I never reported back on this and I figured I would drop it here. I used the HAWG last year and loved it. I wrote it all out on my blog, if anyone is interested in all the details. Basically, I hunt a farm that has sections in the back that are up and down hills and a 3/4 mile hike. I can't be fully dressed or I'll sweat it up. Hiking generates enough heat I have to cool off and dress in the tree stand. while harnessed. I used the molle straps to carry a turkey chair, bibs and a jacket
I use a camo cloth back pack that I bought from K mart about 30+ years ago. Its constructed of cloth with a leather bottom that has some divots in it you can push a string through.
I sew it up every now and then where the straps meet the top of the bag.
It has two vertical compartments that hold bottles+ some other stuff on either side , one main compartment with a fair bit of storage and a smaller zippered compartment toward the lower end of the back.
I like it becuase it doesn't make any noise and it has ykk zippers.
If I'm hunting anywhere that I need to hike in for a full day hunt, I use the ALPS Falcon pack. It's got a small frame backed with mesh that keeps the pack vented and an inch or two off your back. Very nice feature for keeping the drenching sweat at bay.
I'm a huge fan of Sandpiper of California back packs. They are super well constructed and best of all, their zippers are easily opened using only one hand.