I have two Rick Steves backpacks. One was bought around 1997 and the other last year. The newer one seems better, however the older one functions just fine.
Both times, I went to his store in Edmonds, WA (suburb of Seattle) to purchase his packs. For the pack bought last year, I was able to try on the pack that is filled with about 20 lbs of stuff.
I haven't tried out the Eagle Creek & other stuff. I am quite satisfied with both of my Rick Steves bag.