best backpacking backpack?

I'm a student who is going to be in Australia on an exchange and am planning on doing a fair amount of travelling in and around OZ while I'm away.

I'm new to this whole backpacking thing so I was wondering if anyone could suggest a good backpacking company/brand.

I don't want to spend a fortune, but I do want my pack to last the entire trip (about 5 months) and then some.

Thanks!

anything burton.

sturdiest, most well made backpacks there is.