Osprey 65

I mentioned a while back that I might be in the market for a lightweight internal frame.

What do you guys think of either the Osprey 65 or 50? I'm looking to use it for approx 4 day trips. Anything longer and I can use my external frame. If I ever need additional space, how easy it it to attach things like a tent to the outside of the pack?

I'm planning on using in as a 4 season pack, although in most cases I think I might use my external for winter.

The downsides I see are that the pack has limited adjustments, and the shape of the frame may make loading a bit difficult. The upsides are that it is light seems pretty comfortable, although I have yet to put one on for more than a few minutes.

Someone at TLB just posted that she tried the Aura 50 (women's Atmos) and didn't like the frame. She said it was not the right shape to hold a bear canister, which may mean nothing to you, but also the pack tended to tilt back going uphill. Maybe it was just the women's version that would do this, but I'd definitely try it on for more than a few minutes before buying it-or get it from REI, so you could send it back if it didn't fit.

I just tried the Osprey on, unfortunately, it didn't fit me as well as I would have liked. skinewmexico had mentioned to me in another thread that the REI UL series was pretty good. www.rei.com/product/747520 I liked it as well it was comfortable and super light, thanks for the suggestion! The only downside is that it has limited capacity for attaching things like a tent to the outside.

I also looked at the REI ridge line 65 www.rei.com/product/762485. It was very comfortable, and had more options for attaching things externally, but it was also a full pound heavier.

So the benefits of the REI UL are that it is light and comfortable. The downsides are that it dosn't seem to be built as tough as the ridgeline. The fabric on the bottom seems like it might be prone to tearing if you aren't careful about where you set it down. Also, it seems like it dosn't have a good place to attach my bulky 4 season tent.

The Ridgeline has lots of places to attach things and seems much tougher. The downside is that it weighs more than 4lbs. I already have a few heavy external packs so I'm looking for something light this time to minimize overlap.

Which of these two would you suggest. If there is one that combines the best of both worlds, let me know.

I probably should have mentioned that REI is replacing the UL60 in 2009 (or so I read on BackpackingLight.com), so you'll probably be able to get it on closeout. I also got a Golite Jam2 recently, and am really happy with it. If you can't get your tent in one of those, you're taking too much stuff, IMHO.

I'm thinking about unloading all of my packs when the Osprey Exos 58 comes out so I can get it.