Narrowed It Down

[ap03]

I'll be in Europe for 7 weeks this summer backpacking/training/hostelling around and will require a pack:

After much research/reading/probing, I've narrowed it down to 2 packs:

Eagle Creek Ultimate Explorer LT:
eaglecreek.com/10050.html

Dana Design Far Flung:
danadesign.com/packs/adventure/far_flung.asp

What do you guys think?

[commie]

someone else recommended a "Bach Specialist FA", must be the ferrari under the backpacks

lacriz.hostgen24.net/blog/wp-content/ta_3040204a.jpg

but it looks like the eagle offers 40% more space, so i would prefer this one.

[Eagle]

ap03, my vote would be for the Eagle Creek model, as that's the brand I use and have been very pleased with the quality and design so far. I did some careful research before purchase, and was very impressed with EC. Most of their products are now made in Vietnam (as are a lot of the other brands of Packs) so hopefully the quality hasn't been degraded? I also use a lot of their Packing Cubes and other accessories.

However, that seems like somewhat of a large Pack, even for a seven week trip (keeping in mind the philosophy that one should pack the same for three weeks as for three months). It does have a lot of good features, such as the "packable Duffel", etc.

Whichever Pack you buy, make sure you are properly fitted for your torso size. The model in the link appears to be designed for the 19-23" torso range (taller people?).

Good luck with your Pack decision!