Gregory Baltoro 65

Priced: $209.16 - $329.00 Rated:   - 5 stars out of 5 by 56 reviews.
Gregory Baltoro 65
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Color: Prussian Blue
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TahoeMountainSports.com $209.16
32% off
Regularly: $310.99
Sierra Trading Post $219.95
29% off
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Backcountry Edge $222.95
28% off
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REI (2012) (closeout)
(close out from 2012)
$223.93
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Regularly: $299.00
Oregon Mountain Community $298.95
3% off
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Campsaver.com $328.95
Gearx $238.99
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Backcountry.com $239.20 - $328.95
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DepartmentOfGoods $239.20
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Al's Sports $247.95
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USOutdoor.com $298.95
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Zappos.com $299.00
3% off
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Campmor $299.95
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Moosejaw $328.95
Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS) $329.00
Mountain Gear $329.00
Paragon Sports $329.00
REI $329.00
SunnySports $329.00
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Gregory Baltoro 65 -
Gregory has forever been a company with its focus on backpackers, rock climbers, and mountaineers and the specific needs of these individuals. As of late they have employed their vast knowledge to bring to light new products that deal with the evolving needs of the multi-sport market. The Gregory Baltoro 65 backpack screams functionality with an updated suspension system to get you farther, faster, and in style and comfort. A few of the key features are the Thermomolded EVA back panel, which has a grippy lumbar pad to help keep the back properly positioned and will efficiently transfer the load weight to your hips. This works in conjunction with the independently rotating load transfer panels on the hip belt to automatically register hip angle and isolate distinctive body movements. The Gregory Baltoro 65 daypack has three ways for you to get in and grab your gear; including, top load, front zip, and bottom zip access. Hydration reservoir sleeve and dual drink tube ports (reservoir sold separate) are standard features rounding out the package. The Baltoro 65 is the one you want for your next adventure.

Hipbelt:

  • Independently rotating load transfer panels on the hipbelt automatically register your hip angle and articulate your body's movements
  • Zippered front pocket, twin side pockets, dual hipbelt pockets and hideaway water bottle pocket with bungee offer easy access to often-used gear

Zippers:

  • Baltoro 65 pack offers 3 ways to get at your gear with top-loading, front zip and bottom zippered access to the main compartment
  • Front panel zip pocket

Pockets:

  • Removable top lid pocket keeps your compass, maps, small essentials or rainwear close at hand; stash pocket on the underside of the lid secures personal
  • Side mesh stuff pocket
  • Plenty of pockets keep small items organized
  • Floating lid with interior and exterior pockets converts to a fanny pack

Fit:

  • (Medium) Fits waist/hips 28"- 34"
  • Adjustable harness offers fit customization
  • Response Auto Fit suspension with one 7075-T6 aluminum stay provides optimum load transfer
  • Auto-cant harness technology and Auto-fit waist-belt system

Lining and Layers:

  • DWR coated, water-resistant zippers and dual layer, wear-resistant bottom panel

Fabric:

  • Gregory Baltoro 65 pack is made with 210-denier double diamond ripstop and 210- and 420-denier flat weave fabrics that offer strength, durability and lightness
  • Highly durable fabric and DWR-coated water-resistant zippers stand up to abrasion and the elements
  • 210D DDR and 210D x 420D HD flat weave fabrics

Padding:

  • LifeSpan EVA foam padding resists compression
  • Thermomolded EVA back panel features a grippy lumbar pad that helps keep the pack positioned properly and effectively transfers load weight to your hips
  • Thermo-molded backpanel with elastomeric gription technology on the lumbar pad
  • Suspension features soft, pre-curved harness and hipbelt with EVA foam padding to help eliminate hot spots on your hips and shoulders

Hydration:

  • Hydration sleeve and side easy-to-feed ports for your hose
  • Hydration sleeve (reservoir sold separately) and water bottle pocket keep H2O close at hand
  • Hydration-compatible design features a reservoir sleeve and dual drink-tube exit ports for on-the-go hydration (reservoir sold separately)

Suspension:

