Buying advice for alpine packs?

I honestly don't see how a pack can be AMAZING (I'm not taking the piss out of you, sawyer). A good pack should simply be an afterthought when you're climbing with it. A good alpine pack should do what it needs to do well, and you don't have to worry about it at all. The last pack that I had that did this was an Arcteryx Khamsin 52 (and then a string of Cilogears that didn't do this). You shouldn't be amazed that a pack does what it's supposed to do.

Graham Johnson wrote: You shouldn't be amazed that a pack does what it's supposed to do.

Quoted for truth

Graham Johnson wrote:I honestly don't see how a pack can be AMAZING (I'm not taking the piss out of you, sawyer). A good pack should simply be an afterthought when you're climbing with it. A good alpine pack should do what it needs to do well, and you don't have to worry about it at all. The last pack that I had that did this was an Arcteryx Khamsin 52 (and then a string of Cilogears that didn't do this). You shouldn't be amazed that a pack does what it's supposed to do.

Still using a Khamsin 38 I picked up in Squamish (or Vancouver, not sure) for around $50 (much better exchange rate then), great packs, simple, comfortable, and hold up well. Have an Osprey Variant 52 that's going back to REI; can't recommend it, fragile buckles, doesn't fit as well as other packs, and a bit heavy for what I need.

Ha, ha, lovely sentiment. Gear you never notice?...because it actually works for the intended purpose and stays in one piece.
Novel idea :-)

Best packs I have used are actually pretty boring that way.

Great advice all around. Lots to consider obviously. Like I said, I'll pay for good gear, just want to make sure it's legit and going to do it's job (as Graham pointed out).

I'd rather support local business if possible and ProLite gear here in Bozeman is having a sale tomorrow and Saturday.

Here's the link to what they have in stock: prolitegear.com/site/search…

They don't carry some of the brands you all mentioned (i.e CiLo and CCW) that seem to be good products. The GoLite Terrono 70L does compress down and has a lot of alpine climbing features. Here's a link to it: prolitegear.com/go-lite-men…

If you get time and have a look at either link, I'd appreciate thoughts. Otherwise, the advice given thus far is plenty adequate and I look forward to using my pack this season!
Cheers,
Cotton