Of the two I would highly recommend the Big Horn. The compact frame is two short for most people to get shoulder lift so it sucks at higher weight.
The Big Horn uses the Down East 1603 frame while the Compact uses the Down East 1606 frame, searching for info on those will give you some more data. The shorter 1606 frame is used as an ALICE retrofit fairly often and isn't much taller then an old alice frame, it is also used on the new USMC FILBE pack so when you find pictures of that you can see how short it is.
The 1603 is used on the Army's MOLLE packs and with a good suspension sits about like a 24" frame. There are infinite mounting options with the slots in the frame so I think it could be a pretty good load hauler. I could take or leave their bags (nothing wrong, just not my taste) but I think their suspension is pretty solid.
