Alright, so I have taken some good adive and done my research, and all I have to show for it are five bags that all have something going. Which leaves me, used to my gregory, a bit bewildered as I was never one of those guys who spends his time trying on new gear at the shops.

So, I've got a list, and you've got expertise (and evidently some extra time...) so I am hoping that together we might be able to cross a few off.

Here they are, in order of my preference:

1. Kifaru: 'Zulu'
http://www.kifaru.net/MGzulu.htm

2. Aarn: 'Liquid Agility'
http://www.aarnpacks.com/products/liquid_agility.html

3. Osprey: 'Atmos 35'
http://www.ospreypacks.com/packs/14/Atmos35/

4. GoLite: 'Infinity'
http://www.golite.com/products/NS_proddetail.asp?number=PA5108

5. Marmot: 'T2500'
http://marmot.com/products/product.php?cat=packs&subcat=64&style_id=I4035

I would get the optional top lid and a few other accessories on the Kifaru, which helps make the most expensive on the list, by far. I don't like this as, well I'm poor, and because I am not familiar with them. I do like this pack because from the look anyway, it fits my image of an ideal pack, which seems like it would last next to forever. I dunno, I'm almost removing the Marmot, but incase someone has some brilliant things to say of it...

Well, a little long winded, but thanks a load.

Cheers, SEO

Well....it would help if we packrats knew:

1)What are you using the pack for: RTW? Weekends? Camping?

2)Experience with packs: a lot? little?

3)Personal requirements: pack light? pack heavy? Are you a big strapping hulk or a petite thing?

Unless you're a planning on transiting through combat zones or doing rugged technical packing, personally I'd strike the Kifaru off the list.
If your Gregory is still functional....why ditch it? What don't you like about it? Is it beyond repair?

Just my .02 USD

Ummm, ok, you correct me well.

1. I am going to SA, mostly within Peru and Bolivia. Very cheap travel, don't plan to spend every night in a bed, and don't want to.

2. Decent amount of experience with packs. I'm no expert, but I know how to wear it, and how to carry it. I have gone through my first lessons already, ie buying that first bag at about 85L, and have learned from 'em, often through the application of pain.

3. I am trying to go fairly light, my gregory is something like 50L and while its not awful, its not great underloaded either. I would rather spend a little on a new pack than wrangle with it. As to my phsique, I am 5'9" about 145lbs, lean muscle and sinew on a slim frame. I do however have a sensative shoulder due to a cycling accident and have had issue with hip straps as my bones kinda jut out and get undully rubbed. So, hope that helps.

As to the Kifaru, I hear what you're saying there. In those senses its def a little over the top. What I like about it: that its not shiny or brightly colored fabric, that it looks to last a long time, and that it seems quiet versitile as to configuration (I can take down to about 2,200 or up to 5,000 ci if I wanted). To be on the level, I'm also attracted by its sheer difference, I have a weakness for anything that is not like everything else.

So, I guess I now have learned how to post about backpacks.
I also think it makes sense to say, if based on what I said you have some other strong recomendation, please make it.

Thanks

The Kifaru is a rugged pack....no doubt about it.
It screams "MILITARY" to me...because I see that stuff every day. But if you like it...go for it. I would have no worries or problems carry THAT pack anywhere on the planet.

I carry around an 85L NorthFace. I like having the room if I need it. And can pack it down if I don't. I'm 5'9" and about 180.
As far as your sensitivites and injuries go...you'd have to try stuff on with weight to know what you'd be comfortable with.
If you're planning on spending time out-of-doors you'll have to plan on go bigger to pack the extra food/water/shelter/clothing.

The upshot of this rant is this: Try before you buy!
All of these look capable in the photo, but the REAL test is when they hit your back.

Ummm, thanks.

I didn't realize I was rant-worthy.

You do have a good point about the sceaming military bag, though if I were to end up with something like that I'd be cutting the extra crap off, and it would look a little more normative.

And you know, I never thought of trying my bag on before I decide......hmmmm......I like the way you think!

OK, so after I wrote that, I thought about it (perhaps something I should do first....) and as someone asking advice, I think that I should really listen about the bag that screams MILITARY. Not an angle I'm used to thinking along. Thanks for that.

The only 2 I would consider on your list are the osprey and the marmot. I don't like the look of a camo pack, the golite (silnylon is lighter material but way more fragile than dyneema) is also a definite no, and the aarn i just don't like the look of a small pack on front. Although I've never worn an aarn so it could be a brilliant choice for you.

Well you're not going to just "cut off" the webbing in the Kifaru. It's in there pretty solid. Trust me. ALSO after paying THAT much for a ruck...I would be hesitant to start whacking at my new pack with a razor.
Another reason against the Kifaru is this:
If you go back woods in Peru and Bolivia or Columbia and they see THAT PACK...the locals are going to assume...US Military. Special Forces to be exact.
And there are those pesky Shining Path terrorists and drug lords to consider. If you want to blend in...better go with the commercial pack.
I play a game called "spot the mil contractor" everytime I transit back home.
Its too easywhen they carry a pack you can buy in the PX.



But yeah...golden rule of footwear and packs...(and women ) try BEFORE you buy....

Go for the Kifaru - yes it screams military but you can get away with it particularly in the the solid colours - black, CB or OD.

The modularity on military gear far supersedes civy stuff especially with Kifaru because of all the PALS webbing - I use a black Kifaru Pointman, or a Camelbak Maximum Gear Motherlode or BFM and the PALS webbing on them making adding and removing additional pockets a breeze.

Ultimately, i'd rather have over engineered gear than not. I'm not a big fan of some of the newer products coming out with paper thin silicon nylon materials - give me 1000dn Cordura anyday.

Just my 2cents worth

Cheers
Jeelan

i would say the osprey. i own the aether 85, and unloaded its around 4 lbs. for a pack that big, thats very light... what you normally sacrifice for lightweight, comfort/durability, is greater than that of my old bora 80. and, well, any pack i have ever used. while the airscape is a different suspension than the airspeed (on the atmos), id be willing to bet the quality is the same. The durability on the osprey has been stunning (-very- hard and heavy use). the features it offers are amazing for the price, except for the hip-belt day pack... good idea, but even with just a nalgene and a sandwich, it wrenched my back TERRIBLY. Luckily, the pack itself has plenty of compression straps (including the straight jacket design) and weighs on par with some daypacks.

another company ive heard nothing but good things about is mystery ranch, as i mentioned in the other thread. Dana Gleason, of dana designs fame, now runs it in Bozeman, MT.

http://www.mysteryranch.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=10_13

roughly the size you are looking for.

as for trying before buying... with something like a backpack, that is rather difficult to do... borrowing someone elses means borrowing a pack that is broken in for them, not you. using a pack you just bought from store means its not broken in yet, and by the time you do, it will probably be a bit difficult to return it (due to time, or wear). its just very hard to get an even opinion with it. even fitting it and weighing it down in the store wont give you but a vague idea of how the pack will actually perform. if you can find random companies that would give you the opportunity to test their packs extensively, let me know, id love to join

Gracias Sinahptik

Those bags do look interesting, and rather a cut above. I believe that of those which meet my general reqs, the 'Big Sky' has piqued the most interest from my brain, and I like that the waistbelt folds away. Definitely a contender.

Thanks