Speed Hike Pack Recommendations

This question is tough. You're basically asking every single member of BPL what backpack they use, since almost all of us have 30-40L packs that weigh very little.

I don't even want to think about the consequences of leaving off a brand name, but here's a brief list of companies making these packs:

Gossamer Gear
Granite Gear
Mountain Laurel Designs
Zimmerbuilt
GoLite

What is your baseweight and total pack weight going to be?
Do you need a frame?
Are you using a CCF pad as a frame?
Are you going to run at any point in time where bounce will be a concern?

Just some questions to think about.

I would start by looking at a zpacks zero, fully customizable from a grocery bag with straps to a framed pack.

In general just get the lightest backpack that has enough support and padding for the weight you will carry and that fits you.

to answer a few questions …

base weight – not finalized but probably 15 lb or less, food is the indeterminate.

must be under 2 lbs, and preferrably 1.5 lb.
I already have an older Golite Jam which fits all requirements except I don't feel it carries very well hour after hour.

so in this regard, it must be frameless, will probably use small CCF pad as a frame depending on how it carries, I often just stuff my soft goods against my back and carry the pad on top.

We will generally Not being running, except for an occasional downhill jog.

I do not use bladders to carry my water.

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Those requirements still span the extent of UL backpacks. If you look at the listed companies, you can ask targeted questions (like "Which is more comfortable for an 18 inch torso, a GG Gorilla or an MLD Prophet?")

Max – sorry if I'm vague, probably because I don't know the pack market all that well.

I want the lightest 30-35L pack that rides well on my back.
Like I said before, I have an older Golite Jam that fits my criteria except I don't feel it rides very well.
do not want a frame, may not even use a CCF as a frame.
I like the pack to hug my back from top to bottom.
I carry most of the weight on my shoulders in this weight range, so minimal waste belt is ok.
tend not to like exterior mesh pockets, but not a deal breaker, I would cut it off.
in fact the fewer pockets the better.

I'm sort of looking for and extra large running pack, except I won't be doing much actual running with it.