A backpack for hunting where you need to pack in gear and animal out, is totally different ball game than backpacking for recreation. It takes a serious backpack to hold 50lbs + and give the wearer any semblance of comfort and control. But a five day backpack for recreation in an area where water is to be found probably would have a starting weight of maybe 25lbs, with a base weight of 15 or so in the three seasons conditions. A lightweighter would be less, but 25lbs all up is a fair guess. Packed volume is also much smaller. So rather than a 5-7lb pack designed to carry 50-80lbs, a 2lb pack designed to carry 15-25 is more the mark.
I would decide if your looking for a pack for backpack hunting, or for backpacking.
This is sound advice. Whole different world out there with the just backpacking stuff now a days. I'm down to 24 lbs for 3 nights with some luxury stuff like a chair , coffee press and shoes to switch into for water crossings. Can do 15 miles a day easy peasy.
