I went through this very same thing over the past year. I was at the same place you are right now Dryfly. After months of reading, talking to people and trying on packs I went with the kifaru. Bikini with Timberline 1 7200 pack. I was lucky enough to live close enough to kifaru to go down and check out the packs. Patrick (the owner), Aron and the rest of the staff there are great. Will go out of the way to make sure you get what you NEED. I never had the feeling they were trying to "sell" me. Not to advertise another forum on here, but if you go to rokslide.com you will see a good mix of review and people who do ALOT of backcountry hunting off their backs. They are willing to answer all your questions. The site is owned by Aron, but they have other reviews of packs. Right now there is one going on between the Stone Glacier and the Bikini frame. The packs are expensive but I felt good about spending the money after meeting them and trying on the packs.