  • Response AFS Suspension system incorporates a pivoting shoulder harness and pivoting hip-belt that move with your body throughout your stride (rather than resisting against your body's movements)

Manufactured:

  • Made in China

Straps:

  • Side and bottom compression straps

Features:

  • Quick draw, easty-to-open drawstring system on main access
  • Top lid can be removed and configured into a Fannie pack
  • Closeout
  • Single aluminum stay prevents barreling and transfers the load to your hips
  • Includes removable divider for sleeping bag compartment
  • 3D pre-curved harness and waistbelt components with new life span EVA foam
  • Pre-curved foam harness and thermo-molded backpanel conform to your shape without chafing against it
  • Ice axe and trekking pole attachment system
  • Detachable top lid makes a waistbelt pack when you go on side-hikes or quick summit attempts from camp
TahoeMountainSports.com
The Gregory Baltoro 65 is a great all-around backpacking backpack at the perfect size for most trips.
If you are looking for a 65 liter backpack that can do it all, look no further than this Gregory Pack.
We think that this is the size of choice for the majority of backpackers out there because it has the capacity for a 2-4 week trip, but will make you slim down your packing list because it won't carry the entire kitchen sink.
The Baltoro 65 uses the Gregory backpack AFS Suspension System allowing it to carry loads up to 50 pounds.
The highly durable fabric has a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating coupled with waterproof zips where they are needed most.
3 Access points - Top, Front and Bottom - allow for easy entry and easy reach for anything in your pack whether its at the bottom of the top.
One of our favorite features is the removable top lid that can be converted into a fanny pack for peak bagging or side trips for a cooling swim.
This Gregory Pack is hydration compatible and has a stow away water bottle pocket for those that are not accustomed to carrying a handy hydration reservoir.
Once you buy a Gregory Backpack, you really never want to go back. Couple it with a Gregory Miwok and you now have the perfect traveling companions.

Oregon Mountain Community
The Gregory Baltoro 65 Backpack is built for those who want uncompromising support and comfort. With an updated suspension system the Gregory Baltoro 65 Backpack wears more comfortably than ever before. This pack was designed for the backcountry adventurer seeking multiple pockets and zip-thru access points.

Moosejaw

The Gregory Baltoro 65 Pack. Options are the name of the game and the Baltoro 65 delivers just that. This pack is the answer for those of us who don't need to pack the kitchen sink on a weekend backpacking trip. With all of the same targeted features and functionality as its bigger brother and updates to our award-winning Response AFS suspension you'll be more comfortable, go farther, and be the envy of everyone else on the trail. Promise.


Campmor
Options are the name of the game with Gregory's Baltoro 65 Pack. It's a pack forthose who don't need to pack the kitchen sink on a weekend backpacking trip.The Baltoro 65 includes an updated, award winning, Response AFS suspension and ultra soft 3D components with Lifespan EVA foam technology to make you even more comfortable, go farther and be the envy of everyone else on the trail.

Backcountry.com
A sturdy pack that accommodates your body, your movements, and your hiking plans.

Gregory gave the Baltoro 65 a hefty helping of cargo capacity and a supremely comfortable suspension system so that even when the pack is fully loaded on a one-, two-, or three-day trip, it will offer stable support for mile after mile.


Sierra Trading Post
Offering outstanding support for backpackers who need a little less capacity, Gregory's Baltoro 65 backpack offers easy access to the main compartment and multiple storage options.

Mountain Gear

You don't feel the need to pack everything each time you head into the backcountry, and Gregory's Baltoro 65 caters to your style. This pack updates its predecessors with a new, exceptionally comfortable Response AFS Suspensions system and auto-cant harness while multiple pockets provide on-the-go storage to minimize time spent digging though your pack.


Campsaver.com

It's predecessor won countless awards for being the most comfortable high-performance pack. So why mess with a good thing? To make it even better of course. The Gregory Baltoro 65 has improved functionality within the feature set, increased pack volume and an updated suspension that carries better and more comfortably than ever before.


Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS)
A perennial favorite and multiple award winner, the Gregory Baltoro 65 Backpack offers multiple pockets and zip-thru access to all your gear.
Backcountry Edge

Based on an award-winning design, the improved Gregory Baltoro 65 pack boasts a wealth of access points, an array of features and an innovative suspension system that make this load-carrying workhorse a stand-out backcountry performer.


REI

The Gregory Baltoro 65 pack delivers smartly targeted features and functionality and an updated suspension to help you go farther, faster and lighter in comfort.

Imported.


REI (2012) (closeout)

The Gregory Baltoro 65 pack is so spacious and functional, you could take along everything—including the kitchen sink.

Imported.


Zappos.com
Go farther and reach higher with the durable and spacious Baltoro 65 by Gregory®.
and Auto-fit waistbelt system.
Response™ AFS Suspension.
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Average Price History: Price History
Review RatingNumber of Reviews
40
11
1
0
1
Access:Top Loading w/ Front Access
Access Points:3 (Top, Front and Bottom)
Access Type :5003
Activity:Backpacking
Adjustable Torso Length:No
Adjustable Torso Lengths:Yes
Adjustable torso:Deluxe backpack
Backpack style:Deluxe backpack
Bottom Width:15 in
Capacity:(Small) 3844 cu in / 63 L; (Medium) 3966 cu in / 65 L; (Large) 4150 cu in / 68 L
Depth:8 in
Detachable Daypack:yes, lid
Detachable Lid:yes
Detachable Pack:yes
Dimensions (HxWxD):28x14x10"
Dimensions :18" - 20"
Fabric:210D double diamond ripstop and 210D x 420D HD flat weave fabrics
Features:Lumbar Pack Lid, Sleeping Bag Compartment, Top Loader
Fits Torso:Small: 16"-18" Medium: 18"-20" Large: 20"-22"
Fits torsos:20-22"
Fits waist/hips:22 - 28 inches
Frame Type:Internal frame
Frame material:Thermomolded polypropylene/HDPE/aluminum stay
Frame :Single 7075-T6 aluminum stay
Gear capacity (L):63 liters
Gear capacity (cu. in.):3,844 cubic inches
Handle Length:3 in
Height:25 in
Helmet Carrier:no
Hydration Bladder Included:Not Included
Hydration Compatible:Yes
Ice Axe Loops:no
Laptop Size:N/A
Laptop Sleeve:None
Large:4150 in³/68L - 5 lb 14 oz/2.65 kg - 20" - 22" Torso
Material: Double-diamond ripstop nylon/flat weave nylon Frame material: Thermomolded polypropylene/HDPE/aluminum stay
Max Load Capacity:50 lbs / 23 kg
Max Weight Capacity:50 lb
Maximum Weight:50 lb
Medium:3966 in³/65L - 5 lb 10 oz/2.55 kg - 18" - 20" Torso
Middle Width:15 in
Number of Access Points:3 - Top/front/bottom
Number of Pockets:7
Number of exterior pockets:8 + main compartment
Number of stays:65 liters
Organization Pocket:yes
Organizer Panel:No
Pack Fabric (Primary):210D HT nylon ripstop
Pack Size:3000-3999 cu in
Pack Style:Internal
Pack access:3,966 cubic inches
Pack loading:3,844 cubic inches
Padded Laptop Compartment:No
Pockets:1 lid, 1 front zippered, 2 side, 1 hideaway, (internal) 1 lid
Primary Access:Top & Front Panel Access
Rain Cover:no
Raincover included:5 lbs. 10 oz.
Recommended Use:overnight, weekend backpacking trips
Reservoir Included:no
Shipping Surcharge:Yes
Shoulder Straps:thermo-molded
Shovel Pocket:no
Size:n/a
Ski / Snowboard Carrier:no
Sleeping bag compartment:5 lbs. 6 oz.
Small:3844 in³/63L - 5 lb 6 oz/2.45 kg - 16" - 18" Torso
Sternum Strap:Yes; Adjustable Position
Strap Drop:4 in
Strap Length:16 1⁄2 in
Support / Suspension:Response Auto-Fit Suspension
Suspended mesh back panel:68 liters
Suspension:Internal Frame
Suspension System:Response AFS Suspension with Single 7075-T6 aluminum stay
Top Width:17 in
Torso:S: 16" - 18"M: 18" - 20"L: 20" - 22"
Torso Adjustment:Yes
Torso Fit Range: Small - 16" - 18" Medium - 18" - 20" Large - 20" - 22"
Torso Fit :Auto-cant harness technology and Auto-fit waistbelt system
Torso Length:S 16-18 in.M 18-20 in.L 20-22 in.
Trekking Pole Loops:no
Trip Length:Extended Trip (>3 nights)
Type:Internal Frame Backpack
Ultralight:Internal
Use :Camping; Hiking
Volume:Small: 3844 cu in Medium: 3966 cu in Large: 4150 cu in
Volume Range:60-69 Liters
Waist-Belt:yes, 3D pre-curved
Warranty:Lifetime
Weight:(Small) 5 lb 6 oz / 2.45 kg; (Medium) 5 lb 10 oz / 2.55 kg; (Large) 5 lb 14 oz / 2.65 kg
Weight - metric:Deluxe backpack
Weight Capacity:Up to 55 lbs.
Weight [with packaging]:Small: 5.75 lb, Medium: 6 lb, Large: 6.25 lb
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Gregory Baltoro 65 Reviews:

