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I use some filson stuff too, but for your backpack needs I'd use an alice or molle and be done with it.

That's kind of disappointing hearing their CS has slipped. I've accumulated a lot of their gear over the last several years.

I had a Camp Trails back pack in high school and college...

that pack has been to both ends of the Appalachian Trail in Maine and Georgia.. and everything in between....all 1100 miles of it..

in scouts in the 60s, I was a hiking fool and so were the troops I was in, and then same with the troop I was a Scout Master in during College..

got my son one just like it when he went thru scouts....2001 to 2012.. still got that one around here in the closet or shed...

I ve always had great CS with Seek outside. wonder what happened?

I have in the past, as well, but the most recent debacle has me a little disenchanted.

I started a warranty claim about 10 months ago, and have sent many emails and made many phone calls, and just today got a resolution to 1 of the 2 problems I had. The second problem will go unresolved. Communication and product support have ranged from underwhelming to very disappointing.

I have an old version...much older version...of the London Bay Trading Company's 3 day assault pack. It's made out of a very heavy condura material. I can't say what the current versions are made out of. The one use is very simple and very strong. I took the light belt of of it for how I use it now. I use it every day..... The one below is a newer version and a little different design. I've not used one of the later versions but for toughness, the one I have would be hard to beat.

https://lbtinc.com/collections/apks/products/1476a?variant=13181689167915

Don't laugh till you try it. But for what you want to do pick up one of these for $30 at Cabelas. Many of the packs out there weigh more empty than the weight of the contents you put in them. This is under 9 oz empty. I bought the green with red trim and find myself using it more than the others. And I have several to choose from that cost considerably more.

https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/ascend-dash-720-lightweight-backpack

I have 2 of their packs one of is the Umlindi that I absolutely love. It's borderline hair big for EDC but will cinch down smaller if needed. I like the ability to add pockets for added organization of space, but the straps are handy to roll up a jacket, attach a tripod, any awkward items etc. Their shoulder straps are where it shines though it distributes weight better than any pack I've had.

Tactical Tailor makes some basic 1 or 2 compartment packs.

Made in USA to boot.

Superb pack for light loads.

Great for winter or desert environments.

DWR treatment on fabric in contact with your back eliminates sweat absorption.

Easily dyed if desired.

If the OP hasn't bought one already check out Frost River.
Made in the USA!

That sucks to hear. There are plenty of good shelter options IMO, but Seek Outside packs are pretty unique. I'm not sure what would be similar - wrap around hipbelt, vertically rigid frame with the right kind of flexibility. None of the packs with hipbelts that come out like wings from the side of the lumbar pad (Kifaru, Stone Glacier, HPG) are as comfortable for me.

I agree. It’s pretty disappointing. I was a pretty big SO fan and proponent, but my enthusiasm has subsided after dealing with these warranty issues.

DWR'd pack material facing the back.

Added layer of rectangular concealment mesh 10 inches wide, seamed and folded in half. The top doubled mesh is folded 2 or 3", partly inserted into the back sleeve and velcro'd inside.

Velcro lower corners on pack material facing your back/kidney.

Sewed sleeve through both layers of mesh 4 inches from bottom (at fold) to accept 4" x12" x 1/4" piece of foam.

More comfortable for heavier loads. Mesh is not directly in contact with the pack. More velcro contact points can give you added lift and better ventilation as well as evaporation.

A small covered foam pad attached to the waist band and to the thin shoulder straps looks feasible for heavy loads.

Crafted the shoulder strap pad wrap around. Like a BP cuff. Adds ~10lb comfortable carry weight.

Added fanny pack, med pack and mag bandolier.

You can get a lot of stuff into this pack if you Ranger roll any clothing.

Removing the two white webbing pieces reduces weight just over 4 oz.