Aye UP Slasha9,
First up you don't state exactly what you will use the pack for - judging by the capacity (35l) I assume it is for day-pack use. That stated my day pack has to cater for unexpected over-nighters so I err above 35l.
Among others, I was using the German Alpine sack over a period of 12 months/3 days per week. IMHO It's a good tough ruck for 3 season day use but a tad too small for my stated uses year round.
The bag mouth is wide but the body narrows towards the bottom - purposely designed to keep most of the load higher up on the back.
The 'waist belt'
isn't - it's a
stability belt intended to stop the ruck swinging side to side! Consider -this is a military rucksack - designed for alpine troop reconnaissance (think ski-ing and climbing) intended to be quickly jettisoned if required and
designed to be worn
above a webbing equipment belt which would carry essentials such as water, food, ammunition etc, that is why the capacity is low.
The useful 'through' attachment of the side pouches (which are also quite restrictive - e.g. won't hold a '58 pattern water bottle) is designed for a short ski, and often an attractive lure to bushcrafters for axe stowage but the remainder of the pack is very basic and very limited in use. The side-lock buckle adjustment on the straps can be a real pain in the A until you are used to it!
Have a look at the British Northern Ireland pack - larger capacity (about 55l I think) and made in a very durable cordura, backed with a much more robust waterproof backing than the usual civvy based rucksacks. It
is available in plain olive green if you don't mind a copy (mine is by Kombat) and not too pricey (check out Surplus and Outdoors Kidderminster). The side pouches are generous, there is molle around it and it has security closures on the pouches and the main compartment (not snow valances as some have suggested!). I could write more but you will get a good description on the site I've mentioned. My kit always has had (and still gets) a hammering day-in day-out and although I was a bit apprehensive about buying a copy item this one is proving well up to my job so bush crafting should be no prob.