I'd like to understand why people don't just use a larger pack and condense it down. I purchased an Exo 5500 this year and it was my first pack from a major pack manufacturer. I honestly only have interest in another pack to compare fit/comfort.
This 5500 packs down so well, I wouldn't hesitate to take it on a day hunt or a 10 day hunt. I get that some smaller packs may weigh slightly less, but I figure I could take a pound or two off my stomach before I worry about a couple ounces on my pack. And on a day pack,
This will be my first season with dedicated packs and not compressing down a multi-day pack. It worked fine for me over the years it’s just not ideal for what I have planned over the next few years.
If you can afford dedicated packs for long and short trips it’s a much better system in my opinion.