i'm new to travelpunk, but so far it has been extemely helpful in planning my first trip to europe... so thanks everyone! i am flying into amsterdam jan. 10 and out of rome feb. 13 and a bit overwhelmed with planning right now.

i have read a lot on packs and went to REI yesterday to try some out. the marmot femme nikka small fit me really well and i really liked it... but the straps were digging into my underarms a bit. that was $189. i tried out a few others and the guy helping me out ended up having me try last year's model of the gregory deva 60. it seemed to fit pretty well, even though it was a medium and i really am a small (the rec. torso size for medium is like 17.5-19.5 and i'm a 16). it's normally $230 but i got it on clearance for $175.

anyone have any thoughts on this pack?? i think it's good but i really want to be sure, since it's a lot of $$ and i hope to use this many times in the future. it's 3,650 cu in... which seems like more than necessary. the marmot was only 2,900. and i'd love to check out the dana design bags but i don't have much time before i leave and don't know any retailers in my area...

any help at all would be greatly appreciated! i'm having a hard time making all these decisions. i'm not good with decisions. :huh2:

thanks!
-jenny

The gregory deva 60 is a good pack, and I think you'll be happy with it. marmot femme nikita is a good pack too, and has the advantage of having a detachable day pack. The fact that the straps were digging into your underarms means that the straps were adjusted too tight or the harness was too small for you. You might have needed a Medium.

Thanks for the advice! I appreciate it.