I am new to backpack hunting and don't have the experience of most on here, but I have used the eberlestock packs on day hunts. I have the Mini-me for predator calling or prairie hunts. Sometimes we glass from a vehicle and then make a stalk, this is light and quick for that and the scabbard keeps my hands free for crawling up on game. For walking hunts I had an X1E I used last season and liked it real well, but replaced it with a J34 this spring. The J34 has the expansion system for more gear or meat, and compacts down smaller than the X1E. I really like the J34, I've been doing 3-4 mile hikes with it every other day to get in shape and find sheds. I carry 40lbs of weight and it feels comfortable. They are heavy, but they're built well and waterproof. If you don't plan to use the scabbard, you could find something lighter, but I use mine alot. I jumped a coyote last fall while carrying my rifle in the X1E scabbard, so I pulled it and shot him. I ranged where he started and where he dropped, he had covered 64yds running hard, so you can get one into action pretty quick.
The mini-me is to small for hunting far from civilization. If I don't need a ton of gear and won't be using the scabbard I have a light Camelback Stryker that weighs a little over a pound and carries 1280CI that seem perfect. If I am going deeper, want more gear, or to pack out meat the first trip I like the J34.