Help with choosing a light, comfortable Daypack

Do you plan to run with it?

I would recommend the Murmur or Kumo (though in a large, this is slighly more than one pound.)

This is a small volume pack I have used for as long as two weeks out, but, that requires close planning. It carries well, now that it has better straps. I have used it only on short trips recently. It carries quite easily, using loads up to 23 pounds. I add a three layer nightlite pad for frame stiffness. This adds about 4.5oz to the ~9.5oz pack weight. If folded with the bumps out, it supplies fair ventilation, but like all frameless packs, tends to be warmer than a framed pack. I think this is around 35 or 36 liters in size.

Have you considered the osprey hornet 24 (or even the 32 as I believe you can remove the top flap to bring the weight down). Comfortable and come in large, but the main advantage is that you can easily go and try one in an rei store to make sure the sizing is good for you. Then if you buy it and find it is not right, just return it.

Consider the MLD Burn along with the GG Kumo

Thanks for the suggestions!

I had not planned to use it for running as i use a waist pack for that. More or less, I will use this for day hikes/overnighters.
I havent tried Osprey but will look into that.
I used to own a Murmur and didn't love the way it fit. Other SUL frameless packs seem to be similar in that regard.

Keep the options pouring! I may be willing to go near 24oz if it meets all of the above criteria.
Cheers!

You can get a zpacks zero and get any option you like. Can't imagine wanting a frame for a light daypack.

How about the terra nova laser 20l. I just ordered one tonight and it would seem to meet most of your requirements

11oz
Side pockets
Frameless

Not sure on the torso length though

I use the exos 34 .. it's 2lb but it has the same basic ergonomics as my Exos 58 backpack and has the tramoline back which is nice. top could be removed but at dayhike weights it's not really important and organization is helpful. It's nice to have the volume sometimes when carrying warmer layers.

Anyone have experience with Vaude?

I carried up to 20 pounds last Sept.w/9 lb. base weight for 10 day hike on JMT( w/resupply) and other trails on a small Zero that Joe added 3-4 inches to the length.Used a BV 450 bearcan. Without belt it was comfortable, particularly under 13-14 lbs.. For me it carried better than an Osprey Hornet 46 I sold to pay for the Zero.That pack w/a frame for me was uncomfortable at 15 lbs.Go figure! Joe is great to work with..My zero, about 2200 CI weighs 8 ounces, with the Cuben and nylon reinforced hybrid version..

Chris Zimmer is another pack maker that made me a pretty robust( frameless-w/pad pocket) waterproof pack w/the Xpac material, heavier. He made me one w/detachable waist belt, and detachable outside pocket( 400 CI).. It weighs by how you use it( options-detachable), anywhere from 20-27 ounces, 2500 to 3100 CIs. Using this w/waist belt, but not outer pocket for SHR trip in early Sept( 8 days-no resupply). I used this pack in rain and snow in March on the Foothills trail in SC/NC and it carried well, very comfortable.

REI Flash 22. 16oz, $50, water bottle pockets, top pocket/lid, inside mesh pocket, removable back pad, and hydration pocket.

It could be lighter if you removed the top pocket, but I like it. The belt comes off without surgery (and did). Torso size is meaningless without a weight-bearing hip belt, but I wear large size packs and it nestles into the small of my back like it should. More importantly, it has shoulder straps that a big guy can wear without the pack riding like a rabid raccoon on your back.

I've been using one for a few months and I like it. It's a modern version of the old rucksack and fills that same niche– something to throw the essentials, lunch and a camera into and get going.

Cons: the shoulder straps are minimalist, so light loads are best.