Alright folks, I'm waiting a couple of weeks to see if I can finagle a packframe for my 26th.
In the event I don't though, I'm planning on buying myself one. Primarily for backpacking (long day hikes, odd overnighters, and the rare weekend), maybe a little scrambling or mountaineering if the bug bites. Trouble is, my budget doesn't quite see eye to eye with my wants.
I am in love with the Gregory Z-series of packs. Especially the Z55. Tough, comfy, good size, etc. But $140 is the cheapest I've found for that specific pack, which is still a tough pill to swallow. That support system with the big lumbar pad is freaking awesome though, and it's got enough capacity for a weekend or better. The Z45 is closer to $120, and the Z35 is more like $105. A little easier to swallow, plus I get that that awesome Jetstream LTS, but I lose capacity. And the older Tarne 36 with the older Fusion LTS can be found for $96. Most will be a few liters larger since I wear a Large frame.
Then there are Kelty packs. The Courser 40 and Redwing 50 are the two top contenders from them, at $76 and $85 respectively. A Lakota 65 would be nice, but for 3-digits I'll spring for a Gregory. Generally well reviewed, solid capacity, but I don't get that awesomely comfy LTS. Trade-off is the prices are more approachable. And I can get them in green.
And then there is the big kahuna, a surplus rucksack of some flavor. The Large A.L.I.C.E. Pack has the equivalent of something like 101 liters of capacity. Lots of room, I know it's durable, and it's cheap ($45 @ SG). Probably not the comfiest pack in the world though.