Low-profile 'assault pack' with thin shoulder straps?
I'm looking for something fill the assault pack type of role for civilian use, the usual SHTF kind of thing. When I say low-profile I mean physically, not just the appearance. Something in the ballpark of 15-20L. Earthy colors are a plus, bright colors or 'blackout' are a no-no, but beyond that I don't care if it looks tacticool or not. It must have thin or no padding on the shoulder straps. A load-bearing hip belt is preferred though.
Anybody have any recommendations that fit the bill? Any price range is fine, I'm just seeing what's out there right now.
This will be used with a PCC with a non-adjustable stock and equipped with a prism scope - which is the main reason why thick padded shoulder straps are a problem - and a convertible sling. Main environment is low-density suburban with a lot of woodland.
The pack's job is to hold one extra stick mag (I can sew on webbing if necessary), a 3L hydration system, medical gear that doesn't go in an IFAK, a few other nice-to-haves, and have empty space for any mission-specific crap I might need. All the gun gear is on a 'battle belt', no chest rig or PC to work around. I may or may not wear armor with it, but if I do it will be concealable stuff.
I had previously been using a Maxpedition Gila, a sling bag with a load-bearing hip belt. I thought I was content with it, but a few weeks ago I did 12 or 13 miles which is the longest I've actually hiked with it on, and I found some long-term comfort issues I hadn't found wearing it around the house that I just can't work around. I've done near 20 mile days with more weight in a hiking daypack and been fine, to say nothing of backpacking.
So I've transferred my kit into a Deuter Compact EXP 14 for now, which is expandable and actually about 19L. Drawbacks are that it's kind of graphite dark gray and bluish gray which is not ideal, and it needs a few modifications sewn on if I stick with it, but it ticks all my other boxes so it's the bag to beat.
The Eberlestock Cherry Bomb caught my eye and I might still consider it, but it's a bit small, and I have to admit I'm stunned by the price considering the size. I also looked at the Maxpedition Riftcore, but I don't see anything about hydration compatibility and I definitely don't like the inefficient layout, and I'm not sure about those shoulder straps either, so I'm leaning away from it.
On the hiking/cycling pack side, I'm considering the Osprey Talon 22, but it also needs a few modifications and I'm hesitant about durability based on experience with a different Osprey daypack.