How about this backpack?

[peenkfloeed]

I've read through the "What backpack to get" page and all the other affiliate threads and i've been looking for the right bag and think I may have found it. What do you guys think about this one?
http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDis...08001&langId=-1
I am currently in Iraq so I don't have access to any stores to try things on and the such, so I have to order online. This does not bother me, but I just wish they had more pics of the thing so I could study its layout better.

[Canadian Dude]

It looks like a good pack,

What I don't like:
the price is pretty high compared to what i spent, now that might be because this one is just a better pack, or because of what it is made of..i dunno...

From the pic it looks like a top loader, and I am not a fan, I like the front loaders, ya know like a suitcase style, easyier access to your cloths/gear.

What I do like:

Floating lid features a large top pocket with a zippered internal pocket to keep your valuables secure

Front mesh pouch with bungee compression system is ideal for carrying wet items; remove pouch, and webbing straps let you use it as a daypack

Inside the back of the pack is a sleeve to house a hydration reservoir

Ultimatly the pick will be yours, these are only my opinions...you will have to go and test it out to make sure its the pack for you..its like buying a car. make sure it has everything you want, and the things you don't want are not costing you more...

am currently in Iraq

WOW!!! What are you doing there???? What a historic time to be in Iraq, what is it like?? Can you give a play by play on any of the cities there?? how do you travel about? Are you working or treking? Do you live there??? Do you have any pics we can see of the amazing architecture??? OMG so many questions!!!

I would like to give you a HUGE to the family!!!!!

[peenkfloeed]

Hi there CD, I've been reading a lot of your other posts and I see you've been all around the world, so I will def take your comments on the pack with thanks. I'm going to continue shopping around some to make sure this is the pack that I want. but I know that since this one is on clearance that it will be sold out by the time I am ready to buy

I'm in Iraq with the Army Guard. I just got deployed for a year. I'm actually a student @CC and i'll be going to MS State when I get home. I just got here so I don't have too many pics/stories yet...but I'll be sure to post more as time goes on about what is going on over here. I'm also very active at www.spymac.com and have a blog there and you can check out what has been going on with me so far there. The address is http://peenkfloeed.spymac.net/blog/

Lemme keep shopping and i'll post more later on what pack I decide to get. Thanks for your comments, I totally agree with your dislikes about the pack.

[Canadian Dude]

peenkfloeed, you are among friends here, and the family is only getting bigger!!!

You are in a country that is like a crown jewel for trek'ers...Very few have had the oppertunity to visit Iraq as they stopped issuing tourist visa's many years ago, and now you are there...make the best of your downtime my friend!!!

Yor pack search will not be easy, but it will be fun...Just try before you by...make sure they laod you down with weight to get the "real" feel of the straps and comfort level of the pack...

I am really looking forward to some pics, so when ya get some..get'm on here!!!!

[Mocassin]

I don't like the fact that there are 2 huge pockets on each side...This is the best way to get an unbalanced pack that will be hard to carry...Appart from that it looks ok.

[peenkfloeed]

Hi there Moc. I know what you mean about the pockets making the pack unbalanced, but I do like how they are removeable. I can just take em off and put them in the bottom of the pack until needed.

[Mocassin]

Hey there Mr. (or Miss?) Pink Floyd!!!
Then it's all good! I couldn't see they were removable...And if you need the extra space at the end of your trip for souvenirs, you can put them back and use them! B)