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Chip, happy belated birthday!

To me, the pinnacle of packs was from the late 80's through the 1990's from makers like Dana, Osprey, Gregory, Mountainsmith, Lowe, etc. After that (and currently) the trend makers have been following is to try to make lighter packs with "fits-all" suspensions, in fewer sizes and "fixed" internal frames with non-removable, customizable stays. The trend is also away from beefy hipblets and harnesses, to lighter and thinner for both.

Makers took away options because it's cheaper, and training store staff to fit packs correctly was a nightmare.

Today there's very little to chose from in any backpackatorium for me. That's why I say the state of packs is so depressing.

Deuter makes a nice pack with removable stays. The better Deuter models use an X frame which makes it tougher to shape, but it can be done. However, their packs are only available in one-size. I'm not sure, but I think Lowe still offers removable stays, as do some of the European makers.

The reason I harp on stays being customizable is my back shape falls outside the pre-shaped frame form. I also have a 22" torso, so I'm too long in the torso for many (most) one-size packs.

All that leaves a guy like me buying older, used packs like those I listed. I wish I still had my Greogry from 1986. One of the most comfortable packs I've ever owned.

If you're of a shorter torso than me, and your back more closely matches the "fixed" frames offered, you have a lot more to chose from.

At my suggestion, a friend of mine recently switched from her Bora 75 to a ULA Catalyst. She had knee surgery and was trying to eliminate ounces everywhere. She absolutely loves the fit and comfort of the Catalyst. ULA offers multiple sizes and removeable, customizable stays. I'll likely get a Catalyst in size Large for a test this summer. I just wish they had a model with a top pocket.

I'll also try the Exped I mentioned.

Of the internal frame hunting packs out there, I still think the Kifaru is at the top. It's a genuine, old-school, customizable internal, with a good lumbar pad.

For externals, Kevin's offerings at Seekoutside have me very interested. EdT seems to like his.

I only strayed away from my Osprey Crescent on time this year, and that was to try an REI Yosemite 75. I got it because it was light, fit my torso, and had removeable stays. However, the pack turned out to have a thin, uncomfortable hipbelt. Had it had a beefier (heavier) belt, I'd have kept the pack.

Here's the REI Yosemite, and next to the ULA Catalyst: