35 liter Pack with Load Lifters for Small Woman

You could contact ULA and see if they would add load lifters to a CDT (they've done custom work for me before for a reasonable fee). The CDT is also available with S straps which many women prefer. ZPacks will add load lifters to any of their packs…. Another option is to contact Zimmerbuilt. Describe what you want/need and he can build it. Very high quality/craftsmanship and great customer service….and fast turnaround. Cheers

You can add lifters to any MLD pack. Check out the 'burn'

Thanks gang, some great suggestions here and by PM. We just need to find some of these cottage company packs for her to try on now before ordering custom work on one. Anyone in the Colorado Rockies with a ladies small UL pack from the manufacturers mentioned above? There might be a Melanzana deal in it for the lady who helps us out…. Thanks again BPL community!

Check out Jep Packs. They only do custom packs. I think they're reasonably priced for what you get.

This EXOS 38 backpack has lift straps and is very comfortable. Osprey packs are known for their comfort. The EXOS' trampoline mesh back suspension has an aluminum tubular perimeter frame. It is the coolest back suspension/padding I have ever used, far better than mesh-covered foam. I have an EXOS 58 and have carried 45 lbs. with it when hunting. That's well over the recommended weight limit but it was still comfortable. The size Small is 38 liters, very close to your specified 35 liters.

You should also check out the Osprey Tempest Series. Designed for women and they make 30 and 40 litre pack sizes in the Tempest series. I bought the Talon 33 this year (the men's version of the Tempest) to replace my old fishing pack and have been really impressed with it. I've used a frameless pack exclusively for the past 10 years but I have to admit, that the Talon may get some use on weekend trips. The frame sheet and harness are extremely comfortable. The Talon/Tempest series are typical of Osprey packs (overloaded with features) however, I like their hip belt pockets and load lifter straps. The pole carry straps are a good idea too, if you occasionally like to get rid of your poles the way I do.

Sounds like a KS ultralight Tao would fit the bill. I just picked myself up a Imo and it's top notch. The Joker Hat closure basically acts as load lifters. Laurent had my pack built and shipped 4 days after I placed my order. Took another 6-7 days to get here from Japan. I got the 3D Mesh Hip Belt option with 2 pockets. They sit behind the hip a bit, which I like as it keeps my arms from brushing them.

You all are great. She doesn't like the Osprey packs – we both tested products for GoLite and she's pretty simplicity focused (insert "GoHeavy" joke here). Everything else will get checked out and we'll try to post what pack she ended up with. She'll probably choose a more durable, "every day" looking pack since this is her every day go-to-work pack, travel pack, and backpacking pack. She literally uses one pack for everything but short day hikes! My membership expires today and I probably won't renew until I need to sell something, but I wanted to chime in and say Thank You!!!!

I'll second the MLD Burn with the suspension upgrade. It carries great and has the load lifters you're looking for.

Sometimes a heavier backpack is more comfortable when carrying more weight. I love my Zpacks Blast but switch to my Granite Gear for winter or large loads. Granite Gear packs fit most small women well. The padding in the shoulder straps and back pane is great.