Positive Reviews:

Great comfortable pack

I bought this pack for scouting trips with my son. The troop does a yearly week long high adventure trip plus multiple weekend trips to get in high altitude training. I'm 50 something and a reasonably experienced hiker/backpacker.
I've used the pack now for about two years. I've got probably 150 trail miles on it. I use the Baltoro for longer trips and alternate between this pack and a light weight 44 liter pack for overnights and weekends.
The Baltoro is by far the more comfortable of the two. I can fit a full weeks' worth of gear; sleeping bag, rain gear, stove, cooking gear, tent, etc. plus a bear can and 2-3 liters of water (around 35-40 lb. for a week full up) and be very comfortable on the trail. The straps and belt tighten and stay put - they don't loosen. We pack in the Sierra and San Jacintos so there's lots of ups and downs. The pack stays put and is very stable.
I have to comment on the water bottle pouch. It is seriously worth any extra weight! To be able to reach a 1 liter Nalgene and put it back without help or taking the pack off is great! I can't recall ever having a bottle fall out of the holder. I don't like or use camelback style water bladders and this is the best thought out water bottle holder I've seen.
Pockets are reasonably useful except for the hip belt pockets. I'd like to see the side zip pockets a little more roomy. When the pack is full, they get pretty squashed. The pockets on the hip belt are too small to be useful for snacks. I usually put my compass in one pocket and put a lip balm in the other - that's about it for them. The pockets should be bigger or removed. The removable top pocket is big and really useful for things you may need access to on the trail. Packing is easy with top and bottom access.
The pack is durable. No rips, tears, broken zips, straps or buckles. The fabric is durable enough to have survived multiple scrapes and scuffs on Sierra granite without damage. I cannot comment on waterproofing integrity, I use a pack cover for wet weather.
OK. Cons. The pack is heavy. Yes, it is comfortable and incredibly durable but it is heavy. For the comfort though, I'm willing to tolerate the weight. The pack is also noisy. I have been unable to keep the shoulder stay straps from rubbing. It is annoying when hiking along a quiet Sierra trail to hear the pack rubbing at every step. I would give the pack a 5 except for the rub-rub-rub as I hike.
I will probably use this pack for several years, and would buy another to replace it.
Terrier Carrier at REI on 12/12/2012

Most Comfortable Pack I've Ever Worn!

