 I had my first time out with a Berghaus Freeflow 30+6 and it was comfy but when packing it felt very cramped for a 30L bag. Does the freeflow system eat into the internal space or does the odd shape of the storage space just make it harder to pack?
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 Ive got the same bag I think and yes I know what you mean.
I assume the bag does have 30L or it wouldnt state so but as you say it feels narrow due to the curvature.
I found it ok once Id loosened the compression straps.
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 Same bag and yes it does seem cramped. Very comfy on me and love having a non sweaty bag but by god - it's hard to pack.
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I use one too. Packing needs care but I don't believe that there is less than 30litres +6. Problems arise when you want to pack a box into it since the maximum box volume that will fit in is less than 30 litres. Make good use of the side and lid pockets.
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It does have that volume, but in a rather odd way. I started off with a Brit Army patrol pack that was 35 litres and could fit tonnes in there. Switched to the freeflow and found it harder to pack - especially square items. Now using a berghaus arete and finding it much easier. Most of my testing was done on the student tesco run - I certainly know which one can fit cans of beans the best 
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 I've got a 25+5+5 which I bought to replace a 35 Lowe Alpine - I tend to operate on the principle that volume has to be used and 35L of my junk was toooo heavy so I went for the smaller Freeflow.
It's, however, a triumph of design over functionality - it's quite comfortable and does avoid the sweaty back problem...but at the expense of any ease of use.
Filling it is like trying to pack a very bent banana, stuff gets lost around the bend at the bottom, sarnies get squashed.
I'd never buy another one.
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 I use a Berghaus freeflow 30 (zipped) as a daysack and, given that there are no large single items to carry, I don't have a problem packing it. The single largest thing I carry is a litre thermos and that sits happily upright in the top part of the bag along with food and camera. Waterproofs (top/bottom), hat, gloves etc fits easily into the bottom section. Emergency bivvy bag slides into the thin vertical pocket on the back. Bottles etc in the side pockets. There's still room to stuff my softshell in the main section. I guess if you had a tent, poles, stove, sleeping bag etc that may be a step too far... As a day sack it's great and a very comfortable carry.
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.jpg) comfy, but a pain to pack. will not be buying another. Osprey design doesn't seem so extreme but may go OMM for my next mid-size pack.
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I also have one of these (think it is the 35+6) and agree it is a complete pain to pack, doesn't feel like it has the volume it advertises (but haven't tested it!).
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I don't want to be accused of asking stupid questions but what do you carry food in for light day hikes. I take sarnies and a few packets of crisps/choccy bars in a tupperware box so it doesn't get squashed but the tub takes about 1/3 of the space in the bag..
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I use a long tupperware box, about 10cm wide x 7cm deep x 25cm long. It usually sits vertically or you can just about get it horizontal across the top of the pack. I usually forego the crisps because they take up too much space (and I prefer mini cheddars anyway). The box plus a litre thermos uses maybe 2/3 of the width in the main compartment of the 30, but there's still space for a microfleece, camera, softshell etc. Everything else sits in the bottom section. I guess you must get a lot more hungry than we do (my box serves 2...). I must admit we do dump a few extra bars in the main compartment which usually disappear into the crevices and need searching out.
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