I haven't used the Rainier, but I feel that Jansport is a second string company, behind outfits like Gregory, Dana, Kelty, Arc'teryx, and even North Face. On the other hand, I haven't heard of anybody dying as a result of using their products. They are probably not a bad value.<br><br>I would recommend a frameless backpack rather than a frame type. They carry much better, especially if you ever start scrambling around off trail (and inevitably you will, sooner or later) and are a lot more versatile. Frame backpacks are best used for really weird loads on the heavy side, like chain saws or mammoth femurs.