bet you did get some weird looks -- probably thought you were a shoplifter

mystery ranch packs are the same as dana design packs ... they are huge, but they carry that hugeness VERY well. and yes, they are expensive ... you can sometimes find used ones on epay for $300-$400 <img src="/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

NO . . . NO, I'm pretty sure this is not true. Dana Designs were originally made in Bozeman, Montana. They were very good packs. Dana Gleson was the designer. A few years ago, Dana Designs sold out and they are now mass manufactured overseas.

Dana Gleson got back into the game and started Mystery Ranch. But to say that Dana Designs and Mystery Ranch are the same, especially currently manufactured ones is not true.

There is a similar story with Mountainsmith, Patrick Smith, and Kifaru.

sorry, i oversimplified ... they were designed by the same person ... mystery ranch i believe is the new incarnation

I have tried and owned lots of packs over the years. Believe me, a bad one will really hurt in the wilderness! My current packs are, large a Karrimor Sabre 80-100L, Medium is a Camelbak BFM and daypack is a Camelbak Talon. Each have features that I like and carry very well. The 2 Camelbacks have 100oz hydration systems and the Karrimor has more than adequate space for hydration bladders. They are all military oriented which provides some options not found on most civilian models, subdued color for one. Lots of attachment points for additional gear. The Karrimor is hard to find in the US, I bought mine off ebay but the shipping from the UK is a real negative factor.
I was really impressed with the Camelbak military products and I really love the 2 packs. Both available at discount prices online. Hope you figure out what works best for you. Cheers!