I like compressin systems like the Epic. I do think with improved stays it will carry a larger load well, though I would like to see an extra compressin strap and larger webbing. I have basically gifted the Epic to Owen (my son) and he uses it all the time. I had to get him a smaller belt. My most used pack this year was a ULA ohm 2.0 with a modified frame. I have carried 75 in it, but really I consider it a 50 to 60 lb pack due to belt slippage. Combined with a couple custom made add ons it is the most efficient wilderness carry system I know of. It's a bit small 3900 , but measured 3000 but I did use it on the early spring crossing of part of the San Juans ( 25 to 30 miles, mostly snow, much above tree line) with snow shoes, ice axe, BCS and prototype sibling stove. I also used it on one weekend BP hunt. I didn't plan to carry out a whole animal though. My plan, if I had gotten something was to put camp gear in a dry sack attached to the outside, and meat inside then come back with a Kelty cache hauler for the big load. I really like the cache hauler for large loads, in fact I like it much more than a Dana external frame. I don't like 3 piece belts though, so perhaps I am in the minority. My twener pack is an Osprey vector series, that while long in the tooth is excellent for loads to 80 ( though I've carried over 100 with it). I do believe if Osprey still made the vector series it would be on everyone's radar for BP hunting .
