Alright, the next big step in my lightweight journey is a big one, it's time to get rid of my 4lb pack and find something much lighter. Thing is, weight aside, I really like this pack and truly do need the space. My atmos is filled to the top when it has 7days of food and winter gear in it. I don't carry lots of extras but I do carry enough to keep myself warm when I stop moving and all my hammock stuff takes up some room.
So what I'm asking is this, are there any backpacks with about 70L space, at least one non main compartment, two side pockets and internal frame for 2ish lbs or less?

This pack would be absolutely perfect if it was just made out of a lighter material!

My first pack was the Atmos 50, from there I went to the Exos 46 which I really liked and used for quite a while. I just recently have decided to go frameless because I have gotten my weight down so much and most of my trips are relatively short. The Exos 58 isn't as big as you would like but I think it is a good transition from the Atmos. Very similar features and suspension system, just all lighter weight materials and hardware for the most part.

First off, I think you have a great pack now, at least for your volume.

The thing I'd be focused on is why you think you need 70L? The Atmos is already a lighter weight frame pack. I'd be working on knocking at least 10+ Litres off - maybe buying a smaller pack will force you to do that?

Just my 2 cents.

ULA Circuit fits the bill.

I used an Atmos 65 on the PCT despite having an otherwise light load. Its a superb pack and especially nice in the Sierras with a bear can, ice ace, microspikes, and 11 days of food. Really good for the desert too with water loads and a breezy back. By removing the lid, trimming parts of it up, and replacing some of the heavy webbing with cord, I bet you could get it to 3 lbs. There are several threads on BPL about lightening packs for inspiration if you want to void the warranty and keep it.

I considered the Exos 58, but the padding seemed much less durable and substantial despite the desirable fabric weight.

To get into a smaller pack consider packing differently. I thought I had a pretty decent system of packing after 2 thru hikes, but it always seemed more bulky than it should. This video by Mike Clelland! packing for a trip with a tiny Golite Peak helped a lot:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4O_I22rKp0

It's aimed at frameless packs but I found the volume reduction and overall efficiency gains were significant. Try his style with your gear in the Atmos to see if it helps you too.

Heck, with the Golite.com sale going on right now you could keep the Atmos for heavy trips and pick up a Men's Pinnacle or Women's Jam (size large if you are normally a medium) for next to nothing.

The circuit might be too small for him, a catalyst might be better.

I was looking at getting a bigger size because I still hadn't gotten my tarp yet and I didn't know how much space I needed. But I got it last night and it goes in fine.

As with reducing space, I could probably go a couple liters smaller actually, but I do fill up the external pockets, one fits my hammock, one my raingear + flashlight. So without them I'd need the full 65L of pack space.

Edit: I also don't think I'm ready to go frameless yet. I like everything about this pack but the weight.

Edited by Nihilist_Voyager on 02/14/2012 04:11:58 MST.

The Exos 58 does seem a little small, although maybe I do need to start dropping some volume. My summer gear takes up much less space.

But while volumous (made up word?), I am into ultralight territory, even in winter. I just got big, lightweight stuff.

The Catalyst and the Circuit seem to just about fit my bill.

I currently own a Circuit and used to own an Atmos 65. Just a warning, the inside of the Circuit seems significantly smaller than the Atmos, as the Circuit tapers a lot towards the bottom. The side pockets on the Circuit are pretty large though, and you might save some pack room by using the water bottle holsters on the shoulders traps.

Maybe consider the Granite Gear Crown 60 or Elemental Horizons Aquilo? The ULA Catalyst might also work.

woops read that wrong about winter. nvmind :)

Edited by JakeDatc on 02/14/2012 09:34:08 MST.

I went from your exact pack to a SMD swift (http://www.sixmoondesigns.com/packs.html). I thought "oh no I need a lot of space", and realistically this thing kind of feels like a bohemoth of space. I ended up getting a lot lighter and smaller, but it served me well on the John Muir Trail with a base weight of 8lb and seven days of food in a bear can. I never needed the outside compartments for space, but did use them. I also got the internal frame which I didn't bring with me on my trip and didn't regret. Loaded down with food and water I estimated at most I carried 30'ish pounds and it rode just fine, though not as comfy as the Atmos. It's too big a pack for most of my needs, but beautiful with a lot of food and a bear can. I have no idea of its winter camping compatibility though as I don't do that.

*edit to say I'm glad I have this pack, it's big and for bear can trips with 7 days food, or sharing the girlfriend's share of mutual gear, it's fantastic. I do plan to downsize to a 30-35L pack for solo weekend type trips though, and possibly for the PCT one day. Maybe a zpacks Blast.

Edited by Trout on 02/14/2012 12:55:12 MST.

To the original poster, if you like everything but the weight, there is the Atmos 50 liter. :))

This would force you to reduce your kit a bit, keep all the features you like, and shave a pound or so off the empty pack weight. The Ospreys come on sale multiple times per year. The older Atmos 50s are I think a bit lighter since they revised the shoulder straps at one point by adding a bit more padding (and more weight).