Thanks to all that replied! I didn't want to start posting with a question and be a troll and all - I'll try to post more... but, this question has circulated in my mind for quite some time.

Yes, something this big is certainly huge compared to what many use. But, IN the case where a situation were to turn ugly around home-front, I wanted something that would provide the stability to cram everything I had in without the thought of resourcing and 'need'. As well as being in conjuction to handle the load range and suffice in distributing the weight comfortably.

And what I meant by "ugly around home-front," was my thought (actually more of an intuition) something home would occur. Such an occurance, in my mind, would be like a terrorist attack on multiple metro-cities simultaneously. I think this will someday occur, its not a matter to me if it's going to occur, only when!

So, I was looking around for a pack that would be large and CAPABLE enough to carry a load around that range. I mean, a duffle pack would surely be able to fit all of my stuff, but to carry it even a mile? Not possible. If I could carry that much weight for at least a couple miles, the pack has suffice in its duties.

But...that was just a thought in the back of my mind that has slowly continued to grow...thanks again guys for your input

Mods, I'll try to post more...

David Nguyen