I've been searching the net for a LW pack for 3 season use, somewhat around the 1 lbs mark or (much) better, that can hold up to 30 liter. Preferably something along the dimensions of 50x30x20 cm / 20x11x8 in, which should allow me to carry the tent poles on the inside, and have enough girth to stow a non compressed LW sleeping bag in the bottom (and let it expand in whatever volume I'm not using).
I like 2 stretch pockets and a large stretch front pocket. Bungee cording on top of the front stretch pocket is a plus but not a requirement.
Carrying system should obviously be simple, I don't need anything adaptable. No need for load lifters or any other fancy stuff, I like the straps to be simple and directly attached to the pack. A simple foam back or nothing at all will do. Preferably no bladder compartment as I never use those. A tiny inside pocket or keychain would on the other hand be appreciated.
My base weight is 5 lbs for winter (6+ lbs for mountains), 4 lbs for anything above freezing while still carrying half a tent. I currently carry a heavily modded TNF Casimir 32 daypack at 535g / 19oz which suits me for 3 season setup. My overall weight is so comfortable I can carry it on a single shoulder and let my back vent.
Hipbelt is not a requirement, actually gets in the way more often than not when carrying casually, but I agree it's handy for the firesteel / knife / water filter quick access sort of situations. Plus I noticed that by making the no-hipbelt-requirement a hard one the chances of finding a suitable backpack drop to next to nothing.
No hard preference for drybag style over a classic top loader over a zip. As long as it's streamlined it's good.
Now it was surprisingly hard to find a match at an acceptable price. Best I could come up with was the Terra Nova Laser 20 Elite Pack. At 35 GBP it won't break the bank and fun enough to give it a try. I noticed the Hagl̦fs LIM packs as well but decent stretch pockets were missing. Mammut Lithium Light fitted the requirements except for the weight Рstruggling to see where the weight went in that pack, fabric and foam I suppose. The ULA CDT has it all but is too big Рnot to mention hard to get my hands on here in EU. GG Murmur might be too skinny. Nigor Moyo appears to have a front pocket in the 2015 version but could be a tad too slim / a little bit higher.
Not going for lightweight for the sake of it, but I enjoy carrying a compact, streamlined pack with a simple organization. Allows me to relax on the trail.
