bwinters, I am also 5'8" and have 32" inseam. I go nowhere without a pack and it usually has way too much gear but that's what I do. Anyway, after using what seems to be a huge variety of packs I settled on the Crooked Horn master guide pack for most of my day/shorter hunts. It took me almost ten years of hard use but I have about worn mine out (but I have a backup that I bought here).

For anything extended I run an Eberlestock J1. Until you get into camping/hunting or something technical, I can't think of a better all around pack.

Crooked horn on left coming out heavy

[Linked Image]

Eberlestock out where it belongs

[Linked Image]

Golden............