I have been working on lightening my load and I am quite close to getting to 20 pounds or less on the base weight. I am still figuring out my sleeping options as I am in a hammock, but I am plans for a DIY underquilt that should lighten me up a little more.

What I have found as I work on reducing the weight and size of my gear is my back is just too big. Currently I have an REI Crestrail 70, which is a large so it is a 75 liter bag. It is comfy and will take a large amount of weight, but I have found I am running out of compression room as there really is not much in the bag. So the hunt is on. I need some advice on a few bags I have looked at in concerns to my current weight for both summer and winter. I would like to have just one bag and my 5 pounder has got to go. I figure I will probably need a 60 liter, I am not sure if my bulk with food will get into a 50L, just not there yet.

Here is my current summer list. As I mentioned I am still doing work so the weight can only go down. I do like carrying at least 2 liters of water so I have been averageing a total weight of about 35 ish with food. It is a not a great list but it is getting better.

http://www.geargrams.com/list?id=8712

So bag 1 is the favorite of everyone, the ULA Circuit. I think it will hold the weight. My main concern is the capacity of the inner portion. I have seen some mention that it is a bit small compared to some other packs.

http://www.ula-equipment.com/circuit.asp

Bag 2 is the Granite Gear Crown VC 60. This is small capacity that I have not but I am certain it is big enough for my winter kit too, which only really adds some clothes and a sleeping bag. I like the pack is light, not sure about the frame sheet thing or the lack of lid. But I can always add the line lock lid and still be under 3 pounds for the pack. Also no hip belt pockets, but I can add some out of tyvek I guess. Another concern is if it will fit. Since it does not adjust it either fits or does not.

http://www.rei.com/product/831620/granite-gear-crown-vc-60-pack

Bag 3 is the Granite Gear Blaze AC 60. Another one I have heard good things about. It will haul a little more than the Crown I hear. Once again, as with the crown, no lid so internal or in the stretchy pockets only. No hip pockets either, again not a deal breaker.

http://www.rei.com/product/824361/granite-gear-blaze-ac-60-pack

Those are the lightest except for the GoLite Jams. But these are frameless and I just don't think I am there on weight yet. Let me know if I am in error here. I think I would have to do the 70 as the 50 may be slightly too small. I am just not sure here. I do LOVE the price of these though. So if they are an option I am certainly interested in them.

I have also looked at the Osprey Exos 58. I like the stow and go for the poles and the mesh back. Not sure it would be comfy with my weight though. Again I am just not sure so let me know what you guys think, the collective experience here is great.

I have plans to head to REI to check out some of the packs on the list. The ULA is not available to try on but everything I have heard, it is a nice pack. I am sure any of those will work and I am probably over-analayzing it lol. Anyway apprecieate any input.

Look at the Mariposa 2012. 4000-ish cubic inches. Upgraded from my Vapor Trail and could not be happier. Has an internal support bar and will carry 30-35 lbs. no problem. Lots of bells and whistles (literally) too. Seven exterior pockets.

I went with the ULA Catalyst. It was designed for people are their way down to Ultralight but not quite there yet.

Yeah, been there...I think most of the hiking world has started with larger, heavier packs and downsized.

I stick with a smaller pack, good for smaller loads. I would recommend the GG Mariposa. I use the Murmur for everything up to a week or so. Food is always a problem. Whatever you get stick to about 1 pound. There is no reason to carry a heavy pack. I Also like the GG MiniPosa, but they dropped that one. It has a couple stays in it and I have had 30+ pounds, mostly food, on a two week trip. I believe they have the Kumo as a replacement, but it is smaller...not something I would recommend. The venerable G4 is a nice pack, also. A 3/4 NightLite pad can be sliced and taped together(fan fold) to fit the pad pockets making a good frame on a larger pack, very comfortable with larger loads(20-30 pounds.) This is good to about 35+ pounds, and, the pad does double duty. I believe that GG is out of the pads, but Nunatak has them: http://www.nunatakusa.com/site07/accessories/lunapad.htm

I looked at the Gossamer Gear stuff before I started really digging in. The conclusion I got from the site and the bit of research was that my weight would be too much for the packs to be comfortable. They would take the weight as listed on the site but the shoulders would feel it more. It was this reason I started looking at the other packs. I initially looked into the Catalyst instead of the circuit. But once again research led me to believe that the circuit could hand the weight comfortably. Is this not the case?

I have to keep in mind I will be adding 4-5 pounds more to my current weight once winter rolls in which is why I had the Blaze on my list too as it supposedly can handle more than the Crown. I really liked the weight and the simplicity of the crown. My big concern with the ULA was packing things up in the smaller main compartment. But I watched the goofy Catalyst video earlier today and now my interest is peaked there too. So many options on there. Need to start narrowing things down.

Scott, I understand about not getting into lightweight gear. Sometimes it just seems to light to be true. Anyway, I have an upper back problem and cannot stand much weight on my shoulders. Most of my weight carries on my hips, even with a Murmur.

I think part of the daunting problem of choosing a new pack is the weight limits manufactures state. On some of them people review stating the values are fairly correct and others state that is a top limit but usually the ideal weight is 5 or more pounds less. Hate to grab a pack based on the marketing info and find out there is too much weight in the pack for comfort.

An example would be the circuit. They say max weight of 35, well I am pretty close to that. And in the winter I might be over that. So perhaps the recommendation of the catalyst is a better option. I think I read too much and watch too much youtube lol

I have an older Catalyst and really like it.

