I currently use an old Lowe alpine contour mountain 45 - no longer available sadly
the pros - tough(made to be dragged up mountainsides), light, can carry a lot 45litres/2750ci, can be snugged down very small with the compression straps, the shovel panel is very useful for helmets/skates/bulky shopping items
the cons - only one external pocket, not incredibly comfortable if 1.81m/5'11" or more tall(the waist strap tends to sit around the stomach if you use it - i don't use the strap because of that), no reflective strips(so go buy some
), not made anymore
HOWEVER tad gear make a replica that quite possibly is even better
http://www.tadgear.com/x-treme%20gea...pack_alpha.htm
as you can see they solved the external pocket problem - you could have as many as you want and there are now even more points to allow blinkie/reflective tape mounting