Dandill,
One thing you should know before choosing a backpack is wether or not you need to take a sleeping bag with you. This is important to decide upon the volume of your backpack. Swiss mountain huts range from very comfortable, fully equipped to excruciating primitive shelters.
My problem with the backpack you mention above is with the tripod attachment. It will never work for a CF 1348 tripod.
Bernard pointed out the excellent Osprey b'packs. Also worth considering are the Arc'teryx packs like the
RT 35 or the
RT 45.
In addition to GoLite, Dynastar, The North fac, Mammut, Karrimor also have worthwhile packs. Look for those equipped to carry skis, ice axes or snow boards. Prefer the light ones over the bombproof and heavier ones.
The most important thing is to get a
comfortable pack. Even 5 hours of alpine hiking can put very unpleasant stress on your neck & shoulders, especially when you do it for a few days.
Usually I carry my tripod - a 1348 :: - like a riffle. I use a 2.5 meter climbing tubular sling.
IMHO, the Gitzo 1348 is certainly overkill for such a trip but last week I hiked to full days with mine along with a 1D body and 3 lenses. Soit can be done.Weather was so bad I only got 6 lousy photos :cool: . The 1348 can serve as a tent if you put your rain jacket on the BH...
Why don't you visit a local moutaineering store and take your gear with you (especially your tripod).
If you need more info, don't hesitate!
Francois