Lightweight daypack for hiking/alpine climbs?

What do you consider lightweight?

HMG Icepack? 40L/55L is <1kg, has a frame, waterproof, can attach snow shoes, ice tools and campons to the outside of it.

Just for a day pack without the need to carry snow shoes, HMG Metro is 190g and 30L.

Cilogear sells a nice enough 30L daypack. Downside: Lacking in the waterproofness.

Patagonia has a couple nice models that might fit the bill, the Ascensionist 25 and 35. They’re widely available, and easy to get on clearance.

I picked up an Ascensionist 35 last year on clearance and have been pretty happy with it for winter hiking and for occasional alpine pursuits. With the frame and waist-belt removed, my size L/XL weighs 687 grams.

I believe that there are stages that we pass through in terms of gear purchases. At first I’d argue that it makes better sense to buy a second hand gear. This provides some framework to make additional purchases with, at discount. The final stage is having a skilled manufacturer make exactly the equipment that we request, down to the bells and (literally) whistles.

That being said, earlier this year I purchased a very nice pack from KS Ultralight in Japan. I got everything that I asked for. He has various models (patterns/volumes) and is very willing to accommodate special requests. It is without a doubt that Mr. Barikosky is highly competent in the field of pack making and that he has materials that fit your needs.  @vision-quest

I suppose it’s worth noting that I lived in France for a couple years and speak French. (Virtually) All of our communication regarding the purchase was in English. On occasion there was a very minor translation fault but nothing different than dealing with Locus Gear, for example.

For an opportunity to create exactly the pack you want with a great choice of sturdy materials (note: no cuben) and a company that specializes in lightweight gear I’d check out what he has to offer.

http://www.ks-ultralightgear.com

**no affiliation

Check out the HMG Summit pack.  Not as slimmed down as the metro, but pretty light and rugged as well.  It is nice to have a near waterproof pack, that can take snowshoes, crampons, and other things for a long day out.