I want a new backpack! Suggestions?

I currently have a North Face Spectrum pack. It's old and heavy and although I love it I'm considering something with some modern comforts. On the Forney Creek hike with Lou I took my GoLite Infinity, which I had previously used only as a large day pack or carry on when flying. It's really too small unless you're doing a 1 night summer hike and only take the essentials, however, it did have some features I liked. Now I'm considering buying something new and wonder if anyone wants to comment on things they like or don't like about their packs. The most interesting improvement I've seen on the new packs is the ventilation systems. I've looked at the Osprey and Gregory packs in the store and they seem to only have a mesh screen against your back...is it really as cool and comfortable as it looks. Also, the new fabrics seem to be very light and that's always a plus. I wonder how all this holds up over the years? Any comments would be appreciated.

-Adam

I have a Granite Gear Nimbus Meridian Ki and overall I love it.
There are a couple of things that I don't like

~ a large outside pocket for stuffing a rain jacket or whatever into.
~ the side pockets are really tight so not condusive to storing items you need to get to frequently.

Adam,

there has been a great discussion about backpacks not that long ago on our discussion board! Check it out here: http://backpackers.me...

I hope it will help!

Dmitry

DO NOT buy a new pack until you know everything that's going in it. That's the biggest mistake most people make. They buy a pack first and then wind up buying gear to fill it. You should buy everything you plan to carry first and then see what size pack it'll take to carry that. You want the smallest pack for the job.

Anything by ULA. I have an old P1 and P2 an love them. Plus you can customize them with your choice of pockets, etc. They are light and well made.