While I know you can’t review every item, it seems like you left the very popular Granite Gear Nimbus Ozone off your list of big volume packs. Its commonly used by thru-hikers too scared to go with something smaller (like the Vapor Trail), has a fully adjustable torso length, replaceable hipbelts/shoulder straps, good compression for small loads, internal framesheet, etc. All for 3#.
I use mine as my “Dad the packmule” pack when I hike with my kids. On a recent (2 weeks ago) 3-day trip to the Smokies with my two young (7.5yo, 4.5yo) daughters, I was able to get gear for 3 people (camp clothes for 3, 3 bags, food, 3 pads, etc.) *inside* the pack. And my sub-2# home-made 3-person tarptent-like shelter on the outside.
The girls had small book bags that held their comfort items, rain jacket, and hat/gloves. At one point, I even had one of the girl’s packs lashed to the outside of my Ozone.
IMO, its a top competitor in the lightweight, but “big load” category.
