I finally discovered that all the adventure racing features on my Golite Speed were unnecessary for ultralight backpacking, so out came the knife and scissors. I’ll get the pictures later, but out went all 4 side pockets (I use the shock cord+cordlocks on the shoulder straps to hold bottles), the rear compression flaps, tool loop (if I need to carry an ice axe I’ll pick a different hike), lower compression strap, entire top lid assembly and associated straps, and a few other pieces here and there. GoLite lists the pack this year at over 2 pounds – mine is probably now close to a pound. Thanks to this site for fueling the addiction, and allowing me to save quite a wad of cash.
