That's right. I think you'll be better served with a large compartment backpack in which you put small silnylon sacks to organize your gear.

I own three Osprey packs myself so I can tell you that there are top-of-the-line backpacks. Maxpedition packs are bombproof but heavier. If you think you might get to enjoy long hikes and backpacking, you are better served by the Osprey Atmos 50 you looked at. It's a high-rated pack.

Like others have said, there are hundreds of packs out there. When I choose a new pack, I consider the features of the pack that I want, the brand and the price.

I own expensive Osprey packs for snowplay and day hikes. However, for long treks, I bought a 129 $ CAD Karrimor backpack which gets the job done, but its not as feature-packed or sexy as the Osprey.

At the end of the day. Buy something you like and you can afford, then just go... go enjoy it. <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> If it gets damaged or anything. Buy another one... Repeat.