Hey! I'm new to this awesome website, and trying to get my act together for an AT thru-hike in '11.
I was wondering what you guys think about pack access for thru-hiking. I've got a front access daypack, and that's definitely my favorite feature. Though I probably won't get that lucky with my next pack, it seems to me that a 60L pack hauling all your stuff should at least have more than one top access point to help maintain sanity and keep cursing and ill-will towards your pack to a minimum. Comments, thoughts, expostulations?
Ladies, any recommendations on packs? Will probably carry avg 30-35 lbs on my thru-hike, I'm 5'3" and am leaning towards the Osprey Aura 65. Definitely want to stay in the 3.5 lb or less range.