I didn't know much about the brand before I bought it and don't now but I really like the pack and it's worn well.
Haha I'm not a salesman, I just bought it because feature wise it had what I was looking for. You know, just like you with Carabee, I'd probably buy another one if I needed it just because I'm familiar with the brand now and they didn't let me down first time round. I don't think brands really matter, just quality. I also like when brands make a pretty unique product, and even when it's copied heaps it remains the best. For that reason I'd buy Nalgenes again a thousand times, because I know they're really durable from experience. I also know if I want a torch I can drop a million times with a quality beam I'm going to buy a maglight (also they just feel nice and hefty and lethal in the hand).
So anyway, rambling aside, I'd just really recommend you choose what you like, and has a good reputation.
Oh and it's definitely a personal choice thing but I really hate packs with a dangly bulbous top thing that clips down.