I have a fair amount of backpack experience, though I have only gone out a few times in the last few years. I also have done some bike touring and plan to do more and want to keep my gear weight down for that too.

I am going on a 3-5 day trip into the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park in mid-March with a group of folks. I went to the Maze District of CNP last year at that time on a 4wd trip and the weather was great, warm with no rain. Hoping for the same this year although it has been colder and wetter on the Colorado Plateau this year.

I weigh 110lbs, so I want to keep my pack weight down. 30lbs is a bit much for me, I'd like to stay down to 25lbs (or less)

I just got a Gregory Deva 60 pack. It was on a great sale price at the current REI clearance sale: $75 (reg. $250). It replaces my Kelty Zuni which I felt was too big for me. The Kelty has more space, but I want/need to carry less anyways.

I know the Deva is not a lightweight pack, it's 5lbs. I looked at lightweight packs and they didn't seem to have the support I'd like to have.

Last weekend I put 20lbs in the Deva and went on a 5 mile hike on a snowy trail and I was very impressed with the comfort and fit of this pack. So I think with 5 more lbs in it will still be ok.

The CNP trip is a 7 mile trip in, 7 miles out, in a flat canyon bottom. There will be running water so we can filter from that. I'll just carry 2L of water to drink. I use platypus containers with a drinking tube.

I've just been doing a practice packing of this pack. I tried my Northface Snowshoe sleeping bag which compresses pretty well for a synthetic, but it just takes up too much room in this small pack. So right now I have my NF Blue Kazoo down bag. I'm a bit concerned about rain, but I think it will be ok. I have an Alps Orion 1 person tent, 3lbs. I may be sharing a 5lb tent with another gal, but for now I'm assuming I'll bring my own. My REI core-lite pad is 1lb 9oz, but it is a bit bulky. I have a Thermarest 3/4 length superlight pad, but it's not too much less bulky.

For clothes I am only taking what is necessary: 1 pair zipoffs, lightweight shortsleeve and longsleeve (Sportif, buttonfront nylon), upper and lower base layer, fleece pullover or fleece jacket (to use as pillow too), Marmot Precip jacket and pants, 3 extra pair smartwool socks. I think I have enough stuff to layer if it gets cold. Hat and gloves too.

With the above items in my pack right now it weighs 15 lbs; 10lbs is gear, not too bad. But I don't have much room left in this pack.

I still have to add food and water. I'm thinking of not bringing a stove or pot. I do have a Sweetwater filter. I may be able to get hot water from someone in the group for tea, etc. I'm thinking of just eating cold food. I have dried hummus and dried black beans to hydrate and put on flatbread. Maybe baby carrots, tuna or chicken in foil packs, string cheese, Primal Strips (like jerky), clif bars, bagels, gorp, etc.

For boots I may wear my Lowa hiking boots (not too heavy) or Montrail goretex trail shoes. Also bringing Teva sandals, there may be water crossings.

If anyone has any suggestions for backpacking for petite women, I'd like to hear them.

I'm having fun planning this and figuring out what I do and don't need.