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If pack bags were the same dimensions and materials which would you be most inclined to use a roll top or a drawstring and why ?

I would be inclined to use a roll top due to it's more sealed closure and simplicity.

With all things being equal a draw string closure has more space. I do agree the roll top provides better weather protection. If a lid is always on the pack I prefer a drawstring. Without a lid I lean towards roll top.

As far as roll tops and lids go I would prefer two straps over just one. Even if they were smaller straps. Having two straps allows a jacket or other accessory to be securely strapped on.

Going with the drawstring. I always use a top lid with my packs anyway. A top lid pocket is probably the most used exterior pocket on my packs.

Both are fairly simple. I like the roll top, however voted for drawstring just based on the fact that I can indeed fill it to the brim. On my own pack bags I typically do roll tops as I don't use a top pack on those.

Let me stir the pot a bit....you've got to think about this in terms of the Paradox system, not in terms of other backpacks.

If you want organization, then get a Day Talon to compress your main pack bag. The Day Talon will accept a 3L hydration bladder, a kill kit, poncho, a day plus worth of food, gps, spot, knife, then if you add on some compression straps to the outside you can strap a jacket to it. Basically, it holds all the stuff you need quick access to. The Day Talon also comes with it's own shoulder harness, so it makes a very handy little daypack or running pack. I've done several trail runs with my tester and it really does work well for that.

The Day Talon fills the traditional role of a pocketed top lid, but with increased functionality. In addition to the Day Talon you've got two 250 ci water bottle pockets on the bottom sides of the pack bag, which brings you up to 1500 ci of organization.

I say all this to submit a point - with the Paradox system you don't need a pocketed top lid unless you really like organization.

I will probably use a rolltop bag with no lid 99% of the time. The rolltop will be more weatherproof, have the same functionality as a drawstring, but it will be a bit lighter because of no snow collar, drawstrings, and cord locks. The way the top encasement is done you will still be able to run two web straps over the top of the bag to secure loads up top if needed.

As far as overstuffing goes, the drawstring probably has an advantage there, though I don't see why you couldn't just leave the rolltop open and overstuff it as well, especially if you were running a top lid or two over the top straps with it. But really, overstuffing usually means carrying meat for a backcountry hunter, and in that case I'd rather use the load shelf to overstuff it and keep all my gear nice and clean inside that waterproof X-Pac rolltop bag.

Consider the pot stirred, sir.

Interesting point of view and precisely why I use a roll top in my current config. Albeit, it's not XPAC, but still.