As I bend forward, the weight of the stuff in the rear of the pack puts resistance on the waist against the belt area, does not allow the pack to raise up when bending. The thick front portion digs into the belly.
Sounds like a belly problem..not a pack problem..

The leki poles are good..but if they have the extended horizontal "cane" handle..I whacked mine off..worthless for hiking and puts more torque on wrists than necessary when you really need them.I just left the loop area for tent ties,a thumb hole,and have several ways now to hold them..other than the one tortuous way they expected you to use it..

If you decide to make the modification..and don't like it..Don't blame me.It does work better for me for tent use and trail use..some people might prefer the other style of handle than vertical depending on their use..The only way I felt safe with the extension is to hold them in reverse with the handle sticking out..

The turkey backpack..seems like a waste of strapping and space.I'd modify it with an added extra bag for lighter bulky stuff that won't fit down below..extra clothes,super light bag, and other stuff that is too bulky to carry otherwise that might be more comfort/warmth left behind otherwise.I can think of 1-2lbs of items that add a LOT to the comfort of the trip,including seat pads,foam pads,the tarp,poncho,space blanket,and a box of donuts to eat with your coffee while fishing...


Did that turkey thing list the weight?It might weigh a lot more than a homemade pack that would hold more...
I am basing what I'm writing on my structure/weight,etc..others more than likely will need something totally different than me..just some things to consider though.