I have no experience with Alps Mountaineering gear.

I think the best value matching comfort, quality, utility, and cost, is provided by Osprey packs. I have an Osprey Aether 70 and an Osprey Aether 85. I would use the 70 for the applications that you inquired about. The Osprey Atmos series of packs also looks good and they are a little simpler, which might be desirable.

KC


Wind in my hair, Sun on my face, I gazed at the wide open spaces, And I was at home.