Looking for a pack for the wife.

Perhaps you could modify what you have… Straps are very easy to cut off (remember to burn the edges of the webbing so it won't fray), and pockets could also be cut off (maybe a bit of sewing here to "finish" them). If you can't sew, you might take it to a tailor/dressmaker, which probably wouldn't cost that much.

If the pack fits her well and is comfortable, and you don't want to spend much — this would be one possible solution.

I agree with the above poster… not too hard to modify that Kelty. I had that pack, and I bought it because it was fairly light weight in its day, and the Dyneema fabric was very durable. Not too hard to trim off the side mesh pockets and that front mesh, and as I recall the lid could also be taken off? Not too hard to shave a pound or so and then your wife would have a pack that competes with the best of the non-cottage offerings.

But if she's eager to spend money on something new, REI's Flash 58 for women has a 52 liter volume in the XS size and weighs 2 lb, 12 oz. You could save some more weight on that by strategic trimming, too.

If she likes the Kelty and it fits well, seems easy to keep it.

I have a ULA Catalyst and love it. Weight 3lb empty, and I have carried over 40lb at times. They have smaller models too.

My wife uses a ULA Circuit, size small, with the S-curve shoulder harness. It fits well and carries comfortably, with an empty weight of about 2 pounds. It has a big mesh front pocket.

The Granite Gear VC 60 Ki comes to mind. It's lightweight at 2lbs and has a nicely padded suspension. The Exped Lightning 45 is also a nice comfortable pack, but doesn't have the mesh pocket your looking for.

The ULA Circuit mentioned above would also work well.

Ryan

Go somewhere she can try on a few different packs just for the fun of it. She'll be sold on the new technology and comfort compared to what she has now.