If it is not to be a meat hauler then there are lots of good options. The choice for me comes down to how much, and which, crap I'm dragging into the woods with me on any given day. There's no one right answer.
My current selection is an Eberlestock H3 "Sawed Off", a The North Face "Recon", a 5.11 Tactical Rush 24, and a Granite Gear Virga 26. All are good in their role. Another I no longer have but liked is the Kelty Redwing 32 ... I think the current 36 should be a consideration.
Somewhat like the Granite Gear Virga 26, a TNF "Terra 35", if you can find one, is a good "sack with straps" ... will handle a significant load of water pretty well if you need that. Very good load bearing suspension for a small bag IMHO.
