The popup does not have a ton of compartments. There is one lid compartment (with mesh bottom), and one front compartment that isn't super roomy.
That said, it's my go to pack when I'm hunting with the kestrel for a few reasons:
- I don't drag or cart deer out, and I don't like HAVING to hike in and out multiple times if I don't have to. Most deer I shoot are dead by the time I hit the ground from a hunt. I like the ability to walk in, hunt, kill deer, climb down, track deer, debone deer, and pack it out. The popup has the ability to carry out whatever I can carry out.
- I typically film hunts - it gives me enough real estate to pack everything in, with a comfortable frame to do so. If you haven't experienced hiking with a well designed frame and load lifters, it won't make sense until you do.
- I don't like the idea of a huge pack in a tree with me - I typically unload pretty much everything I use on a hunt once in the tree - I am not one of those guys who brings a ton of trinkets. Film setup is strapped on tree, climbing method and platform and saddle and ropes are deployed, grunt call on my neck, that leaves water, license, headlamp, knife, etc. All of my "accessories" easily fit in the lid compartment. Once set up and I hang the pack, I can cinch down the straps and the pack has a really small profile.
- The small profile fits well between my shoulders/waist - this is really important to me in many of the places I hunt. I don't want anything outside the outline of my torso. Walking through the woods with a low profile is imperative when approaching a set, trying to remain quiet.
I've never really understood the need for lots of compartments for organization - I guess this is because everything I use on a hunt comes out of the bag. I don't bring things that need to remain organized IN the bag during the hunt.
It could be quieter - that's my only real complaint. But again, this is picking nits for me because I don't go into my pack during hunts all that often, and never when deer are around. Even so, I'm building a pack out of quieter material to go on the Popup frame.
The pack is awesome for air travel, backpacking, etc. There are larger packs that may make sense for week long trips in backcountry, but this one fits the bill for day pack or weekend trips.
I looked long and hard at the scapegoat 35 - I think this would be a great alternative for anyone not packing deer out. I especially like the narrow profile of these packs. That said, if you want something super quiet, you may need to look outside of MR.