Mariposa + vs. Comet & Starlite

Matthew:

Hope you don't mind my tacking on a question. I am particularly interested in a compare/contrast between the Comet and the Starlight — both seem to have very comparable volume and load carrying capacity. Under what circumstances would folks pick one over the other?

I have a 2007 Starlite that I like a lot. I went on a 4-day trip a couple of weeks ago where I needed to carry extra water (some dry camps) and a bear cannister so my total pack weight was 32 lbs at the start. With the stays in and a sectioned 3/8" GG Thinlight pad in the pad pocket it it was at least as comfortable as the MS Auspex (3.9 lbs with full suspension and heavy padding) it replaced. Why did I pick the Starlite over the Comet? Capacity – I was looking for a similar capacity pack while dropping a couple of pounds.

Tim

I was in the same place – mariposa plus v comet v starlite, and picked the comet because it has what I feel is the best compression (3 webbing straps instead of bungee lacing).
I have only used it on one trip so far, but really liked it. The volume seems to be just right for me, but I wish the compression straps were longer for attatching things to the outside.