How do you plan to strap your rifle to the pack w/o the bottle holders? I had thought about putting the butt of the rifle in one of the bottle holders.
Did you go w/ a platypus holder inside the pack?
I never strap my rifle to my pack where I cannot get to it fast. I either carry it in hand or use a Kifaru gunbearer. To answer your question though I will still be able to put the butt of the rifle in the side pockets I am having built. They are open at the top and have crossed webbing for bottoms. They can also be used for packing skis.
I am having a water bladder holder built in the top lid. Also a hole for the hose in the main pack, hang loop should be just fine.
