I know this has been discussed to death, but I did not have much luck doing searches here and on whiteblaze.
Comfort at 30-35# is most important.
Also want something that would last a through hike with care.
I think my max with food for 5 days and 2 qts of water will be about 31# max or so, but that's with a lot of gear. Typical stuff, but trying to go more compact as well as lighter weight.
Large volume, maybe a frame sheet or other UL frame and very light at maybe 18 oz or so ?? This is a cold weather thru or long section hike pack so I am thinking I need around 4000-4500 ci or so.
I know the ULA conduit is about the best pack going but heavier than I am looking for I think. Although comfort vs and extra lb and I would take comfort over the lighter weight.
Right now I have rebuilt my old Kelty alpine pack with a lighter internal frame etc, Its an extra large and weighs 2#8oz. Not sure of the cubes, but I have used it all over the country for years. Maybe 4000 or so.
Also have a jam2 but it does not have enough volume for a long hike with a lot of Eq. Okay for a short summer trip.
Some of my big gear consists of….
Sleeping, Either a Snowlion 4# down bag good to about -20 since it has delofted a bit from a -40 bag. Also have a montbell #2 and that would be carried if I only intend to take it down to 10dF or so with layers. The snowlion takes up alot more room.
4oz blue pad which can go on the outside, neoair regular inside.
1.25 oz Tyvek bivy with a waterproof tub bottom.
Spitfire tent or..
a tarp and bivy. Tarp is now silnylon 5×11 with a beak, held up by one hiking pole. Gives very good coverage and a lot of room. I am considering building one of these out of cuben which would weigh about 5-6 oz.
Clothing the regular cold weather stuff, 3 layer, with synthetic insulated pants, insulated jacket, insulated vest wind/rain jacket and pants etc.
