So I'm 6'7" & have a long torso, so my options have been semi limited.
I have the kifaru tactical and light frames with fulcrum and Stryker xl bags. I have only been training with the tactical but used the light last year hunting plus training since then. I much prefer the light frame, it just fits me well. The most weight I've trained with was 74#. It wasn't uncomfortable, but you know you're carrying a little weight. To be honest until you get over maybe 60# the weight all feels the same in the light frame. I'll probably move the tactical frame on the classifieds this winter. It just isn't comfortable, for me.
I also have an older mystery ranch that is probably the most comfortable, but I haven't tried to carry more than maybe 50# in it due to only have a day size bad attached. But when carrying that 50#, it was very comfortable. I've used it probably 6 or so years hunting until last season when I used kifaru. It still looks impressively new.
I've tried one of the eberlestock external frame packs long ago (don't remember which one) in a store with weight in it, and it was not good for me. I do EDC one of their internal frame packs(switchblade maybe?), and it has held up extremely well. It shows very minimal west after 3 years of every day use.
This is just my opinion, but it almost seems like instead of a really efficient & comfortable design, eberlestock just adds extra cushion everywhere. That makes them heavier but comfortable for light to moderate weights. Once you go over that weight limit, whatever it may be, the design flaws show themselves and you noticed the bag isn't comfortable at all.
That being said, it could also be that I'm weird shaped and their packs just don't fit me well.
I would give exo a try next if my kifaru light frame ever craps the bed.
Based on availability, I'd recommend a mystery ranch for your situation though.
I would HIGHLY recommend going to a store front and trying them all on with some sand bags in them before pulling the trigger.
I have the kifaru tactical and light frames with fulcrum and Stryker xl bags. I have only been training with the tactical but used the light last year hunting plus training since then. I much prefer the light frame, it just fits me well. The most weight I've trained with was 74#. It wasn't uncomfortable, but you know you're carrying a little weight. To be honest until you get over maybe 60# the weight all feels the same in the light frame. I'll probably move the tactical frame on the classifieds this winter. It just isn't comfortable, for me.
I also have an older mystery ranch that is probably the most comfortable, but I haven't tried to carry more than maybe 50# in it due to only have a day size bad attached. But when carrying that 50#, it was very comfortable. I've used it probably 6 or so years hunting until last season when I used kifaru. It still looks impressively new.
I've tried one of the eberlestock external frame packs long ago (don't remember which one) in a store with weight in it, and it was not good for me. I do EDC one of their internal frame packs(switchblade maybe?), and it has held up extremely well. It shows very minimal west after 3 years of every day use.
This is just my opinion, but it almost seems like instead of a really efficient & comfortable design, eberlestock just adds extra cushion everywhere. That makes them heavier but comfortable for light to moderate weights. Once you go over that weight limit, whatever it may be, the design flaws show themselves and you noticed the bag isn't comfortable at all.
That being said, it could also be that I'm weird shaped and their packs just don't fit me well.
I would give exo a try next if my kifaru light frame ever craps the bed.
Based on availability, I'd recommend a mystery ranch for your situation though.
I would HIGHLY recommend going to a store front and trying them all on with some sand bags in them before pulling the trigger.