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I have a Dana Design Glacier I've been using every year since 2003. It's starting to give up the ghost; some of the stitching is giving way, and it's got some thin spots on the ripstop. It's great for carrying bigass heavy loads, but honestly, gear's gotten lighter, and I've gotten older.
Most of my carrying is now done in a Fjallraven #21 Rucksack, which is fucking grand. I can still easily pack enough to backpack for days in it, and it's smaller, more maneuverable, and forces me to consider what I bring.
About two years ago, I had to have back surgery, as I'd completely destroyed a disc in my lumbar over the years. Now, I can't carry a 50-60 lb pack for miles. It's just too painful. My Fjallraven has taught me something of great importance: you need to be selective about what you bring.
I've been backpacking for over 20 years at this point. I've literally never encountered a true omg life and death situation. The two worst things I've ever encountered were a hungry black bear (which I scared off with a pistol shot in the air), and a two week hike on the AT during a very, very dry season a little over a decade ago, during which water was TIGHT.
All the eventualities I've planned for, all the shit I've been ready to handle, I've never needed to. A water filter, a weapon, something to cook with, some food, water, shelter, navigation equipment, my gun, and a couple sharp things has always been more than enough.
So, which one? For me, it's the one on the left. I'm tired of carrying shit I don't absolutely need. If I'm /out/, I want to enjoy the /out/, not the REI on my back.
