Ok gents... I know that this topic has been pretty well explored however I am going to swallow my pride.

I have been camping and hunting all my life. I have been in the Army Reserves now for 14 years. To say the least I have used a TON of different bags but....... here it goes.......

I would like to get help in deciding which bag would be perfect for a 3 to 5 day hike. Keep in mind I will be hauling enough gear for myself and possible some for another. Also packing a side arm as well as a rifle. Tent, sleeping bag, knives, food....ect. I hate to ask for help but the choices out there are mind blowing!!

My top choice for your needs would by the Osprey Aether. I'm not trading mine for anything (mine's a 65l, which they don't make any longer for some reason). I can't help you if you want camo or tactical or military, but if you want to haul a load with agility, comfort, and low weight overhead - get the Osprey. btw, they're not cheap, but they don't have the markup of many other brands either.

Really you need to decide what type of bag you want first.
I would suggest either a tactical style 3 day pack or a mountaineering style rucksack with the lid that covers the whole top of the bag. I have one of each and the Mountaineering one is better for actually carrying the stuff but the tactical one makes it easier to get at the stuff. The tactical 3 days bags are great for those types of trips where you fly or take a bus or car while the civvie style ones are easier to carry for long distances but harder to find stuff in as they usually have only 2 pockets.

It sounds like you are going to be actually hiking so a bag with good padded straps ,an internal frame and a waistbelt would make sense. If you have a good sleeping bag and packable tent they will attach to the bag easily.

Another tool I like for hiking trips like this is a small wood handled hawk like the CS Trail Hawk or Norse hawk. They are nice and light ,fit into the iceaxe loop on most good civvie packs and are awesome tools in the bush for how light they are.

Kifaru are like the Busse of packs.

Best of luck

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Arc'Teryx makes some very nice packs.

Speaking of the "Busse of Packs", you may enjoy checking-out Mystery Ranch . I have an older Dana Alpine (replaced it with the Osprey mentioned above) and it is truly an amazing piece of work. As the story goes, Dana Gleason turned his attentions to filling military contracts and sold the consumer brand to K2. Now he's 'relaunched' his consumer-side business selling his stuff to hunters, tactical users, and adventurers. I haven't seen a MR pack in person, but 10 seconds of research into the pre-K2, 'Dana Designs' packs should convince you that this is quality gear. (and guaranteed for life!) <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Edit: I shouldn't have said "replaced". I should have said, "augmented". Much more than 50# and I'm going with the Dana.

Who is the Mora of packs?

Or even the Scrapyard ,best bang for the buck packs?

Thanks thus far for all the good info gents!!

Mountainsmith makes some pretty decent stuff as well. Most of what is sold needs to be adapted. Sewing is easy - don't be afraid to modify it. I find that most of them are too heavy. They are covered in stupid amounts of loops, daisy chains, etc. I cut them off to save weight. Decide what you want and modify it. I like pockets for airline travel, but not for hiking. Yes it is harder to find stuff. Pockets and ditty bags inside a pack add organization, but at the cost of weight. You are hiking. Take your time and enjoy it. Learn how to pack and you won't have to remove your tent to get your lunch. So what if you don't? I never needed a sandwich in a hurry. First aid and a mini PSK should be in your pocket. That is the stuff you will likely need in a hurry. By the smallest pack you can. You will not then be tempted to carry extra "stuff".

Some more for ya: Osprey, MountainSmith, Marmot.

kifaru,but you have to wait 4-6 weeks although it is more than worth it.

mountain smith was created by patrick smith and then sold in 97.patrick smith then went on to create kifaru.

battlelab makes great stuff that you dont have to wait for.

WOW!!! Those are some interesting packs! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" />

Well I looked at all the info that has been given and now I am even more at a loss for what I am going to do!! Thanks to everyone that has provided feedback. I think that I now have at least decided that a tactical pack is more up my alley but now I need to break it down to price and comfort. I know the two are not in the same ballpark but..... got a budget.