Larger, more comfortable lightweight pack

I almost went with the Crown2, but after reading a bunch of reviews chose the Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 instead. I have been very happy with the choice. I’ve carried up to 30lbs in it for training hikes. My typical trail weight is 22-25lbs and it handles that easily. overall I find it very comfortable, carries up to 30lbs well, and has nice organization with all the pockets.

Gossamer Gear Mariposa!

Have you looked into Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor? They have 40-60, and 60-75 model as well. I have one and I love it. I carried 40+ lbs easily and weights under 3lbs. I’m not sure why this bag never got talk a lot in the community. It might be close to 3lbs compared with those UL packs out there.

Have a look at offerings from Elemental Horizons. Might stretch your budget a bit, but worth it IMO. I’ve got a Kalais and love it.

another vote for Granite Gear Crown2 60L.  Used it for a year, carried 25lbs in comfort!

The GG is probably overbuilt by the standards of most lightweight backpackers, but if you want extra padding and comfort at a good price point (long is currently on sale for $150 on Backcountry.com), it may be exactly what you are looking for. Without the (unnecessary) lid, I think it may be less than 2.5 lbs and it has good storage pockets including a big stretchy front pocket.

My regular GG Crown 2 weighs 31.5 ounces without the lid and plastic framesheet. That also puts the main bag at 55l. Also on sale on the GG website as of a couple days ago. Carries 25 lbs. easily in that configuration.

Another vote for the GG Crown 2. Have used it for a few years and have had  up to 35 lbs in it when carrying water on desert hikes.  With 20 to 25 lbs it is super comfortable. However, I have never tried the Mariposa for comparison.

Yeah, that is the thing, I do need the comfort for when I need to go up to 20#s.  Need to shift to my hips and not the scars.

Been using the Sierra designs terraframe for years it is solid and light can long haul a ton

ULA Ohm or Circuit? A little more expensive but my Circuit is terrific. For shorter (and lighter) trips the Photon’s good as well although without a frame.

. UNDER $200 and is 50L size large

UNDER $200 and is 50L size large

I have a flash 55 liter from REI that I love (lots of back issues from years of construction work, and disgusting amounts of sitting in med school). Good padding, and good balance on hips, preferred over the granite gear that I used. UNDER $200.00 new, but still try their used gear section! I got my significant other one at a very nice price.

https://www.rei.com/used

https://www.rei.com/product/148589/rei-co-op-flash-55-pack-mens

I would also keep my eyes open for Exped Lightning 60 on sale. Great load carrier and only contacts your back at shoulders and lumbar. Has a mesh front pocket accessory you can add on.

Getting older is a bitch.  I’m 52 and packs just are not as comfortable after a long day.  I have to say the Crown VC60 was my most recent purchase and I’m quite happy with the comfort level, expecially when <30 lbs.  That is the pack I used on the JMT, but seemed overkill for a fast hike of the TRT.

Seek Outside Flight Two fits the bill but will be $299. Load rating is 35lbs-50lbs.

https://seekoutside.com/flight-two-x-pac-spectra/

I wanted comfort as well so I went with the Seek Outside Gila which is another 5oz and a few dollars more. You can carry 100lbs without a problem.  20-30lbs would feel nearly weightless!

https://seekoutside.com/gila-ultralight-backpack-gray/