JMO. . . . If you are planning to do alot of hiking through some tough country, I think, stay away from external frame packs. I backpacked for years. External frames are nice for easy well groomed trails where no scrambling is needed. If you are going through heavy brush, over logs, rocks etc. You will appreciate the internal frames. The weight is closer to your back less crap sticking out etc. The only draw back is less ventalation (sp?) for your back. Hunting in the fall should be pretty cool though so I would not let it stop me.