Drop me a PM if you have any questions.

Put me down as well for the Circuit. I honestly don't think I have ever been happier with a pack.

These all seem like pretty thoughtful options. I think a lot of it just has to do with how much experience you have with frameless packs, which jibes a decent amount with what you tend to carry.

From my own very limited experience: I currently have Exos 58. I would say 1) if you think the stuff like the stow and go, extra cords, cables, ice ace loops, etc. are the attraction then you might rethink. I never use that stuff, and have cut a lot of it off. At 58 L (or 62 for a Large I believe) you will have tons of room. 2) It has a very good compression system. 3) It can be trimmed down to right above 2#s, in particular by taking off the top.

4) Most important, the suspension is really impressive. Of all the packs you are considering, I would be the least worried about carrying the weight with the Exos.

My net view is that I wish I could try out a Conduit for a week. But it is not really more than 6 oz lighter. And I really love the suspension on the Exos (did I say that?)....

My approach is going to be to buy the largest pack I can find near 1 pound. Kumo for example. Use it as a large daypack/short expedition pack. Then zero in on what would be ideal between my super light pack that it too small and my Exos that is too big. Just my approach though. Try to push the envelope too far, zero back, plus still have "heavier" version (32-38 oz), especially as a winter gear pack, etc.

All the packs you have listed I think are excellent choices.

I am not sure if you are a BPL member or not but this

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/lw_internal_frame_packs_part_2.html

was about the most valuable bit I read on this topic. Thanks again, Roger!

Those packs are more than big enough to hold a hammock sleeping set up so long as you don't go overboard on your clothing. Well, as long as you're using high quality materials in your quilts, by which I mean using good down. I like a small pack, and I found my ULA Catalyst to be huge on a long walk this last winter. Here is a partial gear list of what went inside the main compartment.

Walmart full length blue foam pad
Golite Ultra 20 down quilt
Tigoat bivy
Black Diamond Lighthouse 2 person tent, including poles
Campmor down vest
Silnylon poncho & tyvek pants/sleeves
Knit beanie
Novel

I usually had 3 days of food on me, and that was stored in an Ursack Major. Water went in the side pockets. Nothing was strapped to the outside.

At the beginning of the trip I was using an inflatable POE Elite AC mattress, and I couldn't get the compression system nearly tight enough because the volume of my contents was so little.

The interior volume of the main compartment of a Catalyst is 2600 cubic inches, and the Circuit is 2400. I think even the Circuit would have been huge for me.

This is all great info. My plans for a new underquilt are for an insultex one. It is not down but it should get me lighter and warmer than my current ratty poncho liner. I do use a bladder right now but i am thinking of switching over to a water bottle system and use my current 3L as a dirty bag. Still undecided. I find the water bottles a little difficult to get with the crestrail 70. Of course I had the larger nalgene so it was harder to reach around. I suppose smaller bottles might slide easier.

Based on what I am hearing people think the Circuit should cover what I need as far a volume. I am still concerned I might be over weight once I add food and water. My ultimate goal is to get a set up where I can do some longer hiking, like 7-10 days. I have my eyes on the River to River trail in southern Illinois for next Spring, not sure if that will happen but that is what I am training for. It is good to have goals lol. I have never had a frameless pack, started with a military surplus and then rolled to the REI Crestrail. I almost got an Atmos 65 but was "talked" into a more durable pack, ie heavier. After 16 miles a few weekends ago in 95+ weather I was wishing for that mesh back panel and less weight.

Been poking around at work. Here is my current list.

ULA Circuit
Granite Gear Crown VC
Osprey Exos 58
Blaze AC 60

Still unsure about the Blaze AC 60 or the Crown. I have seen a few durability concerns with the mesh pockets.

I'm in the process of downsizing as well. Bought a Crown VC 60, and just couldn't get a good fit. Tried the regular; tried the tall with no luck. I bought a Circuit, and love the fit. I've work it around the house, and I'm getting ready to take it out for a few days in a week or two for some on-the-trail testing.

FWIW, I've read that the actual capacity is a little lower than stated but have found the capacity in the Circuit more than enough.

I have heard there is issues with the sizing on the Crown, it either fits or it doesn't. I think I am around 21" on my size. Not sure if it would fit. Have to try them on. At least the Blaze is adjustable.

The other issue that I found with the Crown is that the shoulder straps ( padded portion) is quite short. Less than the VT.

A buddy also has one and both side pockets have torn. So yes, it is a bit lighter than the VT, but the durability and fit has been sacrificed.

Out of your choices, the Circuit would be best. You also have about 3" of torso adjustment with the Circuit for a better fit.

I would also suggest looking at the Windrider from HMG, but that may be out of your price range given the choices that you provided.

Yep. Agreed on the shoulder strap length. With the funny torso size and the short straps, it was one weird fitting pack on me.

ill say it again ... whatever fits best ... as long as its in yr price and weight range ... it doesnt matter if its a tad heavier, or has a tad more/less features ... choose the best fitting pack

try on as many as you can ... when yr carrying up to 35 lbs and wearing it for 8+ hours a day ... fit is king !!!

That is one issue with the circuit, can't try it out before you buy it. Most of the others are available at the local REI.

I took a look at the HMG, they are edging up to being out of my price. Hate to spend too much.