Currently have a CamelBak Mule which I find too small and digs into my back when fully loaded with gear and water.
Been looking at the Evoc Packs with the built in back protector, CB Hawg and Dakine Nomad but is there anything else I should be looking at?
I have a Mule and recently swapped the bladder for a 3l Deuter. Cheaper than CB and far easier to clean.
Have you tried adjusting the straps/load to prevent the digging in thing? I've used mine to carry stuff internally/externally and after some jiggery pokery it's fine.
I like my Northface Hammerhead - and its got a little magnet that clips the bit valve to the chest strap so its not flopping about.
Osprey Raptor (various sizes available)
I've also got a TNF Hammerhead which I'm very happy with, it might be too small for what you want tho, they do a TNF megamouth or something like that, which is bigger. The two bigger Dakine packs got good write ups Nomad and Apex. I've got an Ogio Moto1950, which is 30L big. The Ogio is pretty good, but I think the harness system could be better designed, it's probably designed more for Alpine uplift riding than XC. It might be worth looking more into the outdoors/marathon type rucksacks of 15L+ (ie TNF, Salomon etc), where more thought might have gone into stability and harness backpad venting. The Osprey raptor packs look good.
If you've a problem with weight distribution or discomfort carrying the weight high up on your back, try Wingnut packs.
just got a wingnut this morning. the 'adventure' pack. loaded up feels like a pack ought to; stable and weight low, unlike my camelbak which fully loaded with water etc feels like a tree trunk rolling around. im off out for a test ride after lunch.
inov-8 race pro 22 or either 12 or 18 depending on size needed. i spen 6 hours in the peaks on saturday with one and had no issues what so ever 
I have the wingnut and have old back fractures they are amazing...
In no particular order
wingnut......hello Tang got there okay if a bit delayed 
how was the test ride??
Ergon bd 2
osprey talon 22 or similiar.
the first 2 packs put the wieght on the hips...the wingnut is very light and the ergon frame is heavy and actual capacity small but tighten the waist belt and you can leave shoulder straps alone and the weight seems to vanish, with the flexi link the shoulders straps move with you. Suprisingly tough Highly recommended. Both fab
Osprey carries a lot of weight on the hips and is really good only had one ride on it though, well made personal choice for all day rides/light touring.
with all of them you will be to buy a bladder
The Lezyne Smart Packs that Wiggle were selling for bargain prices a few weeks back are still reasonably priced. I used mine for the first time this week and it was so much more comfortable than my Mule I couldn't believe it! I think because it's wider on the back.
Fits loads of stuff in too (as well as coming with a pump and multitool).
The bladder isn't the greatest - press seal top needs to be done carefully to ensure no leakage and the bite valve isn't as flowy as a CB one. But I'm pleased with it (especially for £30!)
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Lezyne_Loaded_Smart_Pack_3_Litre_Hydration_System/5360046483/
I think the main problem is called by having the Mule bulging with kit and hence it digs into my back.
Will have a look at the options above.
Has anyone tried an Evoc pack?
The Lezyne doesn't creak like annoying bastard all the time you're riding too! I think my Mule will stay in the cupboard from now!
I like the look of the Oprey Raptor, apart from the price! Will try to have a look at one in cotsworlds today.
the new Lezyne packs, which are just in are great.
Dakine Nomad has given me 2 years of service and still going strong.
The Dakine stuff is the best around. Utterly strong, very well made and some ingenious compartments and features. The nomad looks like a small compact pack but holds an amazing amount of gear in a very stable and comfortable way. I wasn't keen on the bladder that came with it so I put a 3 litre deuter in for the the ultimate setup.
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