I have underwear older than most folks on this thread and have been backpack hunting in Alaska every year since the mid-'70's. That said, I've always been interested in trying things out for myself and forming opinions based on first-hand experience.
The first real pack I owned was a Kelty external frame pack and it carried its share of bear, moose, sheep, goat, caribou, and sitka blacktail. Since then I've been using internal frame packs beginning with Gregory, then a Dana Design TerraPlane Guide model (1000d - heavy but built like a brick sh*t house). Perhaps a couple decades ago I started using Kifaru packs (EMR, MMR, and various smaller packs, and then a Longhunter Guide). I've also recently owned and used a Mystery Ranch 6500 and a MR Marshall and a MR Metcalf. Also still own a Kuiu Icon with both small and large bags.
A couple/three observations: The best carrying packs in my opinion and based on my experience are MR and Kifaru. The new MR made-overseas packs are cheesy compared with the US-made packs, but lighter. Don't like the skinny little buckles and belts on the new MR packs (other readers may love them but I don't). The one pack that has survived all of that (anyone want to buy a Kuiu Icon?) is my 10-year-old Kifaru Longhunter Guide (no longer made I think). It has lots of scars and blood stains but it continues to be my choice based on a reasonable amount of first-hand experience.
Funny, I got rid of my Kifaru LH Guide because the Paradox Evolution fit me and carried so much better. There's that preference thing again. Gotta go with what fits you the best, and does what you want it to do.
