Gregory Palisade 80 Pack
Priced: $313.61 - $399.99
Gregory Palisade 80 Pack -
Gregory Palisade 80 Pack Features.
Gregory Palisade 80 Pack.
When you carry gear for a week, you want a pack that is good to your back, shoulders, and waist, Gregory Palisade 80 Pack is exactly what you need. It features a pre-curved harness, a waist-belt with five adjustable angles, and an auto-cant shoulder harness system. It has a Rotating auto-cant attachment points that move to mirror the slope of your shoulders and width of your neck so you get less rubbing and fewer hot spots while you hike. The Gregory Palisade 80 Pack is excellent backpack for multi-day journeys.
Key Features.
Support and Cushioning:
- Floating partial framesheet with twin 7001-T6 aluminum stays balance pack load support and offer greater flexibility.
Weather and Wind:
- Rubberlike thermoplastic elastomer on the bottom of the pack provides long-lasting wear and waterproof protection
Sizing:
- Side compression straps adjust to the size of your load for optimal stability
Zippers:
- Large front pocket with water-resistant zipper offers access to the pack body.
- Large front zip pocket keeps bulky gear easily accessible
- Top, front, and zip-through access lets you organize your gear easily
Comfort:
- Waist belt is precurved and ultrasoft for comfort without wrinkles or hot spots
Pockets:
- Generous front pocket so you can keep your trailside necessities close at hand
- Top lid pocket lets you keep compass, map, small essentials and raingear close at hand; lid pocket is removable and converts to a lumbar pack
- Dual hip-belt pockets, side stretch pocket, hide-away water bottle pocket and stash pocket give you plenty of storage and organization options
Fit:
- Response Custom Fit Suspension™ system pivots to adjust hipbelt to your hip angle; system also pivots to mirror your body as it moves
Fabric:
- 3-D precurved hipbelt and harness use dual-density foams laminated to the surface fabric, resulting in cushioning without pinching or binding
- 210d HT double diamond ripstop and broken twill nylon fabrics
- Made with 210-denier ripstop nylon and nylon twill for strength, durability and lightness
Padding:
- Flo-Form® II waistbelt padding and shoulder harness is molded from a single piece of Evasote foam, to provide long-lasting cushioning and comfort.
- Co-molded antislip lumbar pad keeps the pack in place
Ventilation:
- Chimney Ventilation Panel offers ventilation and helps wick away moisture.
- Ventilated dual-density molded foam backpanel moves lets your back breathe
Hydration:
- Side mesh pocket and hydration sleeve and port. (hydration reservoir not included)
- Hydration-compatible design features a reservoir sleeve and drink-tube exit port for on-the-go hydration (reservoir sold separately)
Straps:
- Side compression straps secure both large and small loads for optimal stability
Features:
- Recommended weight 32 kg. / 70 lbs.
- Quick-Adjust hip-belt adjusts to five different angles with a simple pull of a quick-release tab
- HDPE framesheet with twin 7075-T6 aluminum stays and a cross-stay prevents barreling under heavy loads
- Water and wear-resistant bottom panel
- Adjust-a-Cant™ waistbelt is designed with a conical shape that matches the shape of the body around the hips, resulting in a direct transfer of the pack weight to the hips.
- Design offers three ways to get at gear in the main compartment with top-loading, front panel and bottom access
- 3D pre-curved harness and waistbelt components
- Quick-adjust 5 point angle waistbelt system
- Auto-Cant™ harness is attached to the framesheet with a single point swivel, allowing them to independently rotate and self-adjust to the slope of the shoulders.
USOutdoor.com
The Gregory Palisade 80 backpack is a time honored favorite of hikers, and mountaineers alike and has been redesigned to give you the best. When it comes to top notch technical features the Palisade 80 has what it takes to go the distance. The Auto-cant, 3D pre-curved harness, ant-barreling cross-stay, and waist belt components add to the ultimate comfort and wear ability of the Palisade 80 backpack by Gregory. The dual density, ventilated, molded foam back panel aids in keeping you cool under load. A co-molded lumbar pad keeps that load steady. Dual hydration ports and sleeve, and hideaway side water bottle holders ensure that you’ll never get thirsty. The top pocket converts to a handy fanny pack, and you have two stash pockets on your waist belt for any or all at hand requirements. Water resistant zippers help to keep your gear dry, and when you set her down at the end of the day you also have water and wear resistant bottom. The Palisade 80 by Gregory is the ultimate pack for whatever the road ahead may bring.
