I’ve been using the Mystery Ranch Sawtooth 45 for daypack hunts for a couple years now. Just packed out a bull elk a few days ago with it. Comfortable, plenty of pockets and storage for gear, and can handle lots of weight!
Just came back from doing 2 miles with 50lbs, the most weight I’ve tried yet. WAY more comfortable than the metcalf I tried adjusting for the past few months.
I use the Exo K4 and the 2200. Throw the lid on it and you get like 400ci more. I just did an overnighter in it. I was scouting but I could have hunted. It had plenty of room in it.
Even the K4 5000 compresses to an impressively compact size but I did grab a K4 3600 aswell for day hunting/trapping. You can always make the pack smaller (compression straps) you can not, however, make it grow.