I did not know they had come out with the JP9, the scabbard and the whole 'weight too far out' thing is what drew my attention away to other packs. I do like the new setup without the scabbard and definetly the flexibility in different setups, with'without duffell etc.

The 7lb weight seems a little high as does the almost 7lb-13oz weight of the 4500... Much higher thatn the weights I am used to with regular backpacking packs, I have a kelty ultralight 3500 weighing in under 3.5 lbs. But then again I am positive it would be destroyed in about a week on a hunting trip.

The lightweight of the sitka pack intrigued me, but I have hearing that they grossly stated this (i.e. the pack without the top or straps etc.)

We'll have to look into a little further... Maybe bring a scale into sportsmans wearhouse!