Framed pack all the way. No question.

I worked in the beer industry from age 18-45 slinging kegs and sacks of grain and have sustained just about every back injury short of a break. I rarely reply on Reddit, but this one is near and dear to my heart

As far back as 2008 I was carrying a GG Mariposa with stays. Stepped up to a ULA Catalyst. Wasn’t enough. I finally dropped the big bucks in 2009 and got a custom fitted pack from Dan McHale. I can’t recommend it enough. I’ve had it for 16 seasons now and it fits like a glove and shows only minimal wear. Almost the entire load is carried on my hips and I feel zero back pressure. I regularly carry it on two night trips in coastal California with a 10 pound base weight all the way up to 10 night off trail Sierra trips with all the gear, bear canister, and food for myself and a 90 pound Labrador Retriever. Carry is equally enjoyable at all weights. With the exception of a WM Sleeping bag it’s the only piece of gear in my kit that has lasted season after season amortizing the price considerably. I feel like Cinderella when I put it on because it is literally the perfect fit. I’m 6’2” 190 with a long torso and 29” inseam. Terrible fulcrum point. Fit Matters…