I have been backpacking for forty years, and this is the most comfortable pack I've ever had. Before I got this one, I had the REI Flash 65, which was OK, but not too comfortable and the durability wasn't there. So, I returned it to REI (with their wonderful return policy) and got this one. I've put a lot of effort, time and money into getting ultralight gear, but I've realized that the comfort of my pack is one area where some extra weight is more than worth it. There's just so much more to the overall equation that simply the weight of a pack. This pack weighs 2.5 lbs. more than my ultralight pack did, but with 25-30 pounds of load, it feels SO much better! It actually feels like I'm carrying LESS weight. No pressure points whatsoever, nothing digging in, just plush comfort! I put the pack on, adjust it once and go hiking. I'm not constantly re-adjusting it like I've done with packs in the past. All my other gear (sleeping bag, pad, tent, etc) are all very light, so I could disappear for a week with this pack and still have my load under 35 lbs. Packs and boots are two items where I won't skimp on comfort, support and durability. Also, I love the side pockets on the Baltoro. Growing up backpacking in the seventies with external frame packs, I really appreciate numerous pockets to organize gear. I use the water bottle holder on the right side for my Katadyn Hiker Pro water filter, and because I have the adapter on the tube of my Camelbak, I can refill my reservoir without ever taking off the pack. This is a really great thing to be able to do, and I appreciate it very much. All in all, I am extremely pleased with this pack. Having the 65 liter version helps ensure I'll be careful about what I pack, and not take too much stuff. I tell you, the fit, comfort, padding and craftsmanship of the Baltoro 65 is outstanding!
cjcnewmex at REI on 06/06/2011

A darn good pack!

I bought this pack for my upcoming thru-hike attempt of the Appalachian trail. I spent many hours researching packs and reading users reviews and all that jazz. Regardless of what anyone says, the best way to find the pack for you is to simply try it on. While this pack what a bit heavier than what I was original aiming for, as soon as I threw it on my back and strapped down, I immediatley felt good about it. I would much rather have a durable and comfortable pack that weighs a bit more than to sacrafice such important needs for a ultra light pack. I tried a UlA pack my roommate purchased for the trip and there is deffinitley a world of a differnce between that and the baltoro. While I love the idea of having a ultra light pack, I love the idea more of finishing my thru-hike with a pack that I know will last without breaking my back. The gregory is a little heavier simply because of its suspension system. And that system is what makes the gregoy pack simply amazing. I have some decent back issues and most packs i tried on pulled my shoulders back, leaving a gap inbetween my back and the pack, thus causing me to feel much more on my back than i should. Yes it is a backpack, but most of the weight should be resting on your hips. The hip harness on the baltoro is second to none. It is thick, comfy, and best of all adjustable. As your hips move, the harness moves to allow for natural movement. All in all, I feel good with the pack on back and truly believe it is the best option for me. Like I said earlier however, certianly take the time to try on as many packs as you can before settling for something. If you do so, make sure you try the baltoro though, because you will have a better understanding of the positive differences it provides.
ALP at Rock/Creek Outfitters on 03/03/2013

So far, so good, so small!

I bought this pack to haul my gear and the collective gear of the party on short outing of one or two nights. Because we are not "into" backpacking yet or stuff is not the lightest or the smallest. The light part we can handle. It's the small part where we come into some trouble. I couldn't get my wife's sleeping bag to compress into a small enough bundle to slide INTO the sleeping bad compartment. It cam OUT of it OK though and top-loaded just fine. Throw in some other items that packed a little more beefy than the "enthusiast" version would and I ran out of room quickly. I am positive that better packing skills will free up SOME room but I think a larger pack would have been better for our current collection of stuff.

The pack itself was easy to adjust and comfortable. It's been a long time since I had a pack of any size on my back. After I got over the fact that packs have not become "magical" in the past 15 years and started hiking, I realized how much better packs actually were! I kept fiddling with it throughout he morning trying to make it "better" but it was never actually uncomfortable at all. It was only a 4.5 mile trial hike with 32 pounds of my own and wife's gear on board but so far I am quite pleased with this pack.

I bought this pack in the Reading store: after THREE HOURS of trying things on and adjusting and setting up and all that. Thank God for Jennifer! She was amazing and I would not have left the store with anything if it weren't for her! That being said, MY pack is NOT at all the same color green shown in the pictures on the web site! It's a happier shade of green, more interesting to look at.Not bad at all, just not the same as the picture.
FatKenny at REI on 03/03/2011

Fantastic Pack!

