[...]
(derailing a perfectly good thread...oh well, it's two years old so who cares right?)
Yeah, anything short of the Airspeed type trampoline suspension, my back gets hot and sweaty anyway, so the no-frills straight fabric back of something like the ULA Ohm 2.0 works fine for me. Just for reference, I use a full size Zlite pad in my Ohm 2.0 to create the frame, and it gets used at night as my sleeping pad. The rectangular fold type pads like the Zlite works perfectly for this in the Ohm, if you have a regular roll up pad, it will still work but not be as "tidy". I like that the pad does double duty as frame/stiffener and sleeping pad. If I want to take my neoair, I just use 6 panels of a Zlite I cut from another pad, and 4 would probably work too - then I have a sit pad or washing platform.
I could get a week with food out of my Talon 44 (have done 5 days, know I could fit at least two more days) and that's about it. So, if you can downsize your gear or really focus on efficient, space-saving, packing I'm confident you can get more days out of a sub-50L pack than a weekend. I think first you should find out what volume your gear and anticipated food (non-canister, I'm assuming) for your longest outing without re-supply will take up, then you can narrow down your search to the packs that have just enough capacity without too much extra space (and thus extra weight). If you can fit in a sub-50L, great. I have two packs right now, my weekender to probably week pack without canister is the Ohm 2.0 (27.9oz measured) with 42L in the main compartment if using the extension collar. With canister or longer trip without canister, my Circuit (40.6oz measured, slightly heavier because I got one with 500d Cordura replacing the dyneema sections) gives me 47L in the main compartment with extension collar. The Catalyst isn't a bad option if you want more room and a load hauler, but it is the heaviest of the 3.
The more specialized cottage industry ultralight packs like those from SMD or Zpacks look great, but I think you really have to have your weight and style dialed in before committing to one of those. There are some that look like they'll work well even at higher weights (MLD Exodus Full Suspension, for instance), but I feel like it's best to start with less expensive and more readily available packs before deciding to "upgrade" to a lighter, more specialized pack from a cottage maker. Kinda along the lines of getting a Mora, and figuring out what does and doesn't work for you before dropping your hard-earned dough on a nice custom. I personally prefer the ULA for the compromise in durability and lightweight, price, simple design, reputation, and the amazing hipbelt. But I definitely started with the Ospreys and worked my way into lighter options as I learned more.
Yeah, being limited to mail order is a hassle. Just a note, if you choose to try ULA, they are very good about returns and such for sizing purposes. I've even heard stories about people ordering two sizes, only being charged for one, and shipping back the one that didn't fit when they received the packs and were able to load them up and try them out. The nice thing about going light if you're inclined, as you are: it's possible to use whatever gear is readily available or doable on a tight budget to get down to a low weight. The bulk of going light is how you approach it before even buying more gear; replacing with lighter gear just helps if you want to get to rock bottom weights for some reason.
I see all kinds of people on the trail and in the backcountry: heavy, light, inexpensive, expensive. I don't judge a book by the cover anymore - I've met/seen great outdoorsmen in all kinds of gear whom I respect. The main thing is that they're getting out there, enjoying themselves, and not putting anyone else at risk or inconvenience :thumbup:
You probably already know this, but just in case, make sure you make use of the pillows as well as the sandbags in REI. I've heard/read, and it's been my experience, that packs carry much better when the volume is filled to capacity. I don't stuff my quilt/bag; I just stick it in the bottom of my liner and use my other gear to compress as much as needed. This fills the pack better and makes for more efficient use of space.
Anyway, best of luck on your search :thumbup: I have a habit of derailing threads too
, so this will be my last post here. We can carry on in email or visitor messages if you need to :thumbup: If you have any questions about the Exos line, OwenM is your man. He's used both the 46 and 58 extensively and can probably share some solid experience with you. That guy gets out and puts his sh!t to use :thumbup:
I did convince him to adopt the pop can stove though 
