Originally Posted by Jordan Smith
Any of the top-end brands would serve you well for a long time, but I'd be more concerned with making sure a particular style of pack fit me best, and then pick one of the top brands that makes a pack of that style.

For example, I used a Kifaru LH Guide for quite a while, and it never really worked very well for me. It has the wing-style hip belt, and I didn't realize that style wasn't ideal for my body type until I tried on a SO Paradox, with its full wrap hip belt. As soon as I put that thing on it immediately fit like a glove. Packs that fit well help you bear a load with less strain, and the load feels lighter. Heavy loads always suck, but they suck less with a pack that fits your body properly.



Same experience for me. My Longhunter Guide never fit my slim build very well. The Mckale Critical Mass harness system has a one piece wide hip belt that has two waist straps and buckles. Able to get a very nice fit all the way around my hips. Most comfortable pack I’ve ever worn and built for heavy mountaineering loads. Lots of custom features to choose from as well.
https://imgur.com/a/IkEZqSy