Looking for a new pack

I own an '08 REI Cruise Ul 60 and like it a lot BUT…

If I were buying a new lightweight pack today I'd get the new Osprey Exos. If need be you can buy REI spare side pockets (they come in pairs) and buckle them on the sides but the Exos is a very commodious pack as it is. I've tried it with weight bags inside at REI and, after adjustment it was very comfortable for about 1/2 hour, the most time I felt I should try it when I didn't plan to buy. Try it on and give it serious consideration.

The Exos is small enough for 2 days and large enough for a week, with a judicious choice of ewuipment.

Eric

If cash is tight I'd try the 2008 Conduit Scott is selling on the gear swap page…. if I was quick enough.

It's a good price and the 08 model has a better hip-belt than the current one in my opinion.

ps. no connection to Scott, just giving you the heads up on what looks a good deal.

I own an exos 58, i would love it if the belt was supporting a bit of the weight but with a total load of 12kg it wasnt.
The buckle would open if i tried to tighten it more
Once after a pause i forgot to use the belt and my shoulders didnt notice any difference.

I am a kind of Osprey fan as i also own a stratos 32 and an atmos 50 and my wife use a talon 44.
We have used them with similar weight without that issue.

thats sad because except for the belt i love this pack, maybe they will correct this in a modified version.

I just picked up the miniposa and love it. Sounds like all your stuff would fit it. I added some GG hipbelt pockets for organizational purposes, and it saves a little space inside the pack. I would certainly recommend this pack, or if you want more space go for the mariposa plus.

My brother carries a Talon 44 with similar gear and loves it. Can't go wrong with the smaller Osprey packs. A little feature rich, but to each their own.

…

Mike, I own a 09 Prophet. I think the pack is fantastic. I use it without the sternum strap or hip belt and it rides fines. I think your gear & food would easily fit. Let me know if you have any specific questions about the pack.

Jamie

Mike,
You've got some good choices here. There are reviews of several of these packs on the site (but you'll need a subscription for that).

The Golite Jam is another good choice. I love my Mountain Laurel Designs packs (2 of them), my Golite packs (3 of them) and my 2 Gossamer Gear packs. You can't go wrong here!

Have fun-
Doug

Thanks for all the tips guys, I really like the look of the phrophet but am not to keen on the 2 month wait time. I was wondering if some people could give me some input on the conduit as it seems like the ULA version of the Phrophet. I think I will be staying away from the osprey packs because they have to many bells and whistles and are to structured for what i am looking for. Thanks for all the really fast and good quality help keep it coming.

I have the ULA Catalyst and Ohm. The Catalyst is perfect for extended hikes (3 days and way beyond) and the Ohm is a great weekend pack. Basic packs that are very light and durable.

Mike… I have both the Conduit and the Ohm. I've used the Conduit on many hikes as long as a month, with resupply every four or five days. I thought that the Conduit would be my go-to pack forever… that is until the Ohm came out and I tried it. It's a couple of ounces heavier, but the lightweight frame makes all the difference and it carries like a dream. The design also allows for much better compression as the supplies dwindle.

Conduit on top of Camel's Hump (Long Trail) in avitar.

I also have a Conduit which is my go-to pack and I just got an Ohm for my girlfriend. I love my Conduit and if the Ohm doesn't work for my girlfriend I'll be keeping it anyway for myself. If she does love it, I still may have to replace my Conduit with one as John has done.

I also heartily recommend the Ohm. I've been putting it through its paces for about 2 months now in the Cascades under all sorts of conditions on hikes up to 13 miles/4000' of elevation gain, with loads up to 32#. I've found that it will carry up to 25# very comfortably, and up to 32# reasonably comfortably if you pay attention to how you place the hip belt and wings. With reasonably careful selection of gear and food, and packing of same, you should be able to go for at least a week without resupply. I say this because I will be using an Ohm on a 10 day trip this September with a total carried weight of ~25#. I know it can be done, because I've already made a trial packing run.