From what i understand, if you have a muscular curved back the lumbar pad is probably gonna be more comfortable than not having one, and i tend to agree based on my experience. I got 2 hip belt pockets and they are nice but a little harder to open one handed than the kuiu ones if the pocket is not pretty full. I got the hydration port cause i use a bladder too but i also got a water bottle pocket in case i want to leave the bladder. Id also recommend the frame extensions unless you are pretty short. Im 6' and i could certainly get away with the standard height in daypack mode but theres no way id wanna pack weight without the 2" extensions in. With 75lbs rucking the 2" extensions are great but anything more id want the 4". The SO packs are so customizable in this way i didn't see the point in limiting myself from all the options when i ordered to at least try it all out. I just wish i got my daypack merlin in xpac, i wasn't aware it was an option