Moosejaw
A classic trail favorite: The redesigned Gregory Palisade 80 Pack provides all of the features you would expect from a hardcore load hauler, with a fresh new look. Features include the new Response CFS (Custom Fit Suspension), generous front pocket, and hideaway water bottle pocket. Guaranteed to last as long as the memories you make with it.
FEATURES of the Gregory Palisade 80 Pack.
Zappos.com
The Gregory® Palisade™ provides all of the features you would expect from a hardcore load hauler with a fresh new look!•Twin 7075-T6 aluminum stays are supported by a horizontal anti-barreling cross stay, ensuring the pack will not barrel under extreme weight.
•Smooth, piston-like movement of the two stays provides just the right amount of hipbelt flexibility.
•Ultrasoft, 3D precurved waistbelt and harness provide maximum comfort by eliminating wrinkles and hot spots on main contact areas of the hips and shoulders.
•The quick-adjust 5-point angle waistbelt adjusts to five different hip belt angles with a simple pull of the quick releasing tab.
•Co-molded, antislip lumbar pad keeps the pack in place and correctly transfers the weight of the pack to your hips.
and waistbelt components.
5 point angle waistbelt adjustment.
converts to a fanny pack.
and dual waistbelt pockets.
Cabelas
This old-trail favorite is now updated with Gregory’s Response™ CFS Suspension for comfortable carry of heavy loads over the long haul. The Custom-Fit Response™ suspension system has piston-like movement for easy carry over uneven terrain. The molded, anti-slip lumbar pad correctly transfers the weight of the pack to your hips. Quick-adjust waistbelt has five adjustment angles for a near custom fit. Two 7075-T6 aluminum stays are supported by a horizontal cross stay, ensuring the pack won’t buckle under extreme weight. Dual-density, ventilated, molded-foam back panel. Pre-curved harness and waistbelt. Generous, easy-access front pocket. Top pocket converts to a fanny pack. Hideaway water-bottle pocket. Dual hydration ports and sleeve. 210-denier HT double diamond ripstop. Imported.
Available:
Available:
REI
A classic favorite, the redesigned Gregory Palisade pack features all-angle access and an updated suspension for a week on the trail.
Imported.
Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS)
A classic Gregory trail favorite, the Palisade provides all the features you'd expect from a hard-core load hauler.Campmor
This classic long trail pack offers incredible capacity and load-carrying comfort at an incredible price. Features top and bottom entry points with a zip-through front pocket that provides additional access to the main pack body.
Average Price History:
| Activity: | Backpacking |
|---|---|
| Adjustable torso: | Deluxe backpack |
| Backpack Features: | Hydration Compatible, Sleeping Bag Compartment, Front Loader, Top Loader |
| Backpack Style: | Multi-Day Pack |
| Bottom Width: | 11 1⁄2 in |
| Bottom fabric: | 1000D High tenacity cordura nylon |
| Capacity: | Small: 4699 cu in / 77 L Medium: 4973 cu in / 82 L Large: 5370 cu in / 88 L |
| Dimensions: | 25" H x 11" W x 13" D. |
| Fabric: | 210d HT double diamond ripstop and broken twill nylon fabrics. |
| Fits torso: | Deluxe backpack |
| Fits waist/hips: | 77 liters |
| Frame material: | 88 liters |
| Frame type: | Backpacking |
| Gear capacity (L): | Internal |
| Gear capacity (cu. in.): | Internal |
| Hydration Bladder Included: | Not Included |
| Hydration Compatible: | Yes |
| Laptop Sleeve: | None |
| Material: | 210d HT double diamond ripstop and broken twill nylon fabrics |
| Max Load Capacity: | 70 lb / 32 kg |
| Number of Access Points: | 3 - Top/front/bottom |
| Number of exterior pockets: | 6 lbs. 3 oz. |
| Number of stays: | 4,699 cubic inches |
| Pack Fabric (Primary): | 210D HT nylon double-diamond ripstop |
| Pack Size: | 4000-4999 cu in |
| Pack access: | 5 lbs. 15 oz. |
| Pack loading: | 5,370 cubic inches |
| Raincover included: | 2.7 kilograms |
| Shipping Surcharge: | Yes |
| Sleeping bag compartment: | 6 lbs. 10 oz. |
| Strap Drop: | 15 1⁄2 in |
| Suspended mesh back panel: | 4,973 cubic inches |
| Suspension: | Response™ CFS Suspension, Anti-barreling cross-stay |
| Torso Length: | S 16-18 in.M 18-20 in.L 20-22 in. |
| Trip Length: | Extended Trip (>3 nights) |
| Volume: | S 4699 cu. in.M 4973 cu. in.L 5370 cu. in. |
| Volume Range: | 70+ liters |
| Weight: | Small: 5 lb 15 oz / 2.7 kg Medium: 6 lb 3 oz / 2.8 kg Large: 6 lb 10 oz / 2.9 kg |
| Weight - metric: | Deluxe backpack |
| Weight Capacity: | Over 50 lb. |
| •LG: | 6 lbs 10 oz. |
| •MD: | 6 lbs 3 oz. |
| •SM: | 5 lbs 15 oz. |
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Gregory Palisade 80 Pack Reviews:
Positive Reviews:
A+ on Fit, Great Belt tightening design
How I use it:
-Casual day hikes where I can throw stuff in a pack without any order
-5 to 20 day trips canoeing, backpacking in woods, backpacking in mountains, rock climbing, mountaineering, minimalist camping, casual camping, and travel.
