I've been using an old backpack/waist pack system with a harness for years that I purchased online from a popular big box outdoors store. The systems has been good but not great. It always seemed no matter how much I adjusted the straps and shoulder harness, the weight seemed to carry low and eventually hurt my back. I hunt mostly local in Southern California, and mostly half-day hunts at that. So, I wanted a pack that had support that would keep the weight distributed evenly, and one that would hold my gear and have room for some extra weight if I harvest something. This pack is VERY comfortable and distributes the weight of my gear perfectly! I knew my other pack wasn't right but I had no idea how bad it was until I transferred everything to this one and put it on! I'm still hoping that I get a chance to add some meat to the load at some point this season. I don't think I'll be able to load a full boned out SoCal deer, but at least the trips I make will be much more comfortable!