Newbie pack size and what to look for?

Matt, I'm definitely not an expert but I'm using gear somewhat like what are talking about and I'm also thinking about maybe taking the next step… My current setup is a Circuit with a Tarptent Notch, Hammockgear Burrow 20° quilt and a Neoair XLite pad. Previously I used a Contrail (the ProTrail's predecessor). It's a great setup but I have conflicting thoughts on the ProTrail and Notch: In my opinion, the Notch is infinitely better than the Contrail (which is very similar to the ProTrail). The Notch has a much better bathtub (the Contrail was prone to flopping over if anything touched it) and the side entries provide much better ingress/egress and gear storage. I think the Notch is less fiddly to set up as well. The Notch is more expensive but that only hurts a little. What I don't like about the Notch is it's extra length when packed. The Contrail packed much more easily (laying horizontally) in my Circuit but the Notch has to either stand upright or go on the exterior of the pack under the top compression strap. It carries comfortably under that top strap but I've already caught it on a fence and am paranoid about ripping my shelter. Carrying vertically in the interior throws off my whole packing system and made the center of gravity feel weird… I'm very happy with my Xlite. I'm 5'6" tall and the women's version is great at 66" long and it has a slightly higher R3.9 rating and an 11 ounce weight (according to spec, i haven't weighed it). When I last weighed my pack on an accurate scale I was at 14.5 pounds. Since then I have saved 13 ounces between a new cook kit and jacket. This has lead to me wondering if I should try a frameless pack or maybe an Arc Blast… I'm sorry for my long, rambling answer. In short, I think you are talking about a good kit but I think you should get a lighter pad and maybe consider the Notch. :)

You can't go wrong with Tarptents. I have a Squall II and use it for solo hiking mostly. I have used REI Flash packs and like them. They are close to 2 lbs, depending on the size. Maybe 3 lbs for a big size, but they have a substantial waist belt and shoulder pads. My current one is 62 L, but my 50 L Golite pack is totally adequate for 2-4 day trips. Being now located in the PNW, you have tons of options for outdoor trips, but they all involve the possibility of rain, so plan on rain pants, gaitors, waterproof shoes, waterproof gloves, good raincoat, etc.

Consider the Osprey Talon 44 at 2 lbs, 6 oz, with adjustable torso height, good features, comfortable. I'm happy with mine. A nice benefit is that you should be able to find one locally so you can try before you buy.

Thanks for the replies guys, Matthew, I was originally looking at the Notch considering its only 1 0z. more than the pro light. I was thinking the pro light would have been easier to setup, but its nice to hear that the notch may be even easier! Is the notch much more annoying in terms of packability? and I guess the real question regarding the Circuit is…do you think its too much to carry a base weight of 11lbs? it would be 11 lbs with the 41 oz circuit, so slightly under 9lbs prior. Bob Shaver, Thanks for reassuring that tarp tent is a good option! I'm almost certain thats what I'm going to order. is the polite pack you're referring to the "jam 50". specs on that look great, how comfortable is? i do have a few rain items…Marmot precip jacket, Zpack mittens. Probably should grab some pants, but never used them in the past. Bob, thanks for pointing out the Talon. I kept coming across the expo and didn't even look at too many of the other osprey packs. I may check that out since REI carries it.

Matt, The Notch is not *that* bad to pack. Its 16 X 3.5 inches, not huge by any means. The ProTrail would be a dream to pack at 12 x 4 (and no internal rods/poles). There's a tradeoff between packability and livability… I don't know how to answer it other than saying I really like my Notch but I wish it packed like a ProTrail. You ask if the Circuit is too much to pack a base weight of 11 pounds. How much water and food do you carry? I don't carry a lot of food (I never eat all of it if I bring 1.5 pounds/day) but I do frequently carry 3 or 3.5 liters of water here in Arizona. The weight adds up quickly…