I should have mentioned that these are fall/winter weights for me and my 2 boys. I usually have to pack for my kids as well so that's where about 20+ pounds of that weight comes from. The kiddies cary 10 pounds or less each since they are only 5 and 8 years old. I usually make them carry food, water, a whistle and a jacket on hikes where camping is involved. I get to carry everything else.

If I am solo, my pack weight is in the 40-45 pound range for fall/winter camping dry. I still use the eagle for this usually. Summer trips allow me to get down to the 20-30 pound pack range which is where I like to be. I usually use a GoLite day pack or my UL45 pack from REI for summer trips. These lighter weight packs though really require you to mind the weight or they get uncomfortable real quick. The Eagle is the most comfortable, really durable pack I have found for $135.


Here is a pic of my REI UL pack (and my dads).