A couple or three years ago I got a Hydrapak El Boracho from Nashbar. It has three large knitted pads that stand it off from your back. Is it perfect? Of course not but the pads are absorbent and I've not had an issue with it. Works for me. I didn't like the pressure needed to suck from the mouthpipe so I removed the entire bladder assembly. It has dozens of zippered or velcroed compartments to separate small items. Its the best pack I've ever owned and is still going strong. Full list is less than half of the BC-3 and I got it for $29.00. IMO the Ergon answers questions no one has actually asked.

H