The OP was “How Big of a Pack for Daypack and Meat Hauling”, and the original post specified “Im not looking for anything elk-worthy”.I think it just depends what you really need it for. If you plan on ever hunting the West for elk and larger game, just whitetails and maybe hogs or turkeys or setting stands, deer and backpacking, solo hunting or do you hunt with other folks that can help split the load? I know I hunt solo and live and hunt out West. Once in a while my lady does a rifle hunt and I pack her stuff as well. I am a big fan of packing meat in the bag and also meat on the bone regardless of animal size. Sometimes that is difficult to do in certain situations but 98% of the time that's what I do. I prefer a 5000 cui that compresses and I also like the crib style attachment that goes to the frame especially after the first load to the truck is done. You can seriously horse out some weight and save weight going back in. I also backpack in mine all summer…. I also think if you wanted a more of a do all type of pack anything from a 2200 to a 3800 or even a 4k would be outstanding. …. The modular design is great to mix and match your situation but if you can't have more than one I think that's why most are saying get a bigger pack. You get a little more versatility if you decide to do western hunting and east coast hunting without having to buy something else until you see what you need after you do your hunt. If you stay just whitetails I think anything you choose will be just fine.