I'm in the planning stages of my AT section hiking journey, beginning next year, and am pack shopping. Last time I owned a pack was many years ago as a Scout and it was a heavy, external frame beast!! I have an opportunity to get a great deal on brand new Gregory packs - 40% of any pack I want and was really hoping someone could share some experiences with the following packs:
1) Gregory Contour 50 - I can get this pack for $155
2) Gregory Z55 - I can get this pack for $167
3) Savant 48 - I can get this pack for $113
4) How is Gregory on customer service???
The Z55 states it is ventilated. How much a difference does that make? All of my section hikes will be somewhere between 18-24 days. Do I really need to go bigger than 55 liters? I have most of my gear and think it will all fit, but I value the voice of experience - so please, let me hear your opinions. Thanks.