The northface pack

Fa, I haven't used that particular Backpack, but it appears to be a good quality product. I've found that a panel-loading Pack (with zippers) is often more practical for international travel than a top-loader. However, as you're planning to use it for camping and wilderness hiking, the Prophet pack is probably the best choice for your situation. A few of the features that I like in a a travel Pack are a detachable Daypack (good for carry-on) and stowable Straps (to prevent damage from airport baggage systems). With a top-loader, you won't have those options. Panel-loaders can be secured at least minimally by locking the zippers, while that isn't usually possible with top-loaders. Although you likely won't be carrying it for long periods of time, one of the most important criteria in choosing a Backpack is proper fitting for torso length. I didn't check but the Prophet 65 likely has some way to adjust that. Most of the weight should rest on your hips, not your shoulders. You might also have a look at Osprey, Eagle Creek or Gregory Backpacks. All of those are excellent quality and while they may be a bit expensive, I'd consider that a "long term purchase". Good luck with your decision!

Fa, To add to the comments from Darcy, my primary Backpack is an older Eagle Creek Continental Journey, and that's my favourite. Unfortunately, Eagle Creek seems to have changed their designs and they're a bit "stingy" with the waist belt sizing now. I believe the maximum is now 38", and I'm way beyond that so current EC products won't work for me. I needed a slightly larger Pack for one trip, so ended up buying one of the Osprey models, and it has also worked well. The padding of the shoulder straps is most definitely something you'll need to consider. Cheers!

Fa, I see in one of the reviews that the shoulder straps could use a bit more padding. Don't know if that would be a concern for you but it would be for me. I love my Eaglecreek 65L which is similar to the Rincon 75L because of the torso to bag measurements, the hipbelt and the shoulder straps. I don't even know I'm wearing it!

Thank you all for your inputs! love,
FA

if you are also going to use the pack for hiking tours I would strongly suggest getting a proper hiking backpack. It is also important to try one on at the store as different packs fit everyone differently. North Face is good, but my favourite are Gregory and Osprey packs. I do lots of backpacking/hiking and I would never dream of using my Eagle Creek travel backpack for it. travel packs aren't built to carry heavy loads which you typically carry on a hiking tour, but this also depends what kind of tour you are doing. Would you be carrying your own stove, food, tent etc? If so stick with a backpack designed for that. My Eagle Creek backpack would carry 20 lbs comfortably, but 40 lbs would be insane, whereas my Osprey pack would carry that very comfortably.

Since it looks like you are in the Atlanta area, I would go by on of the REI's and have them help you fit a pack, then go from there in deciding what to purchase. (Altho in re-reading your original post, you may have looked there already??)