Recommended backpack brands for my first backpacking trip in Chile (10 days)?

Osprey is great, never heard of the frame snapping at all..but if it did they would definitely replace the bag. You can check gear reviews at www.backpacker.com and www.backcountry.com. You can purchase the pack at backcountry and they have a no questions asked return policy so if they break your frame or you shred your pack on the trail just duct tape it up for the rest of the trip and return it to backcountry no questions asked for the same model or your money back.

I personally use a Kelty, I`ve had the same one for the past 10 years or so. Gregory and Osprey are both great brands. I also have friends who swear by Mountain Hardwear. Its just a matter of preference. If I were you I would go to a REI or EMS or whatever outdoor retailer is by you and try on the packs and ask questions to the employees, preferably someone your own size who has a pack, you being a female I would ask another female employee. But then buy it on backcountry for a huge discount and great customer service. Its where I buy most of my gear. I had a rain shell that wore out..it wasnt waterproof anymore....and they exchanged it for an updated model since it was discontinued.