I’m considering packs.

Right now I have a Kelty Tioga frame pack, and a large Jansport rucksack that is light but uncomfortable with moderate loads. I haven’t used either for backpacking, but the Kelty is an external frame pack and would be somewhat unwieldy for lightweight packing, and the Jansport has little to recommend it.

Under consideration:
Mountainsmith Ghost 3000 ci, 2 lb 4 oz
Mountainsmith Auspex 4000 ci, 4 lb
Kifaru Marauder 2500 ci, 4lb 7 oz., plus long pockets
Kifaru Pointman 3000 ci, 4lb 15 oz, plus long pockets

The Mountainsmith packs are lightweight and relatively inexpensive but have a good reputation. Kifaru products are said to be extremely robust, and their prices and weights reflect that.

I may take a few trips with the Jansport or Kelty before buying.