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Lightweight framed pack recommendations for ~18 lb base weight? 45–60L, sub-3 lb

I currently have a Gregory Paragon 60, which comes in around 3.7 lbs. After using it, I realized it’s probably a little more heavy-duty than I need, so I’m looking to drop some pack weight without going all the way to a frameless UL pack.

My base weight is around 18 lbs, and I’m looking for something:

* **45–60L**
* **Under 3 lbs**, ideally closer to the 2–2.5 lb range
* **Framed**
* Comfortable carrying an \~18 lb base weight plus food/water
* Still reasonably durable and supportive

So far, the **ULA Ohm** and **Gregory Focal** are two that seem to fit what I’m looking for. I’ve also looked at Zpacks, but their packs are more than I’m looking to spend.

I’m definitely **not limited to the Ohm or Focal**—those are just two that have stood out from my research so far. I’d especially like to hear about other packs in that same general category that I might be overlooking.

I’m not trying to get the absolute lightest pack possible. I’d rather find a good balance between comfort, weight, durability, and a supportive frame. Basically, something noticeably lighter and less overbuilt than the Paragon without sacrificing too much carrying comfort.

What other packs would you recommend looking at?
#camping #activity #hiking
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Knee arthritis slowly ruining hiking for me, anyone else dealing with this?

Hey all. 54F, been hiking for most of my adult life and it's honestly the one thing that keeps me grounded. About two years ago my knees started getting worse and worse and I got diagnosed with osteoarthritis. Downhills have become pretty brutal and some mornings I'm so stiff I have to sit on the edge of the bed for a while before I can even get moving.

I've messed around with compression sleeves and KT tape and popping ibuprofen before hikes but nothing really sticks long term. The physical stuff is one thing but the mental side of feeling like hiking is slowly being taken from me is honestly what's getting to me the most.

Would love to hear from anyone dealing with something similar. How has it affected your hiking life and how are you coping with it both physically and mentally? Feeling pretty alone in this lately.
#hiking #activity
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Looking for a lightweight 55–65L pack for multi-day hiking + mountaineering

**Looking for a lightweight 55–65L pack for multi-day hiking + mountaineering**
Hey everyone,
I’m looking for a new backpack that I can use as an **all-rounder for multi-day hiking and mountaineering**.
Most of my trips are 2–4 days in the Alps, sometimes sleeping in a bivy/tent around 2,500–3,000m. I’m also getting more into mountaineering, so I’d like something that can grow with me rather than buying separate packs for every activity.
Ideally I’m looking for:
Around **55–65L** (I’d consider up to 70L)
Relatively **lightweight/ultralight**, ideally around 1–1.3 kg
Comfortable with roughly **15–20 kg**
Tall/narrow shape rather than a wide trekking pack
**Shoulder strap pockets**, especially ones that can carry soft flasks, similar to trail-running packs
Accessible side bottle pockets
Ice axe attachment(s)
Ability to carry skis/poles
Some way to securely carry a rope on top
Top-loading or roll-top design
Reasonably weather resistant
Durable enough for scrambling, via ferratas and mountaineering
I know getting **all of this in one lightweight pack is probably unrealistic**, so I’m happy to compromise on some features. I’m also flexible on budget if there’s something genuinely worth paying more for.
I’ve been looking at packs such as the **Durston Kakwa 55, Osprey Mutant 52, Exped Lightning 60, Blue Ice Stache 60**, and even some lightweight **hike & fly packs**.
Basically I’m looking for something halfway between a **trail-running style pack, an ultralight trekking pack and a mountaineering pack**.
Does anything like this actually exist? What would you recommend?
#activity #hiking
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