Looking for a backpack for my GF

My wife really likes the Vapor Trail KI. I like the Vapor Trail, so I guess that isn't too surprising. As a lot of people have said, the waste belt is exceptional and the frame is solid. There are little things I find annoying and some minor changes that could shave a few ounces off the pack, but overall, I think these are very good, and very supportive for the weight.

My wife has a ULA Circuit which she just used on the SHT for 4 days and absolutely loved it.

I took my gf backpack shopping a few weeks ago, and she somewhat liked the REI Quick UL 45, but wasn't sure about the way the straps sat on her shoulders. That's a little smaller & heavier than your target, but it might be worth a try-on.

She didn't like the Granite Gear Vapor Ki for some reason. It just didn't fit her well no matter what size we tried. We might have her try on Osprey Aura 50 if nothing else is comfortable; it's 3 lbs, but women I've known usually like the way that brand fits. I've always felt that packs are worth an extra pound if it means finding one that is comfortable. That said, she's going to try on a frameless Golite Jam2 to see how it is too.

There really aren't very many LW packs aimed at women. I asked ULA, Gossamer Gear, and Six Moons Designs if they had any plans to release models fitted for women, and I got one response saying that often times women use their packs anyway, or they modify them to fit better.

Osprey Talon 44?

My g/f uses the Talon 33 and loves the carrying comfort of the framed pack, also, the weight sits on her hips quite well, and has little pressure on her shoulders, which is what she likes. She also loves the hip pockets as well!

John said, "I've always felt that packs are worth an extra pound if it means finding one that is comfortable."

I totally agree. Especially since your girlfriend is new to this. If she is really excited about the whole thing (like me) than she can put up with a pack that is too flimsy for the load (like I did) and then, eventually get a pack which is a bit heavier but offers more support.* The nice thing about most of the packs mentioned (include the ULA and Granite Gear) is that they are a lot like the old packs, only lighter. Except for bells and whistles, you won't miss the old pack. At least that is what I found out when I switched from my 6 pound Gregory to my 2 pound Granite Gear.

* I initially bought a Gossamer Gear G6 (which is a great pack) but found that I wanted a more substantial waste belt. If I could get the rest of my load low enough, I'm sure I would find the GG packs quite comfortable.

I'll add another vote for any of the Osprey models. Heavier than the others, but the only packs we've tried that really gets the weight off the shoulders without cutting off the circulation in the hips. The Aether 60 is worth every extra ounce it weighs.

My wife has used the GG Vapor Trail KI and she love it. She has used it now for two seasons. Packs are like shoes, try as many as possible to find a good fit