I too like the idea of a 6500-7000 ci bag on the same frame, but with a large pod and two long pockets you are pretty close to 7000 and they compress down well, so they aren't flopping around.
Maybe not as convenient and streamlined as one big bag but pretty versitile. The UL accessories aren't going to add much weight and in my experience it's going to carry better by far than a G1.
Ed,
Yeah you can get the volume up to 6500+ pretty easily with pods. How does the 5200 UL pack compress down when empty?? Is it floppy?? If not do you think the 6500 could be designed similar??
I can't remember what my torso length is for the life of me. But at 5'9 do you think that would warrant the 26" stays or would the 24" stays be sufficient in the 5200?? Could the same pack be fitted to my 5'3 wife if the stays were the shorter 24" version??
