Vote for Stone Glacier here.
Been running an original Krux since 2016 no problems. This thing carries weight unbelievably well. Once it’s on your back and cinched up the weight disappears. Sure, your legs can tell you’re heavier but the weight really becomes a part of your body vs. something that’s hanging on you.
I will echo “buy bigger” as well. I’m running only a Sky Guide 7900. It’s way more pack than I need even on multi day hunts - I cinch it down for day hunts. Again, zero issues. The weight savings for a “day” pack were negligible to me, didn’t see in any reason in running a different bag for maybe a pound of weight savings.
I’m also a MASSIVE fan of their rifle carry system. I love that thing. It’s totally out of the way when I’m hiking, and very easy and fast to deploy if needed. Honestly it’s one of my favorite parts of the pack.
Im not sure if they’re running it by default these days, but the power pull accessory is necessary. Night and day difference, not sure why they weren’t/aren’t set up that way from the factory.
I also gave Seek Outside a shot a couple years back. Quality is good, but, for me, it wasn’t nearly as comfortable as the stone glacier. It carried up to 30-40lbs comfortably before it started to get uncomfortable whereas the SG somehow remains comfortable at 80+. I think it’s the extra padding... well worth the extra weight.