Cannot speak for other packs, but I have the Blaze and I really love it. Although, I found the gear layout in the pack to affect my comfortableness. On day one I had my tent, sleeping bag, etc all laid horizontal from bottom and up. I felt it left a void in middle of my back. It hard to explain, but then next day I put the tent horizontal at bottom, but put the sleeping bag, pad, etc vertical above the tent and it felt much more comfortable. Overall it's the most comfortable pack I have ever carry. Which doesn't really say a whole since this is the third different pack I've carried on a backpacking trip. lol. Granite Gear can customize your straps for you with your specific measurement. You just have to make sure the pack's torso fit you length wise, then you can have measurement sent in for for specific straps free of charge. It an option to check out.