Things that are great about it:
-The full-front pocket opens up in the back of it so I have full-front access to the main compartment...I don't think I can ever go back to the standard packs with top and bottom access
-The belt is supportive, durable, and the tightening design is the BEST I have EVER used. I am usually not impressed with the belt system in packs. I will admit I am not nice to my gear, I play hard and my gear takes a beating (like throwing my pack down and bending the waist belt). I have heard there was a recall on the waist belt prior to my purchase of this pack, I'd like to think that is true because I have not had any issue with the integrity of the waist like I read on some of the reviews prior to my purchase.
-The pack is highly adjustable, but more importantly, ITS EASY AND QUICK.
-The design on the back is great to allow airflow, reduce pressure points, and keep you dry
-With a little water repellent treatment, the fabric does a great job against moisture (if you dump any pack in water or leave it in a storm...its probably going to get wet)
-It has been very convenient and easy to attach gear on the outside of the pack
Things that aren't so great:
-If you mindlessly and quickly zip up your zippers, you will probably not enjoy the zippers. When I have taken the extra couple seconds to make sure the zipper is lined up, they have worked very well and have a great design to keep water off the zipper
-I wish the additional water-bottle pocket was a little more vertical. When I do put a standard nalgene in it, it does not stay in very well
-I love little pockets, and there are not too many of them in the pack (2 water bottle pockets, 2 pockets on the belt, one long pocket in the main compartment, and the top pocket). I have easily remedied this with stuff sacks and REI Flash 18 packs.
-Sometimes I get annoyed with the top pocket's tendency to drop down onto the back of the pack while I'm digging in my pack. This really isn't a big deal and I don't think most people would mind, but If you leave the top pocket open and walk away when its not clipped in, you might be picking your gear up off the ground.
-The shoulder straps could be a little wider and have more cushion for those who pack heavy loads, but accept a certain price in any pack when you start carrying heavy loads.
-I can see where some reviews have complained about the integrity of the fabric, but personally have never had an issue. If you are that rough on a pack, a pack cover is always a smart idea. I always use an REI pack cover in precipitation or in heavily wooded areas, the small investment helps to protect a large investment (worth it every time).
-Casual day hikes where I can throw stuff in a pack without any order
-5 to 20 day trips canoeing, backpacking in woods, backpacking in mountains, rock climbing, mountaineering, minimalist camping, casual camping, and travel.
Things that are great about it:
-The full-front pocket opens up in the back of it so I have full-front access to the main compartment...I don't think I can ever go back to the standard packs with top and bottom access
-The belt is supportive, durable, and the tightening design is the BEST I have EVER used. I am usually not impressed with the belt system in packs. I will admit I am not nice to my gear, I play hard and my gear takes a beating (like throwing my pack down and bending the waist belt). I have heard there was a recall on the waist belt prior to my purchase of this pack, I'd like to think that is true because I have not had any issue with the integrity of the waist like I read on some of the reviews prior to my purchase.
-The pack is highly adjustable, but more importantly, ITS EASY AND QUICK.
