Fitting for those built different than the norm, advice and recommendations?

I would look at Gossamer Gear packs. The gorilla should do, but the Mariposa 2012 would be guaranteed to carry the extra items you mention, a bear can, and food/water/fuel for the JMT. They allow you to order pack and waist belt sizes separately. I have a new Mariposa and can't say enough good things about it. Plus, at. 27 oz., it's only 2 oz. heavier than the Gorilla model. As for bags, for the money, look at enlightened equipment. They may have a 30* bag for 18 oz. They definitely can get the sizing right for you and have lots of custom options.

Man if you like out the Aether it'd be worth checking out the REI Crestrail 70. I mostly don't like REI stuff but they got this one right. Mucho better than the Aether IMO – stiffer frame, doesn't squeak, better padding, better pockets, interchangeable parts – it's what the Aether should be. The access zippers are worthless to me, but you may like them.

You might check out ULA Equipment (http://www.ula-equipment.com/ ). I love mine. I'm 6'5", not quite as slender as you.

ULA packs aren't the least expensive, but are well built, flexible, etc., etc. When you order you specify a torso size, waist size, and shoulder strap shape.

Wow, I'm glad I asked for input. I'd overlooked over some items mentioned, and haven't heard of several others. The Mariposa and ULA packs have my attention. I like the Aether and Crestrail still, but the lighter weight alternatives seem too good to pass up.

I'm really liking the look/weight/features of the Mariposa. The customization options appeal to me as well. Was the 2012 version just released? Is it roomy enough for other gear on the inside if I put a BV500 into it? Would it fit vertically or horizontally? Also, the hip belts list a large range for each size. Would you recommend the small (25"-42") or medium (29"-48"), and is there a difference in padding and shape? Again, I'm a 32" waist with non-existent hips.

Of the two ULA packs, I'm leaning towards the Catalyst because I can fit a bear canister in horizontally. One question: because of the dry-bag enclosure, does the volume of these bags decrease when you properly roll it up to gain a watertight seal? In the Mariposa, it appears it's close system won't decrease the interior volume when closing.

Another option that carries well and fits a bear can horizontally is the Six Moon Designs Starlight.

As for your roll top question, the roll top is for compression and not a watertight seal. You just roll it as many times as needed to secure your gear. These packs are not waterproof.

As for fitting a bear can horizontally, make sure you try it that way before you take it on the trail. it may or may not be comfortable that way for you with that particular pack.
I have had excellent results carrying my canisters vertically, both in terms of convenient access for snacks and lunch on the trail, and for carrying comfort.

As much as I like the ULA packs, I think I'm set on the Mariposa 2012. I know how bad it is to choose equipment by appearance, but since I couldn't decide based on features, why not?

Thanks for all the input guys, if I'd gone with my original choice of the Aether, I feel I would have been unhappy after learning about packs like these being available. I guess I need to backpack where there's more people so I can see what kind of gear is out there.

I'm 6'4, 85 kg, so I can sympathise with you. Lucky most large harnesses I've tried seem to just fit me. That said there are a couple that have worked better for me. If you really need the larger volume the black diamond mission 75 is a nice mainstream pack, one of the best I've seen. I work in a store where we sell osprey and I chose a black diamond instead. It's lighter than the Aether, with fewer dangly bits and comparatively comfortable.

Now, however I've switched to a smaller pack by crux, the AK 47 which is 1.2 kg on my scales and about 50 litres for size 3 (long). crux gear is made for slim climber types (I also have one of their jackets, in medium tall size) and it's all really tough and no nonsense.

Crux also make a 70 litre pack if you need the extra room, and it only weighs 1.7kg. These are both climbing oriented packs but they are relatively light and very tough, particularly the crux packs. They are made from waterproof kevlar cordura and are seam sealed to boot! I'm not sure how relatively cheap they are for a US buyer but for me in Aus it was dead cheap to buy one from the UK, about 200 Aussie dollars including delivery.