I'm looking to settle on a backpack sooner then later so I can figure out how much i'll be able to haul.

My two main criteria is a detachable day-pack (rather then fanny pack) and full side zippers for easy access.

I'm currently leaning towards this one:
http://www.moosejaw.com/moosejaw/product.a...f%5Fid=10004621

but I don't really know anything about them. Do you guys think this one is good, any reccomendations away from this brand or any alternate suggestions?

(will be backpacking for 2 months in Europe)

Have you tried going to a store and trying on back packs I looked at lots on line when I was looking for mine but the best one I found is one I tried on in a store
and if you find it in a store you can always go online and see if you can get it for less

That's a good idea, I'm not sure what my options will be limited to .. i'm not in a very large urban center but i'll definitely have to weigh my options. (literally)

The FAQ on them may have a few things to note:

http://www.travelpunk.com/boards/ind...showtopic=9490

Aside from that, I found paying extra for a detachable daypack just ain't worth it. Things are never enough to carry what you need on hikes/excursions. That and a top-load... no bueno... YMMV.

where are you from?? one of us might know of a back pack store in your area

I'm in Brandon, MB Canada.

I'm about 2 hours away from Winnipeg, so I know they have a MEC and a S.I.R at the very least.

Although other specialty stores in the city i'm unaware of and would glad to here of some.

An additional note is there a Canadian online merchandiser you can recommend? Shipping and duties from the states can occaionally kill a good deal.

[also can you edit your posts on these forums? .. I would have just thrown this in my last post]

You are definitly from a small town I went to brandon when I went to visit family in oak river (I think thats what its callled)

hopefully theres someone from winnipeg who can give you an idea of where to look

try camping stores.
I got my asolo pack from a small camp/hike shop here in st. john's.

Kingcrazylegs and I hike alot and are currently looking for bags for a few friends of ours. i think we would both suggest Marmot or Dana Designs. so check them out and YES go to a store and try them on! this is the best way to pick a pack based on your body frame. you'll be carrying this pack ALOT so you want to make sure it's contoured to your body type and is comfortable. and also of note is that you want to keep the weight of your pack as little as possible. start buying lighter alternatives of gear you are already set to bring or just don't bring it if you really don't need it. the pack you are looking at looks great, but i'm a bit surprised that they didn't write down any specs on it (i.e. weight, lenght, width, capacity). i'd still go with the detachable daypack though...if you really decide you don't want it...just detach it and leave it at home. i use mine to carry my water bladder in while i'm hiking around.