cali_hornhunter,
Since you seem to be new to buying a pack keep this in mind. Fit is the most important thing when considering a pack/frame combination.
A pack that is absolutely amazing and as comfortable as can be for one person who is 5'10" may be a total back buster for someone else who is also 5'10" and the same weight because the length of their torso is different or their waists are different sizes. This is why some folks absolutely love Badlands packs and others hate them, because they have static length frames. So, when you look at what you want to get you first need to measure your torso length and then only look at packs that either have frames that are the right length to fit your body/torso or that have an adjustable frame or suspension that you can fit to your body. You also want a pack/frame that is slightly higher than your shoulders so that the load lifters can lift the shoulder straps up off your shoulders slightly when you use the waist belt to carry most of the weight.
As an example, the Badlands Sacrifice is a really popular pack, but the frame is not adjustable for torso length like the Mystery Ranch NICE frame or the Kifaru or KUIU frames. You can adjust the shoulder straps some but there a lot of folks that it just won't work for. The Badlands 4500 on the other hand is offered in two frame sizes, medium and large, to accomodate more people comfortably. So, even if someone absolutely loves there XYZ pack or ABC manufacturer, remember that you are buying something that needs to fit you and not your buddy.
Hope this helps,
Larry
