need new pack suggestions

What was the issue with the packs mentioned?

My lady has been very happy with her Golite Quest, but it weighs a little more than you're aiming for. If fitting a sub 2.5lb pack has been so problematic you might need to relax the weight requirement to get something that fits and carries comfortably for her.

I also have friends who are quite pleased with the women's specific packs from Gregory.

-David

Both my wife and daughter use Gregory packs, despite the weight. What can I do, they like them, ESPECIALLY if I load them up to 15-20 pounds.

Well If you want a frame for less then 2.5 pounds I only see a couple options.

1. Hyperlight Mountain Gear – Probably a Windrunnner would be plenty adequate for her needs and the extra pockets will be nice.

2. Custom made pack by Chris Zimmer. I just tried out a Zimmberbuilt pack on a hike in New Mexico. His quality is good and he made it a lot faster then I expected him too. If you want details of the pack he made for me let me know. I might sell mine because the hipbelt doesn't quit fit right. If you are interested you can PM me. I'd also be happy to answer any questions you have about the pack.

3. ULA Circuit pack – I haven't used it but this is a proven design that lots of thru-hikers like.

ULA Ohm 2.0 perhaps? Might be a little bigger than what you are looking for, though meets the other requirements.

It’s larger than you’re looking for but the Granite Gear Vapor Ki has the padded framesheet and is under 2.5lbs.

http://www.granitegearstore.com/Vapor-Ki-P7C7.aspx

They’re no longer making this model but it’s available elsewhere online.

May be worth a look http://www.elementalhorizons.com/kalaispack.aspx

Burn

Depending on your price and time to delivery tolerance you may want to consider a McHale. You could easily have one of his custom Bump, Merke or Subpop packs made to under 2.5lbs.
Ron

If I were in the market for a new pack I'd look at the following packs first:

Elemental Horizons Kalais (I corresponded with the owner several months ago and they will do custom mods), with the added stays. I'm really impressed with everything I've seen and read about this pack. I'm not going to get it, though, unless my current pack (a 2005 model SMD pack since discontinued) falls apart.

ULA Circuit, although a little heavier than I'd like (it falls within your GF's weight parameters, though)–get the S-shaped straps.

In either case (or with any other cottage manufacturer!), I'd call (or better yet, have your GF call!) and discuss the parameters before ordering. When the pack arrives, she needs to load it up with her gear and the weight/bulk equivalent of several days' food and water and hike around the house with it for a couple of hours. Be prepared to pay return postage if it doesn't work out.

"- 35 to 40 liter (2200 to 2500 square inch) capacity
– tall and thin design
– suspension including a hipbelt and at least a frame sheet or stay
– outside pockets capable of carrying at least one liter bottles
– obviously weighing as little as possible but willing to compromise up to 1200 grams (2.5 lbs)"

Ohm 2.0. Stripped of the non essential accessories it comes in on my scale at 1# 7 oz for a size medium, and carries like a dream up to 25#, has the best water bottle pockets I've ever come across, and has a narrow profile. It is also durable.

I've just completed a season with mine that included some fairly rough off trail hiking, and it came thru with flying colors.

If I were in the market right now, I'd be looking at the Granite Gear Crown VC Ki, or a Z-Packs Arc Blast. I bought a used GG Vapor Trail this fall which was the predecessor to the Crown, and it's insanely comfortable. The Crown is supposed to have made some improvements, so I'd definitely be looking hard at that, or finding a used Vapor Trail.

Thanks to everyone that responded. The Elemental Horizon Kalai is a pleasant surprise. Thanx especially for that suggestion and the custom pack resources named. A lot of other great packs were recommended but they are all way too big. Any other recommendations for a 40 liter or less pack with a framesheet, stays, or frame?

Very comfortable, removable frame. 2800 ci. 25 oz. to me, was as/more comfortable than my beloved granite gear vapor trail. Surprised it has not been suggested, or maybe I missed it. I would personally, however, be very interested in the Zpacks Arc too.

If you are interested in zpacks, you could try getting a Blast 22 with carbon fiber stays. You should be able to specify any torso height needed.

The SMD Swift is rated at 3400ci but main bag is 2300ci + exterior pockets + extension. Add the custom hipbelt with great pockets and the internal aluminum stay and you’re at about 23 ounces.
SMD Swift

I like mine a lot. Here’s link to article on design of SMD Swift and comparing it to ULA Conduit: Swift whitepaper

Looks like SMD has Swift’s out of stock right now, not sure when more in. . .

John is making packs now over at Borah gear

http://www.borahgear.com/stealth.html