-The design on the back is great to allow airflow, reduce pressure points, and keep you dry
-With a little water repellent treatment, the fabric does a great job against moisture (if you dump any pack in water or leave it in a storm...its probably going to get wet)
-It has been very convenient and easy to attach gear on the outside of the pack
Things that aren't so great:
-If you mindlessly and quickly zip up your zippers, you will probably not enjoy the zippers. When I have taken the extra couple seconds to make sure the zipper is lined up, they have worked very well and have a great design to keep water off the zipper
-I wish the additional water-bottle pocket was a little more vertical. When I do put a standard nalgene in it, it does not stay in very well
-I love little pockets, and there are not too many of them in the pack (2 water bottle pockets, 2 pockets on the belt, one long pocket in the main compartment, and the top pocket). I have easily remedied this with stuff sacks and REI Flash 18 packs.
-Sometimes I get annoyed with the top pocket's tendency to drop down onto the back of the pack while I'm digging in my pack. This really isn't a big deal and I don't think most people would mind, but If you leave the top pocket open and walk away when its not clipped in, you might be picking your gear up off the ground.
-The shoulder straps could be a little wider and have more cushion for those who pack heavy loads, but accept a certain price in any pack when you start carrying heavy loads.
-I can see where some reviews have complained about the integrity of the fabric, but personally have never had an issue. If you are that rough on a pack, a pack cover is always a smart idea. I always use an REI pack cover in precipitation or in heavily wooded areas, the small investment helps to protect a large investment (worth it every time).
Awesome Pack
I love my pack. There are a few things I wish that were different about it but overall the quality and functionality are great. I originally bought the Baltoro 70 but it wasn't big enough for all the gear I like to lug around. I like the extra space this one has but I wish it had the external pockets like the Baltoro.
Ignore the posts on here that mention the defective hip belt, they're not wrong, just outdated. The manufacturer has addressed the issue and the rep at REI will test it at the store before you buy it. They doubled mine over a few times to make sure it wouldn't crease. I'm not sure what some of the guys posting here are doing to make theirs break but I've seen my belt bent nearly in half with no signs of weakness. I suspect they may have older versions of the pack without the re-engineered belt.
The pack is easy to adjust and I love that you can change the angle of the belt. The belt is not a solid piece so each side can adjust its angle up and down with 5 different angles on each side. I had to experiment with mine to get it right. My first time carrying the pack I wasn't sure I'd like it, but I tried out different angles to see which worked best for me and found the right fit. After that it fit like a glove and I thoroughly enjoyed hiking with it. I usually pack around 60 lbs and this pack makes it feel like a walk in the park.
Due to the unique suspension, the pack pivots at the small of your back and moves with you as you walk. You can load this thing down and not worry about sacrificing balance or agility. Great feature.
I can't imagine anyone not being to configure this pack to fit perfectly. Go to the store and they'll help you figure out what works for you. I needed a medium length pack but ended up swapping the belt off a large to get it right. Bottom line, if you want a pack that fits, go to the store and they'll hook you up.
The only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is for the lack of external pockets.
Ignore the posts on here that mention the defective hip belt, they're not wrong, just outdated. The manufacturer has addressed the issue and the rep at REI will test it at the store before you buy it. They doubled mine over a few times to make sure it wouldn't crease. I'm not sure what some of the guys posting here are doing to make theirs break but I've seen my belt bent nearly in half with no signs of weakness. I suspect they may have older versions of the pack without the re-engineered belt.
The pack is easy to adjust and I love that you can change the angle of the belt. The belt is not a solid piece so each side can adjust its angle up and down with 5 different angles on each side. I had to experiment with mine to get it right. My first time carrying the pack I wasn't sure I'd like it, but I tried out different angles to see which worked best for me and found the right fit. After that it fit like a glove and I thoroughly enjoyed hiking with it. I usually pack around 60 lbs and this pack makes it feel like a walk in the park.
Due to the unique suspension, the pack pivots at the small of your back and moves with you as you walk. You can load this thing down and not worry about sacrificing balance or agility. Great feature.
I can't imagine anyone not being to configure this pack to fit perfectly. Go to the store and they'll help you figure out what works for you. I needed a medium length pack but ended up swapping the belt off a large to get it right. Bottom line, if you want a pack that fits, go to the store and they'll hook you up.
The only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is for the lack of external pockets.
Very Impressive
I read almost all the reviews, paying particular attention to the negative reviews which I feel are more objective. The negative reviews claimed the seams are weak and the pack material was weak. Taking these two claimed weaknesses, I went to REI to look for myself. I've used either a military pack or my Gregory Denali for the past 25 years as a comparison.
