Thanks all. It appears that I hadden't fully appreciated the current crop of backpacks available. I'm currently in the desert and hard to justify a 200rt mile outing to look at packs, but in a few weeks I'll be able to visit some good supply stores to look at the osprey offerings mentioned. P.S. from my surfing- Seattle ( home base) rents backpacks, but no mention of types or conditions...guess its a case of simply dropping in and talking to one of the staff.