Had a short hike into camp this year and had a Mountainsmith FrostfireII and a Dana Big Horn available. The Big Horn worked the best by far. Lighter is the main reason. Still big enough to carry out a load. It just seems to keep turning in on itself and worked well as a daypack with the ability to carry out a load.
Only time I carry a daypack anymore is hunting where I know I'm coming out every day. Even then, I'd rather load up pockets and simply have a fanny pack than carry anything.