Lightest Ultralight Pack with a Frame?

I have an older Gossamer Gear Mariposia Plus with carbon fiber stays that is 20.1oz.

I have no idea if the Ohm 2 is in the same league (I had one) as the KS40 (never owned one). Perhaps my wording was wrong though, and you are right that the frames differ. What I meant was I would say the KS40 seems to me to also have a frame. A lighter frame, but a suspension that I would call a frame. Others might disagree and may call it not a frame, but a ? That is fine too.

All of these frames in the different packs differ. Some are lighter and offer less support. Other are lighter and perhaps offer a very similar amount of support. Other are heavier and offer amazing support, others are even heavier and might offer more support, but to an unnecessary level (which is linked to functionality – how much do you need to carry).

That is why ultimately I think these questions on which is the lightest or the best, or warmest are not that interesting. The threads end up having the feeling of some kind of contest.

I personally often take something less lightweight because of the added features or comfort or functionality. The hip belt and amazing pockets on the Ohm don’t make the frame stronger though. It might make it a nicer pack, for some people. Others might prefer the lighter weight. For me the side pockets and mesh stow pockets alone were good enough to take a weight hit. You can spend the whole day not opening up your pack with what you can stow in there. I didn’t have the need for the volume though.

I just got word that my KS50 has been shipped! I’ll be able to compare the suspension system directly against my Circuit. I have also recently gone through a gamut of bags from a Fusion 50 to an Osprey Atmos so I can compare it to a variety of suspension designs I’ve recently carried. I can say this the Circuit with the single stay removed does not prevent barrelling or really do much at all except keep the bag from collapsing onto itself. I will reserve ultimate judgement until I receive the KS but I suspect the hoop of the Circuit does a poorer job of transferring weight to the hips than the KS does.