Clanman, 

I have pretty much made up my mind on getting the qui ya. It will serve me the best. I really like the suspense system and the compression system. Just like anything else just have to give it a try. 

Is there a guide / how-to for re-weaving the side straps anywhere? I took my pack apart to scrub antelope blood off it but I was an idiot and didn't take pictures of how the side straps were woven through the various loops and such. I came up with a workable solution but it's less workable than the way the straps were originally. I checked the reference threads, the product videos, and did some Google sleuthing but no dice. Anyone out there got a guide?

Very much enjoying my Qui-Ya. Took it on its first spin, couldn't feel the 50 pounds- literally almost like walking around with just a tight vest- the compression system y'all devised really works. As I tighten each point (waist, chest, delta, load-lifters), I can feel the load merge with me to the point that I'm walking uprightly without issue.

Also handled 90 pounds gracefully (40 of them being my wiggly daughter lifted on top because her legs "feel too tired"). I felt almost no difference between 50 and 90- incredible. This system more than proves itself.