I have to admit I am disappointed by the 38. But that is after using it after a stone glacier xcurve minimalist and extra bags.
It is floppy and cannot be cinched tight unless rerouting some straps. It is heavy for what it provides. The only thing, and I reiterate, the only thing, it has going for it is to be able to adjust the frame stays to not be so long when not packing out meat. It’s waist belt leaves much to be desired. And it’s bag is loud (especially at the top). And I should have known better than to purchase a “hybrid”, so so at some things, but good at absolutely none.
I am contemplating just sticking with the xcurve and keeping my pruners with me for the mountain laurel and swamp crap that I have to duck under.
Before anyone gets excited about a potential “fire sale” from ole Sojourner, that is not going to happen. My thread injecting skills are improving and I have plans on fabricating a proper bag for that heavy frame. Hopefully that will make the errant purchase worth while.
I guess the equation is what is worse, the suck of adjusting body further to get the frame stays past obstacles or pruning them away along the travels to hunting location OR the suck of a “hybrid” pack that is not comfortable on good days, is heavy, and will be marginal, at best, at packing out game.
Just my 0.02