I was in Guitar Center recently, and saw a small acoustic-like guitar made specifically [I think] for hiking or traveling where space is at a premium.

It ended up being a Martin, and it sounded pretty good- actually it sounded great, and it was waayy cheap. I travel a lot and always want to bring a guitar along, but dont know which of the 'travelers' to buy. I'll probably end up getting this one.

Any thoughts before I make the leap?

In my experience, Martin has always been solid. As has Taylor. You'd be going right with either one as long as you've got the dough to do it.

These look great! I was wondering how they sounded. I was thinking of getting one too. My son could probably handle one of this size much easier as could I.

Whoa! Martin Guitars are actually good. They're using nylong strings, yes but the sound they produce is just good as a metal string. They don't hurt that much to the fingers too.

If we are talking about the backpacker, the only thing they are good for is being portable. They do not sound very good. I have a steel string backpacker. I definitly don't recomend anyone learning to play on this guitar. It is a strap guitar only. For the money you will spend on a backpacker, you can by a low end Dean or a Crafter guitar that will sound much better and translate to other guitars much better. As far as a travelers guitar, if you can afford it, the Baby Taylor sounds much better. I will eventually sell my backpacker and switch to the Taylor.