Uses run the gamut. I work as a professional woodsman (often clearing brush, stumps, widow makers, fallen trees, trees), pest removal, I often go hiking with my wife and dogs, I also guide others on more complicated hikes, and EDC. I also tend to hunt/trap and fish as often as I can -- pack comes into play here as well. So, it pretty much runs the gamut. I never carry heavier than a medium load out (knee). Typically a pack for me holds extra clothing, bottled water, snacks, dog treats, laptop, book or two, notepad/pen, first-aid kit, etc. I prefer external pockets as well as internal organization pockets. I've been looking quite a bit at maxpedition and voodoo (lot's of pockets, and seem to be heavy-duty), the problem is lack of comprehensive review.
Also somewhat limited financially. Load out often does not change.
A little more to help. When working in brush/tree removal I typically tend to work with a double-bit axe, chainsaw, and a machete. The machete tends to ride on the backpack. The chainsaw and axe I always carry in hand. I tend to hang the pack while I work, so as to avoid snagging the fabric, or putting myself off balance.
