Back to packs... some things are subjective based on a person's torso and hips, some things are non-negotiable/non-subjective. Load lifters that work are a non-negotiable with anything over a daypack type weight. Stays that can be bent to the wearer's back are non-negotiable, unless you're one of the 40-or-so-% that fall in line with the manufacturers pre-bent, non-removeable stays.
Kifaru is doing it mostly right. McHale is too. Arcteryx is barely holding on. Deuter isn't too bad if a one-size pack works for you. Ditto Lowe. Apart from those (and likely a couple others) the pack market is dismal.
