Light back-pack for 45 pound load

John,

Thanks, much appreciated.

Full Dyneema Pack
Pack 29.3 oz
2 Aluminum Stays 4.6 oz
Lightweight Backpad 2.9 oz
TOTAL: 36.8 oz

Extras
Water Bottle Holster 2.0 oz
Hip Belt Crest Pocket 2.4 oz

John, yours is indeed on the heavy side.
Mine is built for a 19.5" spine measurement.

Luis, what is the carrying capacity of your pack? (cu in). Do you have a URL at McHale packs to show what it looks like? Thanks.

I would also like to recommend the Nimbus Ozone. It is a great pack at 3 lbs. It holds about 61 L. Nice shoulder and hip belt with plenty of padding. Much more substantial frame than the vapor trail.Another plus is the thick back padding makes for a good mattress for your legs.
Josh

Larry,
Move up to the Nimbus Meridian?
Granite Gear, especially the ones with tepex(plastic) frames are the most comfortable packs I have carried. Ive bought four.

http://www.mchalepacks.com/ultralight/index.htm

Just do it. You won't be sorry. The weight of the pack is immaterial. Read the letter from Dan. He knows what's up.

Skip Clemmons

Roleigh, EH Clemmons' got the URL for McHale. My pack is 3500 cu. and its weight is well worth it. 40 – 45 lbs carried feels substantially less in a pack custon built to your specs and built the way Dan puts them together. I was so amazed at the build quality when I first received the pack that I ordered another larger winter pack. I'm set for life with these packs – they are built to last a lifetime, thus the initial cash outlay is a bit harsh, but you won't be buying a new pack every year or two.