Some good advice here. After a 20 yr or so hiatus from backpacking, bought a backpack in Nov. I did a little bit of research online to get an idea of what I liked and what would hold my 0 degree winter bag.

Then I went to our local Backwoods and tried a couple to see how they fit. From that I made my selection and ordered the pack. I consider it my winter pack and will probably buy a little smaller and lighter one for summer use.