Most packs sold today are patterned after climbing/mountaineering packs. "Feature rich" is what sells. Even the book bags from Walmart I like to lighten and use as day packs have ice ax loops, daisy chains, crampon pads, etc....on book bags!
My GPV4 has a big net pocket that runs around the pack from side to side and few other appendages. For hiking, that works best for me.
Slice off anything you don't use and you can take a pound of some packs. Keep a loop or two for the clip on stuff. Be sure to seam seal the places where thread once was.