I inspected the Palisade as I intended to buy one for personal use for this fall hunting season and in my inspection I found nothing weak about the quality of material or seams. The material is not as durable as a military ruck sack, but the Army continuously uses those packs for 25+ years with a very high retention rate. I don't know of any commercially produced pack for the private sector that has the same durability as the Army gear. The Palisade is more than durable for an estimated 100 days a year for 20 years. The pack material is so strong it is also mendable. As for the seams - I found nothing weak about them. They were sewn with thread I couldn't break with my hands and there seams are doubled prior to sewing.
This pack does not use complex fasteners as in the Baldaro, but the fasteners the Palisade uses is the highest quality and I envision the hardware lasting as long as the pack.
This pack is not for an amateur or weekend backpacking birdwatcher, it is a professional grade pack that is useful to people who don't want to waste their money buying a new pack ever couple of years and hoping the fasteners don't malfunction.
Head to the nearest store that has a Palisade and at least take a look at the pack's quality so you can compare it to the pack your considering.
I inspected the Palisade as I intended to buy one for personal use for this fall hunting season and in my inspection I found nothing weak about the quality of material or seams. The material is not as durable as a military ruck sack, but the Army continuously uses those packs for 25+ years with a very high retention rate. I don't know of any commercially produced pack for the private sector that has the same durability as the Army gear. The Palisade is more than durable for an estimated 100 days a year for 20 years. The pack material is so strong it is also mendable. As for the seams - I found nothing weak about them. They were sewn with thread I couldn't break with my hands and there seams are doubled prior to sewing.
This pack does not use complex fasteners as in the Baldaro, but the fasteners the Palisade uses is the highest quality and I envision the hardware lasting as long as the pack.
This pack is not for an amateur or weekend backpacking birdwatcher, it is a professional grade pack that is useful to people who don't want to waste their money buying a new pack ever couple of years and hoping the fasteners don't malfunction.
Head to the nearest store that has a Palisade and at least take a look at the pack's quality so you can compare it to the pack your considering.
Hauls extreme weight comfortably
I purchased this pack at REI before reading the reviews. After arriving home I did some research and was disturbed to find that many had problems with their hip belt. I contacted Gregory's customer support and received this reply: "It's an unfortunate reality that we did have a material supply defect is a small number of waist belt panels. We have taken many steps to ensure this issue has been addressed. That said, your pack should have our updated re-engineered waist belt panel. The defective panels will typically break, or at least show signs of wear almost immediately. I recommend bending your waist belt panel in half both ways, and note where you bent it. If your belts cracks, or turns white, please let me know and we can get you set up with a new one ASAP. Otherwise you should be good to go." I tested the panels and they did not demonstrate any weaknesses. Since then I have taken two 7-day trips to Dolly Sods WV. I have not tested this pack beyond 100 miles yet but I have tested it with weight. I am by no means a minimalist and usually carry 70+ lbs. This pack distributes the weight perfectly and did not cause any sore spots. It is very easy to load through any of the 3 openings. The bottom straps are not as long as my previous packs. I usually can carry a tent and a sleeping pad on the bottom but there was only enough slack for one or the other. Bottom Line - This pack is very comfortable and can carry some serious weight. I recommend testing your hip belt before taking your next trip.
lifemate
i have owned this pack, or rather an older version of it, for about four years now. some things were kind of lame about it, like the straps on the underside of the top pouch for use in converting said pouch into a fanny pack of sorts. i cut them off. i also cut off the loops on the side near the compression straps, and the partition flap on the inside. having done all that, the pack itself is still very heavy. it is however, huge (big enough to last me about 8 or 9 days) comfortable to an insane degree considering how much weight it carries, and sturdy. i have read things about how the plastic in the hip strap will eventually break, but have never had a problem with it. this pack has been to three continents, and used as a seat at many train stations. mostly i use it for backcountry travel, and it has seen it's fair share of trail miles. people are jealous of the easily accessible water bottle holder. it is probably my favorite feature of the palisade. all in all, i love this pack. on a shorter trip i would probably use a smaller and lighter pack , but if you plan on carrying more than 5 or 6 days worth of food at a time, or if you ever have to be a hero parent/spouse and carry more than you need yourself, this pack will quickly become your best friend, and based on my opinion of the quality of its construction, a life mate as well.
Solid Pack!
I have used this backpack now on three multi night trips, most recently in a trip to summit Mount Whitney. It is pretty comfortable for the loads carried 50 pounds or so, and highly adjustable.
It also has lots of space, a place for your trekking poles when you're not using them, and the top converts to a fanny pack.
Personally I wish Gregory would make the top into a backpack for when you summit a peak or take a side trip.
