I vary my hunting technique greatly depending on conditions and mood. To add to that, I will be hunting archery this season for the first time. I also hunt in an area where it could be 30 degrees in the morning and 50-60 by midday (during early gun season; won't be as dramatic a swing during bow).

I still hunt. I spot and stalk. I hunt from natural ground blinds. I hunt from a climbing tree stand (unfortunately I don't feel comfortable leaving hang-ons on public land...that would make everything a TON easier!). And I usually go deep into public land.

It does not take a lot to get me sweating, so I generally need to pack heavy clothes in if they will be needed. This is especially troublesome when hauling a climber along. I don't tolerate cold well (I wish I could!!), so being completely still in even 40-degree weather, for me, requires some layers! But if I'm still hunting, I don't need much at all to keep warm. A lot of times I will still hunt and if I find a good area, will park in a decently concealed spot which requires that I put the layers back on.

So I need a pack that will enable me to carry my gear and clothing, and clothing is generally heavy and bulky. I want the pack to stay off my back as much as possible, especially when still hunting. It needs to be large enough to accommodate heavy clothing, but I want the pack to be LIGHTWEIGHT. I also need it to be USABLE when I am NOT carrying a lot of gear (for warmer days or days will I will be still hunting exclusively, etc). A camelback is probably a plus, too. Of course, durability and quality are needed.

I know that's a lot of info and I appreciate you wading through it!