Im going rtw in Sept and intend being away for at least a year. I am going west via S America, NZ, Aus, SE Asia, etc.

Ive been trying to decide on a bag to buy. Ive read lots, looked around and been told lots of info.

Can anyone give me any from personal experience?
Makes and brands to go with or to avoid?
Ive recently been told that MacPack are the best, can anyone comment on this?

I've always traveled and travel with a North Face pack. In my opinion the best. You may also try Lowes Alpine and compare the price and size of the pack. The model you choose will depend on you, but don't get anything larger than 70 liters...hell to carry once fully loaded. I use a 60 liter and is quite OK. So my pick:

1. North Face
2. Lowes Alpine
3. All the rest...

Cheers for that but I would like to hear some more opinions especially on this MacPac

ive got an lifeventure pac, thats what its called, its great but was slightly expensive but exactly what i was looking for. has day pac with it, the main pac is 70ltr and the day sac 15, i think. the quality of it is v.good too..