6 months ago a college teammate of mine said that it was time for some "bro-time," a get-together and that this was going to take place on the Denny's Creek Trailhead outside Denver over Memorial Day Weekend 2011.

There was no way I wasn't going to go.

I had no backpacking gear at the time nor had I been camping in years. I started the quest to assemble the necessities and that same weekend my 20% member coupon showed up in the mail. I went to REI and decided to get my first real backpacking pack. I had done a decent amount of research and had my choices narrowed to an Osprey Atmos or this Baltoro.

The Baltoro is amazing. I'm not sure how someone can argue about the size of the pack. It is, after all, as advertised. The sleeping bag compartment is spacious, IMO. While in CO, I would stuff my large Big Agnes Sleeping bag and long insulated Big Agnes sleeping pad into the sleeping bag compartment with ease... along with a decently heavy Columbia jacket. A couple pairs of clothes, a stove, fuel, food and the other necessities fit in the bag with ease... any issues with pack size must be do to inefficient packing.

I had about 45 lbs. in the pack during the trip and loved every minute of it. The waist belt is outstanding, I also like the articulating feature found on both the hip-belt and shoulder straps.

I didn't have any issues with durability, the pack withstood the 4 day trip without a blemish. I've used it on several occasions since, in several scenarios and am completely pleased with my purchase. There're pockets galore, and creative minds can find multiple ways to use every aspect of the pack.
Scotty2hotty at REI on 09/09/2011

I took this pack out of the box and immediately noticed that "Electric Yellow" had a very slight greenish tinge to it, and wasn't the thermonuclear yellow depicted in the pictures. I can't say whether I was disappointed or not, but the color has grown on me so I am satisfied.
I loaded it up with a 45� sleeping bag. my 20� fit, but barely. I then added two changes of clothes, full rain gear, a hammock tent, a bevy of camping supplies like a stove, water filter, headlamp, hat, gloves, etc, and it all fit. my first aid and inflatable sleeping pad fit as well, and I put another foam sleeping pad on the outside. I filled a large 48oz Nalgene (the tall one) and stuck it in the bottle holder. It didn't fit, per say, but the bungee cord easily looped across the cap and the whole operation stayed put.
Once it was loaded, I added a DSLR camera and a pair of big headphones, and a spare pair of shoes, and headed to NYC for two days. I walked about 10 miles around the city with the Baltoro on my back over a wool shirt and a fleece. it was about 40-50� and I never got too warm or sweaty.
In fact, I never exerted myself. The dynamic hipbelt and shoulders were a dream! The pack stayed balanced, and I felt like I was carrying the load directly over my center of gravity. It was extremely comfortable for 35lbs. I was sold!
I will update this when I take it into the backcountry next month.

MaxDilthey at Backcountry.com on 03/25/2013

Seems to fit me

I had an REI Flash 65, which I might have kept had the straps not loosened every three minutes. I returned it & tried the Flash 62. While it fit well, I gave in to the temptation to try other packs. An Osprey Aether 60 had a hip belt that rode a bit high in front. The Baltoro 65 was better than both at making a 35 lb. load disappear. The hip belt fit well, without riding up too low or too high in front. I have been using it up/down hills in town as prep for in-season camping. I find the B65, loaded to 38 lb carries quite well. Still, I hope I don't carry that much weight on my next long hike.

Access to the bag through the top or a panel zipper or the bottom compartment: nice.

The water bottle pocket on the right fits a 1 L bottle a-OK with easy access. Two hip belt pockets: good.

In the B65, removing/attaching the panel separating the lower pack from the upper pack is the easiest I have ever seen. Most other packs require you to thread webbing through a ladder buckle. The B65 has a slider on the end of a strap that you push sideways through a rectangular loop on the short strap & straighten after you've gotten it through to hold tight.

