A lot of divergent views here as everyone has a different body and its reaction to various packs. This is one of those scenarios that a better move would be to go to a well stocked store and try on different models. Even then a cursory "test" may not be the same when trekking around in the bush with weight in the back.
I would like to defend the Eberlestock previously mentioned by Kakobuka68. I have a ten year old Just One that has been all over the western US including 6 trips to Alaska. I must report zero failures in all aspects including the rifle scabbard which I think is a great idea! I loathe the Kifaru Gun Bearer so you can see this is a personal topic.
The Kuiu was pretty nice but I couldn't get used to the folding technique to close the large compartment. I wanted a high quality zipper.
I will be testing a new to me Eberlestock X1 in the next week on the upcoming elk hunt. This is a scaled down version of the Just One - more suitable for a daypack.
Anyway, in the backpacking/camping arena, if you find something you like that works well - GO BUY ANOTHER ONE.
Too many times the manufacturer discontinues the model, cheapens it or goes out of business.
With all due respect BW I'm with Thomas on this one. A guy would be far better of and spend less on a Dana Design Longbed or an older used Dana Internal. You couldn't pay me to ever use an Eberle again. Glad it's worked out for you but they really aren't worth the money. Long story short I tried 3 different J105's all three had failures and as bad a heavy hauler the J104 was the J105 wasn't much better. JMO
