I haven't read the whole thread but is anyone using Intial Ascent Packs? I was at the western hunting expo 3 years ago and stopped by there booth and they set a pack up for me and put 50 lbs on it and I couldn't believe how comfortable it was. I was looking for a pack that i could use for hunting everyday all day with but also I could pack out a load of Elk meat if I harvested one. This pack has a carbon fiber frame that is designed to put the weight on your hips and not on your back. You have a open air way in the middle of your back so you never have a sweaty back. I swear by it.