I'm trying to decide between for a RTW trip.

the Z35 or Z35R don't really whats better about the Z35R
http://www.gregorypacks.com/products/me ... cal/28/z35

or the Osprey Exos 34
http://www.ospreypacks.com/Packs/ExosSe ... ed/Exos34/

Has anyone carried these packs and could give me some advice, they both fit well but in store testing is just not good enough.

Also looking for a small lightweight sleeping bag if anyone has any suggestions.

Those are two great brands.

I love Osprey packs (I carry a Stratos for day hikes and a Variant for climbing) but I'd be a little wary of traveling long-term with the Exos. From everything I've seen and read, it's one of the most comfortable ultralight packs out there, but shaving all those ounces does come with a tradeoff: it's going to be inherently more fragile. The fabric is thinner than what you'll find on other packs and is reinforced only in high-stress areas, so it's going to be more prone to punctures and tears. The buckles are also smaller and a little less sturdy than the ones typically used elsewhere.

It looks like a sweet little bag, but if I were you, I'd go with something more likely to survive the sustained abuse of baggage handlers, bus roof racks and the like. That Gregory is only about a pound heavier and it looks a lot more solid. The same goes for a lot of the other packs in Osprey's regular backpacking line.

Jarvis...

I asked the same question here a few weeks ago (I'll also be doing a long term traveling stint). I've learned that a panel loading pack would be much more convenient and you won't have to worry about the way you pack the bag.. top loaders you need to position things in such a way that forms to your back while panel loaders (or at least packs with solid back frames/cushions) don't need that much attention given to them while packing.

If you're traveling you'll most likely be going in and out of your pack fairly often which is why I'd also recommend a panel loader. I just bought the Osprey Kestrel 32. Very sturdy back panel, good padded shoulder straps and hip belt. Plenty of pockets and loops to put carabiners on. Its one of the more expensive packs but as my first purchase I wanted something that would last and I heard Osprey packs have nice durability.

Cheers,
JP

The fabric on the Exos series is a concern of mine, I guess ill do a little more reading into that pack seeing as I'm really leaning towards it. I'm also considering the Talon 33 and the Atmos 35. Thanks for the advice.

Jarvis wrote:The fabric on the Exos series is a concern of mine, I guess ill do a little more reading into that pack seeing as I'm really leaning towards it. I'm also considering the Talon 33 and the Atmos 35. Thanks for the advice.

I just carried an Exos 46 on my back for 3,000 miles on the Continental Divide Trail. I had NO PROBLEMS with durability, or wear/tear.

Rest assured, the pack is as durable as other Ospreys. And it still comes with a lifetime warranty.

I was actually eyeing the Deuter Futura 28 recommended on Life Nomadic, but after following your link noticed that Osprey has a 28L pack, the Osprey Kestrel 28. Does anyone happen to have this bag who wouldn't mind posting some pictures? No one has pictures of the inside, with the pockets and whatnot.

They both have integrated rain covers, various pockets and hooks, and can be had for around $100, but the Deuter has the benefit of being able to divide the main compartment in two, with bottom and top access to the bag's contents. The Osprey doesn't have this feature, but on the other hand its warranty is Lifetime vs. Deuter's 1 year. The Deuter is also rip-stop nylon, so I'm not sure if that's a worthwhile bonus (does that mean it's less likely to have big tears?)