funny you bring this up. i just bought a new bag last nite and two of the ones who mentioned where canidates for my new bag. i had a few others i was checking out as well.
i went to a store where i could try them on and put weights in them like i did my big hiking pack. then the choice was clear for me on which bag i wanted.
i wont' tell you which one i got, but it was one of the two mentioned. i like how it felt and it was easy to walk around with in the store and bike around the store.
the sales clerk kept directing me towards a mirror so i could see what i looked like with the bag on,,,silly boy. i don't need to see that!
i just want to know how it feels.
so maybe go try a few bag on with books in them!