RE:Packs
For a pack let me tell you first what you don't need. Nothing that wieghs over about 3.5lbs and nothing that is larger than 60L. If you get a big pack you will fill your big pack.
After that fit is everything. I like the Osprey line for a main stream pack manufacturer. There Exos series of packs are about the lightest you can get from a major manufacturer. If the Exos packs fit you well I would start there. If those don't fit I would go to the next model up. Osprey as a company seems to embrace a lightweight philosophy throughout there line.
I use a ULA Equipment Circuit which ways about 2.5lbs and carrys up to 35 lbs very well. As a goal I like to keep weekend trips sub 20lbs and weeklong trips sub 25lbs. Each extra lb on your back makes a big difference. The problem is that there is no where in Canada to try these on so I don't really recomend getting one as fit is so important. MEC makes okay packs but they are all overbuilt, and heavy for their volume. They are pretty bomber though so you won't wear them out.
One general recomendation for buying gear for your overnight set up is that all you need is your day hiking set up plus a tent, a sleeping pad, a sleeping bag, a stove, a pot, and a spoon. Everything else is a gadget that you don't really need to bring.
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