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Tater,
I can be considered a pack "gearhead" myself, and have spent lots of time (and gone through several "day" packs) before settling on what I now have. I continue to check the stores and catalogs regularly to see what newfangled things are being sold. There are a number of packs out there that might fill your needs. The two we have, while not that old, are no longer being made. For years I used the old camo daypacks that you can find at Wally World and everywhere else. They are cheap, but they are also too small and all the weight hangs from the shoulders.
A hunter's guide published by the Alaska Fish & Game people recommends that hunter's day packs be no smaller than 2000 cubic inches in capacity. As you get closer to 3000 cu-in, you get back in the full backpack area. Be sure to look for a pack that has a supportive hip belt (not just a waist strap). For me, the limit is 20-25 pounds for unsupported weight on my shoulders, and it almost always exceeds that number when I'm big game hunting. Bigger volume allows you to stash cold weather clothing when the weather warms up in afternoons. My packs do not have easy access to water bottles and that feature is a plus. Of course, you can use those hydration bladders (with sip tubes) with most packs. Another thing I don't have on my packs, but would like, are some small compartments that provide easy access to folding knives, GPS, laser rangefinder, etc. I've only seen one pack of this type with external frame. Most have internal staves that stiffen the pack but let it ride closer to your body. It's your choice. Finally, watch out for side pockets that are so big that they interfere with your rifle when it is slung over the shoulder.
With your $200 maximum cost, you should have no problem getting a great pack. Please keep us posted and let us know what you get.
270man
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