I've had my vandal for a few months now. I use it every day and I gotta say, it's expensive, but I don't regret buying it at all, worth every penny.

With that said, i've never really liked Timbuk2 stuff, but that Hemlock looks like a nice pack. The lack of a sternum strap would be a deal breaker though. For me, that strap does more than just keep the pack from swinging around, it pulls the straps more on my chest than my arms when it's cinched down for more comfort while stretched out on the bike.