OK - fitting an inexpensive large 30 deg bag in the sleeping bag compartment of the Kelty is moderately challenging... depending on your notion of "inexpensive". Nice pack; good value. I've been using a Kelty Slickrock of similar overall volume (no pockets) for several years and it's been hassle-free and very comfortable for trips of up to a week in the wintertime, but learning to use the sleeping back compartment wisely was a challenge at first. Just used it for a 4 day backpacking trip in HOT weather where time/distance between water meant toting more water than normal and it worked great - I usually use a favorite old external frame in hot weather, but other than the sweaty back, after this trip I am leaning more to the internal... takes me a while to change out gear and get used to it.

You're probably in the realistic ballpark for total pack weight with common equipment and food - depends on how much water you carry at any given time. You can prune the weight a bit with experience, and your pack can handle longer duration trips than you contmeplate, so I guess one of your challenges will be to NOT stuff it full of things you won't need.

You're for certain going to need a means of compressing a sleeping bag of that size in order to get it into the compartment. I've had great luck with using appropriately sized dry sacks to function as compression bags, plus they absolutely keep the bag dry. A little technique required, but it's not difficult. Otherwise, a two-axis compression sack will get the job done.

Um, I've got to hit the supply stores and get a ton of things done this weekend, but I'll post back later some suggestions to look into. This time of year, any old thing you can stuff into the compartment will be peachy.

It would narrow things down for me if you could toss out a budget number... how much can you get away with spending without too severe of a "beating"? This is pretty simple if you want to go with a high-end down bag... might require a trip to the hospital for you, though <grin>...

Regards,

Tom