exped lightning 60l

My partner (F) is what sounds like similar build to you. She hated Hyperlite because of the minimal hip belt, and ended up with a Exped Lightning that she loves. Hope it helps!

Bought this for a Sept '14, +30 day John Muir Trail & Hetch Hetchy hike. I have serious neck issues (severe arthritis, fused & fractured vertebrae) so I looked high and low for a lightweight pack that doesn't skimp on suspension & waist belt. Hello Exped! Fully loaded w/bearcan, 4 days food & 3L wat...

I have an Exped Lightning 60L (I sometimes need week long food carries and gear for me and my 7yo son..) but my base weight is under 9lbs even with this big framed pack. They do have a smaller version (45L?) I can confirm, I have gone on trips with15lbs of food and it works really well for me over the last two years. Take a look, worked for me and my situation.

Unlike other UL packs, this pack can carry 40+ lbs comfortably. However, this all does come at a cost - convenience. There are very few pockets, and it is difficult to carry a full sized bear canister like the BearVault BV450, which is needed for extended trips into the sierras.

Pros:

* Very lig...

I found the design of the exped lightning is good for my bad back and shoulders. It really needs to be adjusted and the back stay needs to be bent to fit the person.

Review is of product quality and overall opinion of pack, only 4 stars because I have not been on a hike as of yet. I am very satisfied with pack. Absolute top notch quality and overall design. Very well thought out for simplicity, minimalism, usefulness of all features, and weight considerations. V...

As for the pack, you will struggle with that budget; you can get an osprey levity for £150-£200, and gg packs are sometimes only a little over £200, but these will all only be 0-300 g lighter than the silver back. 3F UL gear have some packs under £200 but I think they aren't framed. My SO got a 60L Exped on sale for £115 but it is no lighter. You could look at Granite Gear packs, but their temptingly light/cheap virga has no frame at all.

For a lightweight pack, this thing is exceptionally comfortable and functional. I have a slightly larger, much heavier, more lux conventional north face pack which I don't think I will use again. So far, just one long weekend trip with the Exped. Gave it a weight test since we had to have a bear can...

I've got an Exped Lightning 60L that's pretty decent but I've only had the opportunity to really use it a few times so far. The pack itself is real light with a decent frame, and the cushioning is super plush, which I need because I'm a baby.

This minimalist pack is light, efficient, comfortable, and versatile. It makes a great day pack because it weighs nothing and the compression system clamps down a partially filled pack to keep the load from shifting. Fully loaded the pack is still comfortable, even for long hauls. I took the pack ar...