I recently went through this same search with a similar criteria to your own. These pack and frame combinations just seem to be insanely expensive given the amount of competition in the market I figured there had to be a more inexpensive pack for me, but hey, I'm from the PA big woods, what do I know about hunting the American West for 5 days in the backcountry?
So I emailed Kuiu, Kifaru, Stone Glacier, Horn Hunter, Seek Outside and Eberlestock trying to see what they would recommend in roughly a $200 price range with the ability to haul out a whitetail or black bear 2 miles from the truck. None of them could really even come close to my price area, but they all were very kind and offered a recommendation from their line. Most of these companies sell just their frames for over $300 and I'm sure it's fantastic stuff, but I just can't justify it.
I ended up settling for the Alps Outdoorz Traverse X pack and I absolutely love it. A little over $200, but it serves all my needs and then some.
I guess it just depends on how much money you can afford to spend on a pack . I could even give you their recommendations if you'd like. Hit me with a PM if you'd like I can give you the rundown I got from all the companies.
