New Backpack, help?

[Shovel]

I'm looking for a new, light backpack for long trips. My criteria is that the capacity is from 2900 to 4200ci(47.5L to 69L, weighs under 2.5lbs(1.1KG) and costs under 230$. The packs I'm looking at are the:
ULA Circuit
REI Flash 45
Osprey Exos 46
Osprey Hornet 46

Edit: (No frameless packs please. Just a personal preference)

 

[Shewie]

I've had the Exos 46, nice pack but I found the scooped back a bit restrictive when packing.

Currently using an old ULA CDT or a Ohm 2.0 for longer trips, both highly recommended.

The GG Marisposa Plus has always caught my eye too.

 

[Col_M]

I got the Exos 58 for Xmas and am taking it out on its first trip at the end of this month, I'm certainly impressed by the features and quality so far but the proof of the rucksack is in the carrying.

Space wise I've trial packed mine with everything apart from food for a four day winter hike and I have tons of space left over so the 46 should be about right (I just fancied the extra space if needed and I'm pretty brutal about only taking kit I use so am never tempted to take more). At about 12kg/25lbs including weight to simulate food it's very comfortable in the short time I've had it on jogging and bouncing around my flat and park outside my door.

If you're still deciding in early Feb I can let you know how I liked it...if I remember

 

[Willowisp]

With Osprey you can never go wrong.
I also have an alternative for you: Have you thought of the Karrimor Sabre 45? It's a very rugged (military style) 45l pack and you can extend it with two 12.5l side pouches. They attach easily on each side. I use that one often, for longer hikes together with the pouches. It's a great pack!

 

[santaman2000]

The medium ALICE without a frame fits the criteria you set. It is more comfortable with the frame but that takes the weight beyond the limits you set.

 

[JAG009]

I use this pack and can recommend it http://www.mountainlaureldesigns.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=25&products_id=103 Or this if you need something bigger http://www.mountainlaureldesigns.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=25&products_id=97

 

[theoctagon]

I've got the Exos 58 and it's the best pack I've ever had, I find it very comfortable and it's pretty lightweight considering it's got a proper frame etc.

Have you had a look at the Zimmerbuilt packs? You can pretty much spec anything you like, I've been resisting one for a while now!


Matt

 

[Teepee]

I use this pack and can recommend it http://www.mountainlaureldesigns.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=25&products_id=103 Or this if you need something bigger http://www.mountainlaureldesigns.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=25&products_id=97

Thats a nice looking pack! I don't know how I've managed to miss that one. Looks very similar to my GG Mariposa Plus but a bit tougher hopefully in Dyneema. I'm going to check that one out.

@Shovel; bear in mind that different back lengths of some of these packs will alter the volume. Apologies if you knew that already


As a Mariposa Plus owner, when I come to replace for backpacking trips I'll be looking at the same again, ULA and MLD. I find large mesh pockets to be a massive advantage.


@Octagon; Matt, your a bad man for posting those. Pure lightweight pack porn.

 

[JAG009]

Mld will do any customising you like on the rucksacks as all are made to order ..(.no connection to the company Bla bla bla ) just a happy customer

 

[Shewie]

Thats a nice looking pack! I don't know how I've managed to miss that one. Looks very similar to my GG Mariposa Plus but a bit tougher hopefully in Dyneema. I'm going to check that one out.

@Shovel; bear in mind that different back lengths of some of these packs will alter the volume. Apologies if you knew that already


As a Mariposa Plus owner, when I come to replace for backpacking trips I'll be looking at the same again, ULA and MLD. I find large mesh pockets to be a massive advantage.


@Octagon; Matt, your a bad man for posting those. Pure lightweight pack porn.

Have you seen the Laufbursche stuff yet Pete? ...

http://www.laufbursche-gear.de/


Another site I like looking around ..

http://www.trekking-lite-store.com/trekkingshop/Rucksaecke:::3:3.html


Enjoy

 

[Shovel]

Thank you for all of the replies, The Exos 58 seems like a great option. A note, I don't like frameless packs. I know they're light, and can have a frame if you stuff your pad in, but I find them not as comfortable. I should've added that to the OP. My main problem with many of the Ultralight packs is that the max load recommended is around 30 lbs, and I would feel more comfortable if I were able to carry a bit more. 35lbs recommended is my limit.

 

[Teepee]

Have you seen the Laufbursche stuff yet Pete? ...

http://www.laufbursche-gear.de/


Another site I like looking around ..

http://www.trekking-lite-store.com/trekkingshop/Rucksaecke:::3:3.html


Enjoy

:Wow: Cracking looking site.


Shovel, you are not really that far over comfy weight limits at 35lb. 15kg which is a reasonable benchmark is 33lb. I have carried nearly 40lb in mine before on the first day and its no horror show. You just have to be careful and not pick the pack up by one strap and haul it on.