Backpack. down Jacket.

As far as packs go, Fit is the most important feature.

Why not give us a little more background as to where you hike. Spring and Summer here may not be like where you are.

Some insight to you hiking style would be helpful also. Hydration bladder user and what not.

I agree with Ken – it is important for us to know what features you like/don't like and where you will hike. Also would be good to know the capacity you are looking for.

On a side note, the Circuit is a great pack for all around use if you need the capacity and aren't into oz counting. I use mine mainly for winter treks as I find it more comfortable to carry snow shoes with than my other packs.

You might want to take a look at the Gossamer Gear Gorilla and Mariposa for framed (since you are looking at the circuit), and GG G4 or MLD Burn, Exodus, Prophet for frameless (since you are looking at the Jam). The Gorilla and Burn are my go to packs for spring, summer, fall, and early winter.

Thanks guys for commenting.
I do have now osprey 80L, its weight is around 5 pounds.

I am from Missouri, but mostly hiked in Montana, Oregon. I hike in summer, and spring, but I will start from this year to hike in late fall and winter. I am kind of that person hiking on trails and get tons of unnecessary stuff. After reading about light backpacking, I kinda like the idea, its what I want, true nature experience. Why carry all the stuff, and abuse my body, while the reason we go out is to feel free, and independent. Independent off all the stuff we can live without. Do not take me wrong here, I am not saying going stupid and carry nothing, but at least to reduce to essential stuff that helps to achieve my goals. Having said that, I am looking for a good backpack, with a goal of limiting myself to 30 or less pounds. I am on a small reasonable budget, so I want to get a backpack that will serve my current trip style, which is usually 3-7 days backpacking trips, and my future goals, which going to be more than 7 days, hiking longer distances.

I hope this is not to long, and helps to give an idea.
The same applies to the down jacket. I am looking for light one, which will help in cold weather, as well as in moderate cold windy ones, sleeping wearing it, and things like that.

Also, since I am new to this light backpacking, I might struggle at the beginning until a successfully get my load less than 30, so keep in mind I might have a couple extra pound, or three.

I use Ospery 3L bladder. This might need to be replaced in needed.

I appreciate your help in advance.

If you are still in the process of lightening your load my inclination would be to stick with a framed pack (e.g. the ULA Circuit). ULA is a pretty safe choice. Do you live in a location where you can try packs in person? (GoLight store, outdoors store that stocks ULA).

Overall in figuring out what I need I find an additive mental process better than a subtractive process, i.e. start with zero stuff then ask "what do I need? as opposed to "what of my existing stuff can i cut out or replace?"

This past spring I made a few big gear purchases that made it viable for me to get out in a lightweight manner. A new shelter, pack, bag and pad will make for a much different experience. (I'm still lugging around a heavier synthetic jacket).

Good luck.

re hydration bladder — yeah you might reconsider.

upside: I like the heavy weight of water close in to my back. I like having a hose.

downside: bladder in the main body of the pack makes the load tricky with the fluctuating volume. You're putting all your trust in one container.

I've gone to a 1-liter platypus w/a shortened hydration hose in one pocket (after going hose-less for awhile I determined I do like the convenience of one); a 700ml Smartwater bottle (I like to have one hard-sided container, and also prefer to add Emergen-C to something semi-disposable); then the dirty water bladder w/my filter in case I need extra capacity.

I agree with Katherine, that if you can start from zero it's really the ideal way to go after it, although of course depending on your budget that may not be totally doable in one go. If you can afford it, or can make your own gear, I personally think lightening up is way easier when you suddenly switch to a really lightweight pack (my DIY pack is 12.3oz, for example), you're forced pretty quickly to shed the heavy stuff. That method may not be for everyone, but for myself it's moved that process along much faster.

Thanks to all of you.

I think I will go with your advice here Katherine.

Mazen–

For "mindset" and overall planning, let me also suggest:

http://andrewskurka.com/product/ultimate-hikers-gear-guide/

It's worth the $20 just for the "Know Before You Go" section.

(note that some of the specific gear picks might be a bit outdated — look to the rest of his site for current recommendations.)

I got that book already, it helped a lot, but talking with experienced hikers like you in person, like here, helps to clarify things even more.

I appreciate your help.
Best,