Lightweight 6300 with Cuben?

[Eli]

I need to carry weight for a hiking partner. Part of this is carrying one, in very rare cases two, 16x9 custom Bearikade canisters. When the weight/volume exceeds my ULA Catalyst and Gregory (possibly an older Palisade 80) I can fall back to my Kelty Super Tioga. The Super Tioga is listed at 5500 cubic inches and weights 2900g. The Super Tioga permits carrying the 16x9 Bearikade on top in the horizontal position. The opening circumference of the Kelty is about 52-53 inches, which fits it fairly tightly. (ULA/Gregory require carrying vertically and can handle only one bear canister.) My total backpack weight has never exceeded 65lbs. I carry 50lbs fairly regularly, but comfort ends there, while 60lbs is rough and only achievable with the Kelty. A full Bearikade weights up to 13kg or 28lbs.

The opening circumference of the 6300 Evolution has been to be 48 inches or 5 inches less than the Super Tioga. Is the Evoluton at 6300 a smaller pack than the Kelty's 5500? What are its main body dimensions (closed)? How does the frame compare to the Kelty, especially the UL version? Will it handle 60lbs for extended periods? (Unlike a hunter with meat I would have to carry less weight but for several days.)

Finally, the Evolution pack with standard frame (2lbs 6oz) VX21 6300 ci zipper bag (1lbs 1 oz) and standard talon (6-8oz) weights 3lbs and 13-15oz or 1700 to 1800g. Is the Evolution 6300 available with 2.92 Cuben fiber? Or is the Unaweep available in Cuben and in a size larger than 4800? I wouldn't mind saving an extra 6-10oz using Cuben and UL frame if this is realistic: I stay on trails, can avoid bushes and can be careful around Sierra granite. (The bottom of the Kelty aluminum frame is somewhat scratched though.) Finally, is Cuben available in standard grey? I don't like my pack getting hot, but green is ok too.

[kevin_t]

48 is correct with a 33 inch closed height and 500 CI in side pockets.

A side zip will likely allow horizontal access but I can't guarantee it.

The UL frame is plenty rigid with 60 lbs , I've done 135 with it and the pack was fine, I maybe wasn't

Cuben can be done in gray but we stock it it green and would have to charge more for the custom order if gray and lead times would be longer