I have an Osprey Mutant and looks, feels and so far has been pretty bombproof. Its a light simple pack with enough good features to make it versatile but simple enough to be light without using superlight materials. Its about 40-45L.

e-doc wrote:I'm 5-7; ~4-5000 cu" attachments for sharp things, 2 shoulder straps, hip belt

I've used a Black Diamond Outlaw pack since January of 2009, one or two days a week since then. Lots of peaks and miles. It's a really tough, reliable pack which has seen a lot of action and shows little wear. Hauls skis, snowshoes, axe, crampons, pretty much whatever you throw at it. It is originally designed as a back country ski pack, however I use mine year round. We are about the same size, I use the 30 liter small/medium version. Super comfortable also, seems to actually work better with 10-20 lbs loaded up. Hip belt pockets, hydration compatible, tough nylon.

I've modded mine to hold a six liter MSR hydration bladder, and installed a trekking pole stowage system on the left shoulder strap, and also a secondary storage system on the sides. Works really well while stowing the poles and transitioning to an axe on precarious terrain. There are plenty of attachment points on this pack, which gives a lot of flexibility to whatever activity you may have planned.

MSRP= $130.00

http://www.spgear.org/reviews/5948/Black-Diamond-Outlaw.html

http://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en-us/shop/ski/snow-packs/outlaw

For single day snow/ice climbs and long weekend BP trips, I like the Marmot 40XT. It weighs just a bit over 3lbs, has a crampon pouch, tool attach points, loads from the top, and is made of tough materials.

For weeklong trips, I prefer the GoLite Quest. It weighs about 3.5 lbs and has about 72 litres max capacity. For multi week expeditions I use my Arcteryx Bora 95. At a shade over 7lbs, it's on the heavy side but it's comfortable and can carry big loads.

Cilogear Dyneema packs are the way to go.

Anybody use the MH South Col? I'm semi in the market for something smaller than my Lowe for general mountaineering. I was just in Chamonix about a month ago and just about all the packs I saw were either Lowe Alpine or Deuter (which I've heard good things about...). Just testing the waters haha

Been using Cilogear 60L for the mountaineering, weekend trips and cragging. Worked well. Light, sturdy and reliable. Got a clip broken, but I do not expect the plastic to last for too long on any of my packs.

Just bought the REI pinnacle 40l. It's a rad pack that I suggest you look at. Only $100 and is definitely going to be my go to mountaineering pack for the next few months.