I love my 28. It is true that to be comfortable in an overnight hunt more room is in need. But for a day hunt, the little 28 is just awesome. Compact, tight and comfortable.
I really wanted to try overnight hunts, I needed more room so I bought the M.R Selway 60 which I found on sale because it was discontinued. The frame on the Selway is the same frame the Meltalf uses, so I ever wanted a bigger pack I could buy the Metcalf bag only.
Despite loving the MR packs, I will say they are heavy compare to the ones I wanted to buy but they were out of my budget: Seek Outside & Stone Glacier. Those extra ounces do matter when you have to carry the freaking water.