In reply to 1906johns:
I can't remember how big the teardrop was, but I like the clamshell zip on the escape pod - good for travel/trekking stuff as well as the usual. Maybe a more padded, but removable hip belt? The non stretchy side pockets are a pain too, you can get a bottle in them - just not when it's on your back.
Hope that helps, cheque will be fine.