B65 zippers don't seem water resistant--probably need a rain cover.
knowWhentoFold at REI on 03/03/2012

I've used it on overnighters and on weeklong winter trips. Loaded it with at least 60 lbs and it carried well.
The waist belt is very comfortable and moves with me very well, the shoulder straps are well padded too, although the waist will support most of the weight easily. The load adjusters are well placed for use while wearing and work great.
The sleeping bag compartment fits even my 0� winter bag ( Marmot couloir) in a large sea to summit dry compression sack.
I like the front access to the main compartment, the buckles work well and didn't ice up in sticky snow.
Cons: seems small for a 65L, noticeably smaller than the Arcteryx and Osprey I've used. The vertical zipper on the rear facing pocket is pretty much impossible to get anything in or out of when the pack is full, I try not to use it for anything not soft and stuffable. It would work for a small jacket, a beanie, some socks or a long sleeve shirt. I wish it was more functional, like the pocket on the Arcteryx Bora 65.
The compression straps are well placed and were strong enough to hold my skis on with my Scarpa Mobe boots attached.
I actually like the design of the Arcteryx bag better, but the comfort of the harness makes me happier wearing the Gregory. I'm 5'11" with a 32" waist and I got the medium.
All in all, a great pack.

Lyle at Backcountry.com on 03/12/2013

Best backpack I have ever owned

This pack has it all. The lower suspension belt is wide, well padded and very comfortable. The two compartments on the belt are great for holding energy bars, Chap Stick, GPS etc. The bottle holder on the right side is awesome. The lower compartment is perfect for my tent and sleeping pad leaving plenty of room in the main compartment for the rest of my gear which can be loaded from the side or top. The two side compartments provide quick access to my jacket, pants and extra socks. All the zippers, straps and buckles seem to be very strong and work very well.
At 5lbs 10ozs this is not a minimalist backpack, I am willing to add a few more ounces to gain the comfort and usable features this pack offers. I have been using this pack for two day to five day hiking trips including some resent cold weather trips. It packs down very well for the short trips and can handle bigger/warmer sleeping bags and extra cold weather gear with no problems. On small trips my back weighs about 27lbs. On longer winter trips it has weighed as much as 42lbs. In all cases the load carries very well and I remain comfortable all day long.
The only complaint I have about this pack is I wish one of the lower belt pockets was large enough for my Droid phone.
ikey182 at REI on 12/12/2011

Better than average beginner pack

I had a Lafuma Right Road 50 + 10 ('08), which I only used a few times. Quite a few straps broke and the overall fit was not ergonomic or helpful for heavy loads. I decided to make use of REI's 100% satisfaction guarantee and swap it up for a better pack. At the store I tried on quite a few mid-to-high priced packs (Osprey, REI) and found that this Gregory was an automatic fit for my body type. The lumbar support is great and the amount and placement of straps allow precise adjustment. I just recently got back from backpacking Havasu Falls in Arizona and after taking this pack on 20 miles of trekking I can say it's a good all-around pack. I found that I could make adjustments easily to put more weight on my hips when my shoulders were tired and vice-versa. My only complaints are:
1. The front pocket of the pack got a small tear from something, which I ended up taping inside w/ duct tape to reinforce. So, it's not as tough as Gregoy claims.
2. No rain cover for the pack is included.
3. Not sure if straps were missing or just not included for sectioning off the bottom part of the pack.
amirebrahimi at REI on 09/09/2011

Negative Reviews:

Bad Pack!

I purchased this pack about 8 months ago on the advice of a friend and Backpacker magazine. And I'm sorry that I did. After about 4 months a seam started to split on the right side by the shoulder strap. It was repaired. About 2 weeks ago the other side went as well! Immediately I looked for the receipt to return it. However, I could not find it
thus could not return it. Now i'm stuck with a pack with one fixed shoulder strap, and one that has come completely off. This is my 4th Gregory bag, and the only one I have had problems with. I think i will buy another brand next time....or keep a copy of my receipt.
hyperiodic at REI on 03/03/2012

Neutral Reviews:

Good Gear

Would be great -at about half the price. Over priced for funtionality....
T2 at Campmor on 06/06/2012