Well, Keith, as a matter of fact, I don’t think there IS a lighter pack aroundat least not one that can carry 1,000 cubic inches of gear, has straps, etc. Ten ounces is pretty darned light when you think about it, and that’s what REI’s Flash UL Pack ($25so it doesn’t cost much, either) weighs. Even GoLite (www.golite.com), a company that hangs its hat on light gear, can’t manage to come out with a daypack that weighs less than 14 ounces.
REI’s Flash PackI honestly think your best bet is to MAKE one. After all, even the Flash UL isn’t much more than a light stuff sack with a couple of skinny straps. You can get a stuff sack that weighs literally 1.8 ouncesthe Sea to Summit Ultra-Silk Dry Sack (www.seatosummitusa.com) in the 20-liter size ($23). Then, find some lightweight strap material and sew on the straps. You might even buy a second dry sack, cut it into strips, then fold those on themselves and sew them up into straps, then attach to pack. If you can’t make one that weighs six ounces, you aren’t trying hard enough.
Please, please, Keithsend me your packing list for a four-day trip. I’ll post it on the site.
Prefer the store-bought version? ϳԹ Online’s inventory of backpacks will help you find the right bag to carry the beasts you must burden.