Well, everything that has been said is true. Everyone has there opinion, biased or not. But remember, packs are like shoes, one will fit u better than the next. Just because its 1000 dollars dont mean it will fit good. Myself and my hunting friends have used every single pack one can imagine. A lot if it has to do with what u want and what type of hunting are u going to be doing. Any pack with a 100 pounds on it isn't going to feel great, but how does it ride for all the time your just hunting. With 20 to 30 pounds on your back?
We mostly hunt either from a wall tent or a spike camp, there for our day packs weight maybe 15 pounds at the most. We have had great success with opsrey packs. We use the atmos, aether and xenith. I just got a hill people gear pack. I still prefer the comfort of the osprey.
I know, I know, it not rated for a 100 pounds, it's not tough enough, it isn't camo, it doesn't cost 1000 bucks. It's going to fail, its built to be super comfortable on long distance hikes.......wait....what was that last thought??? It built to be comfortable on long hikes......isn't that what we want? How often are you hauling 100 pounds? ??? Me, maybe once or twice a year. Usually 60 to 80 pounds.
What I'm saying, is we have packed over 30 elk and at least 20 deer. And all we use are ospreys. Awesome warranty, amazing customer service and great produc]
I've used a cheap cabelas pack frame most of my life and it has packed hundreds of animals over the past 30-35 years. getting pretty worn out now but then so am I.
you are correct on not NEEDING to spend a fortune . on the other hand after trying on the exo, I wish I had had one the past 30 years. never realized how uncomfortable my old frame was till I tried a good pack.
I am to the age I enjoy my comfort.
my thoughts are ,if you can afford it ,why deny yourself?