap. Its not as rugged as some is the only downside. I'm pretty sure it would fit a bear canister.
The Crown is a bit big but I wonder what the actual volume is if you don't use the extension color? It doesn't look huge to me so I mgiht at least take a look at one.