So I'm looking for something to fill the hole between my "overnight" packs which are around 40L (of which I have at least 3.. gotta have different packs for hunting, skiing, scrambling, etc, right?), and my expedition/Denali-sized packs.
Basically, something that will be used for 2-3 night trips, generally on a hill where there will be snow/ice as well as hiking/scrambling, and extra gear/clothes will be needed. Example being a carryover route on Rainier such as Lib Ridge, etc. Probably carrying 40-45 lbs most of the time,,,, but able to handle 50 or 55 when there's a long approach or when more food/clothes/booze are needed.
I want something that's fairly light (but not so light as to sacrifice carrying ability or comfort), and able to carry (externally), without having to go Okie style with a bunch of extra straps:
- a folded Z lite
- 2 ice tools or axes, and/or 2 poles
- crampon bag
- shovel
- wands (or a picket or 2, etc.) without falling out the bottom
I don't care about detachable lids.
I have the Cilo Worksack 60L on my short list, but what else should I be looking at? There seem to be hundreds of choices out there, and it's been at least 10 years since I bought a new pack, or even seriously looked at them.