I did not own any sort of hiking backpack, and someone posted a blog of this brand but in a different style. So I researched the brand and came across this bag on the website. I really liked it and thought it might be a good purchase for this trip. I found it at a store in St. Louis when I went home for Easter break and after trying it on and looking inside and also comparing it to other bags I decided to purchase it! I love it and can’t wait to try it out while hiking!