This is what I usually put in mine.
The photos does not show a water filtration pump, or tripod for the spotting scope.
Food also is not pictured.
What is in there is a sub zero sleeping bag, inflatable sleeping pad, an 8.5 ft tipi tent, with liner, and wood burning stove.
3 sets of shirts, pants and hats. A sweatshirt, a down jacket, gloves and beanie, and gaiters.
Spotting scope, binoculars, essentials bag (knives, matches, flashlight ect.)
And a jet boil mini mo cold weather cooking system, with a large 100 fuel can, cook pot, frying pan, and tools.
The entire set up weighs 20 pounds in the Stone Glacier pack, and a couple pounds over 20 in the KUIU because the KUIU is heavier.
Add food and a weapon and you end up around 30 pounds.
That will get you out there for a week.
As you can see, there is a little more than a foot of depth in the main bag, that is room that remains for food. Both bags are very similar when packed.
There is nothing in the top bag on either pack. Both are empty. The big difference now is that the KUIU has several side pockets that are also empty, but the stone glacier has no side pockets.
I don't find that to be an issue. I have plenty of room when fully packed. So, the side pockets just stay empty anyways.
If its light weight you are interested in, having enough room to haul your gear is all you need. More room to fill with junk is just more weight to carry.
Both packs have load shelfs, so hauling elk quarters and all your gear is not an issue.
As you can see, a 8.5 foot tall tipi with wood burning stove and liner, a 95mm spotting scope and several changes of warm clothing, plus all the cooking gear you need to eat.
I don't know what your specific needs are, but if they look similar to mine, I can tell you that the Stone Glacier is fantastic.
It kind of sounds like you wear a medium belt. I do as well. I weigh 165 and have a 32 inch waist. 6 ft tall. That stone glacier pack can be worn all day. Plus I love the day pack mode. Its incredible.
The KUIU is stunningly well built. Its fits nicely, it feels solid on your back, its a bit heavier than the S.G. but it has more room with the pockets.
The Sitka pack is my favorite for day trips where I take a lot of gear.
the suspension system in that thing is so nice in summer.
It keeps the pack off your back and lets the air flow right through. No more soaking wet, sweaty back. Plus there is a ton of room in there to haul all your gear and a domed out deer. But for hauling the load and multi day trips, the Stone Glacier and KUIU are much better.
The Horn Hunter is my least favorite system. Its heavy, it feels heavy when its on your back. I hold onto it only because you my wife can use it with a light load, just to help spread some of the weight.
like willamette river outlaw said, kifaru makes some very nice stuff. I did not buy one of their options. I did look at them. I can not speak to comparing the kifaru to the others, as I have not tested them.
If you want to go super light and get crazy with it, one of the others that I looked at was HMG (hyper light mountain gear)
You are talking about a pack that weighs in at 2.0 lbs even. but, no load shelf for packing meat.
Not a great option for backpack hunters. But some serious gear for backpacking.
Like I said, you are welcome to try my stuff out.