AH what pack did you switch to?
I'm currently playing with a Kuiu Icon large/tall frame, but too soon to tell if I like really it or not. I'm behind on training this year, and having to hustle to catch up.
I've been happy with the Kuiu ability to swap the pack off of the frame. The waist belt is similar to the Exo design, and "locks" when you adjust it. One of my biggest gripes with most packs is the need to re-cinch waist every quarter-half mile.
I've had good results with the Eberlstock products, I just spent a four-day weekend in the Sawtooth area of Idaho with a Little Brother day pack that was comfortable. My chief complaint on the Eberlstock pack line in the larger models is physical weight, they are heavy when empty, but they have carried well for me loaded. I used the Tailhook for a couple years as a day pack, but again, heavy when empty, and over-built bulky materials that took interior space away from carrying capacity.
However, I agreed with the comments above, they are a medium duty pack IMHO, and not as efficient as some of the other upper end packs listed in this thread.
I have used a Tenzig 6500 and a MR Grizzly as training pack over the past few years, the Tenzig more than others. The Tenzig has carried 30-45 pounds from Day One, and has not ripped, torn, sagged or really caused my any issues. It does not cinch down well when lightly loaded, and has some slop when moving. The waist belt slips, and that has kept it from being more than a trainer for me.
LA brings up a good point I missed - the Exo WAS very easy to shoot a bow with, and I could turn, bend, and kneel with little effort. The frame length of the Exo came up behind my head, which I also did not like as much.
