Designed for ski/climb, great for other stuff too, ultralight - C.A.M.P. M5 Pack

CAMP packs_ love weight_ because they are designed to carry skis and climbing equipment. So the suspension is great for backpacking and day hiking too. Empty wt of the M5 is 2 lbs 5 oz, definitely competitive with anything Gossamer Gear makes in this size. I loaded it up with almost 25 lbs for a day hike -- expresso pot (!), stove, fuel canister, lunch, extra water, extra clothes.The suspension is absolutely great. All the straps are comfy and ultra-adjustable. You can strap all kinds of stuff to the sides. The 'brain' is large, inside one of the 2 zip pockets is a nice key hook, and the 'brain' adjusts to cover the pack. I used the shovel pocket for a sweater and some stuff I wanted handy. The helmet attachment that zips out of the bottom can be used for other stuff. The "back door" zip is actually really useful. When I stopped for lunch I pulled that zipper down, and grabbed the stuff I needed more easily than with the usual rummaging. It has no outside water bottle pocket, so I added a CAMP water bottle pocket to one strap, which is handy and secure. The inside hydration pocket is great for those who like that, and I put my extra water there. I want to use this for backpacking in the Grand Canyon, where extra water/weight will be necessary. Fitting some sleeping bag stuff sacks in the bottom will be tight, but a shorter fatter stuff sack will fit perfectly. I have owned the CAMP X3 600 for 2 yrs, I use as a day pack with more reasonable loads, but you can carry skis or snowshoes with that. I bought the M5 because I realized that CAMP is doing something amazing with their pack suspension that other manufacturers aren't. Try a CAMP pack!