Lightweight panel-load backpack?

I would think you'd have the best bet of finding what you need on ebags.com. Good luck!

I looked and found a few that might work, but none of them seemed to fit all of your criteria, but it was difficult to know without a budget:

http://www.ebags.com/the_north_face/overhaul_40/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=100236

http://www.ebags.com/kelty/hub/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=95564

http://www.ebags.com/mountain_hardwear/glisse_large/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=104749

http://www.ebags.com/osprey/waypoint_60_womens_medium_special_buy/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=116228

http://www.ebags.com/lowe_alpine/fall_line_35/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=108097

http://www.ebags.com/the_north_face/neutron_34/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=79304

There are several. There are some day packs that'll work. The Jansport Odyssey is one. The Osprey Porter 46 is carry-on sized but it's a convertible. Try on BootsNAll.com or Lonely Planet.com Good luck!

last year I got a very lite Eagle creek for $75 from rei.com
Also sierratradingpost.com has really good deals on backpacks and other travel items. If you decide to buy something from them, google for discount coupons. I saved once 20%. Try a few of them, even if they are expired. They might work.

I've looked everywhere for 2 days and have come to realize that I am going to have to live with a top-loader. I've found a few that meet my needs for the airline and as a hiker. Thanks for the great tips!

Carol, you might look at the MEI Voyageur. It IS a convertable, but it's renouned for it's incredible suspension system, shoulder straps and it's durability. It has an internal support frame, AND it's a panel loader. You even search here for comments and reviews. It might be exactly what you'e looking for!?!?

You can see their products at www.meipacks.com.

Good luck!