What backpack should I downsize to?

You may want to look into the MLD Exodus or one of the smaller volume ULA packs, the Conduit or Relay. I'm sure others will list additional options that are worthy of consideration. Good luck and keep us posted as to your final selection.

FWIW, I really like my ULA Conduit. I bought it used off of this board awhile back and couldn't be happier. I can tell that it was well used before I got it and it appears to have a lot more miles left on it. And if you have never used hipbelt pockets, you have no idea what you are missing. Volume wise, I've got plenty of room for weekends (all I've done so far) and am planning on using it on a 4 day hike later this summer. Its got lots of outside storage in the mesh pockets as well.

Its a little heavier than the current Miniposa (and I believe the next version will be lighter), but the durability is second to none in lightweight packs. Especially when compared to my Whisper :o. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend a Conduit, or any of ULA's packs.

Adam

I would get the Murmur. If you can't fit it all in on a given weekend, then you still have the Mariposa, which will be at least half full.

I like the looks of the Miniposa myself, and will be watching for details of the redesign, but the Murmur is big enough for most of my 2 or 3 day outings.

I'm not familiar with the packs you've mentioned but If you want a pack for 4 to 6 day trips try on an REI UL Cruise 60. The harness comes in different sizes and is moveable up and down 4 inches. I'm 5' 10" and I have a large harness.
If that's too big try the woman's model.

The main thing is TRY PACKS WITH A MAXIMUM LOAD FOR 1/2 HOUR in the store (no matter how crazy it looks to the employees). You may love a pack but hate its waist belt and/or shoulder harness. It's not fun to find that out 5 miles up the trail on a 60 mile trip.

Eric

Tom, fwiw, I am 5' 6" too, and the medium mariposa is recommended. my torso is 17 ish
great pack, but the shoulder straps were a little wide for my tastes so i sent it back.

I own the ULA Circuit and have been eyeballing the Conduit. I really like ULA packs, although my attempt to use the ULA Amp as a true ultralight pack didn't work because the torso was too short. I had the same problem with a Gossamer Gear pack. Although I can find someone to stitch a longer GG (thanks to Grant at GG…great customer service), I think I'd like to explore other options. So, other than those already mentioned here, how about you gearheads suggest some UL packs with a long torso. Again, I'm looking for something made in the same vein as the Amp or the G-4, Mariposa, etc.

Have you thought about watching the Gear Swap Forum for a Miniposa? That's where my size s. Mini. came from. The looks of this pack gave me lust. While I've had it out only overnight without stays, it did great although my pack exposure has been limited to mostly a Mariposa (several week plus trips), an old-school (yellow) Six Moon Designs Comet (really I got this hoping to outfit for fourth season–it's huge), an old-school GoLite Speed (adventure racing pack I picked up dirt-cheap and used on a few dayhikes), and my beloved first pack, a vintage canvas, leather, and steel Swedish Military frame rucksack (Started out hiking clad in wool, going for that circa 1957 look–didn't take me long to see the UL light!)

As far as fit, my small Mini. basically feels like my small Mari. with one notably exception: the strap placement may be a bit narrower. My Mari. straps fit me a tad wide and occasionally one strap will slip if the sternum strap is loosened. No such issue with the Mari. (I'm 5.10, but female and leggy–I think my torso measures 18")

PS If the straps feel to wide, it's easy to remove the pads and use without anything or something like sleeping socks (in baggies) which effectively narrows them.

For what its worth; the same situation happened to me (half-full pack loads — I can thank Glen's The One for that) and I put in an order for an MLD Exodus just yesterday. I love the GG packs, but I opted for the Exodus for a little more functionality and durability, and because I may need the extra volume come winter.

I know a lot of people love the ULA packs, but I never seriously considered one during my search. Best of luck to you in finding a lower volume bag. Luckily our hobby has great cottage industry suppliers, so it will be tough to go wrong.

Thanks for the feedback. Keep the personal experience coming in! I will try the Gear Swap, but thought it was a good opportunity to get people's opinions on this and maybe open up the options. So far my top choices are:

– GG Miniposa
– GG Murmur
– ULA Conduit/Relay
– MLD Exodus

Your list is in the correct order.

I was in your shoes about 2 years ago. Following the "Less is More" principle, my gear has become more compact enabling me to move from a Mariposa to the Miniposa to the new Murmur.

The Murmur worked great on my last PCT section hike.

http://picasaweb.google.com/beemancron/2008PCTSectionDBadenPowellToIslipSaddle

If it weren’t for a bear canister, I would be taking it on my JMT trip. However, the Miniposa is going to work out great for this 14 day trip as long as I keep the weight below 20 lbs.

For some good reading on the Miniposa, check out:

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/reviews/display_reviews?forum_thread_id=7726&cat=Backpacks%20%2D%20Frameless&cid=13

You can also apply the same reduction in pack volume with the ULA packs.

Thank goodness for pack companies like Gossamer Gear and ULA Equipment.

.

Dave T,
I have an all black MLD Exodus on order now. Ron said he may come out with a smaller reduced volume Exodus later in the year also. I will let you know my opinion of this pack when it arrives.
Thom