I've been using the old model Osprey Nebula 34 liter for 4 years as my primary EDC/day pack. I've bought several other packs in the meantime but keep coming back to this one. Very comfortable, inconspicuous pack for loads under 20 pounds, namely basic survival gear + whatever I need for what I'm doing that day, gym clothes, work stuff, extra gear to test out in the woods, ammo and targets, etc. It's perfect and has held up well.
But for a dedicated overnight and bugout bag I like 511 Rush. Lots of internal organization, and external attachment points, which is critical because I carry way more tools and gear than yuppie backpackers who are just going out in the woods to walk around and look at birds or whatever, so shit like bedding and shelter has to go on the outside, otherwise I would need a stupidly large pack (now you urbanites know why some people do that). Most importantly, the MOLLE loops on the bottom and sides make it very easy to correctly attach a tump line. This is the only way I can improve my load bearing dynamics. I can't use a hip strap because I carry a pistol, mags, and fixed blade knife on my belt at all times, so for heavy loads I've learned to use a tump line to help distribute the weight. There's a learning curve to it, but it's the most widely used load bearing method in history and is scientifically proven to be the most effective. When I see someone using a hip strap I assume they are unarmed. The major backpacking pack manufacturers like Osprey, Deuter, Gregory, etc just don't make anything functional in this size range even if they are high quality.