I wish there was a mesh pocket on the outside like on the Lassen's I used to rent. I made do jury rigging some elastic cord with a plastic part that allows me to sinch the cord though. I always want to be able to place wet or moist items on the outside of the pack as I frequently swim while on multi day trips. I also wish that there was a clip for my camelback tube. But it does have holes on both sides so that you can have your drinking tube on either side.
All in all a good bag which can handle anything from weekends to longer treks pretty easily. I don't have the budget for two pack; if I did I would probably get a smaller capacity Gregory for weekend trips and a Whitney for the long treks. But the Palisade is an excellent compromise for the budget minded backpacker. Also I would say get it on sale like I did.
It also has lots of space, a place for your trekking poles when you're not using them, and the top converts to a fanny pack.
Personally I wish Gregory would make the top into a backpack for when you summit a peak or take a side trip.
I wish there was a mesh pocket on the outside like on the Lassen's I used to rent. I made do jury rigging some elastic cord with a plastic part that allows me to sinch the cord though. I always want to be able to place wet or moist items on the outside of the pack as I frequently swim while on multi day trips. I also wish that there was a clip for my camelback tube. But it does have holes on both sides so that you can have your drinking tube on either side.
All in all a good bag which can handle anything from weekends to longer treks pretty easily. I don't have the budget for two pack; if I did I would probably get a smaller capacity Gregory for weekend trips and a Whitney for the long treks. But the Palisade is an excellent compromise for the budget minded backpacker. Also I would say get it on sale like I did.
Hipbelt issue
For what it's worth...
Hipbelt plastic support (behind right hip pad) broke while on trip in Utah. Pack had roughly 55 lbs. I can not tell you it broke while walking or if I accidently hyperextended it one morning after laying flat on ground to load items in front. I was a little disappointed but having spent plently of time in the outdoors, I understand that these things happen. I made a quick field repair with my knife/zip ties and made it through the rest of my trip without incident.
After arriving home I called Gregory Customer Support (very friendly) and explained what happened, they informed me they were aware of the problem and that they had sent the plastic maufacturing overseas and their manufacturer could not get the plastic composition right. Good news is that they have decided to bring the plastic manufacturing back to the States.
So...Gregory support sent me a Fedex label next day, I packed up my pack in a box and shipped off the next to their shop in California. Got it back better than new a couple weeks later.
All in all I really like this pack and I wish that it hadn't broken but stuff happens in the wilderness. You have to anticipate things going wrong, put on your big boy or girl pants and deal with it.
Happy trails!
Hipbelt plastic support (behind right hip pad) broke while on trip in Utah. Pack had roughly 55 lbs. I can not tell you it broke while walking or if I accidently hyperextended it one morning after laying flat on ground to load items in front. I was a little disappointed but having spent plently of time in the outdoors, I understand that these things happen. I made a quick field repair with my knife/zip ties and made it through the rest of my trip without incident.
After arriving home I called Gregory Customer Support (very friendly) and explained what happened, they informed me they were aware of the problem and that they had sent the plastic maufacturing overseas and their manufacturer could not get the plastic composition right. Good news is that they have decided to bring the plastic manufacturing back to the States.
So...Gregory support sent me a Fedex label next day, I packed up my pack in a box and shipped off the next to their shop in California. Got it back better than new a couple weeks later.
All in all I really like this pack and I wish that it hadn't broken but stuff happens in the wilderness. You have to anticipate things going wrong, put on your big boy or girl pants and deal with it.
Happy trails!
Three Palisade 80 Packs in our family
Three members of our family have Palisades, so we have many years of use and trail miles.
#1: Pack is over ten years old. Nothing has broken or torn, tho' the pack is looking worn. The elastic band securing the water bottle in the holster has lost its stretch, but that's it. The top pouch and the bottom compartment are the largest of the three packs we own. It's easy to fit a Garcia Bear Canister in the bottom compartment.
#2 Pack is about six years old and was a super buy at an REI Garage Sale. No problems at all and the pack is still comfortable.
#3 Pack is two years old (Aug 2008.) The hip attachment broke last weekend, and from the other reviews, it sounds like this is not unexpected. The salesman at the Redmond REI said he had not seen this flaw but it didn't look like a sturdy design. Customer Service exchanged the two year old pack for a brand new one. Son will be very very careful with it, but if it breaks again, we'll look for a used Palisade from 2006 or earlier, or we'll exchange it for another pack. This pack has the smallest zipper opening to the top compartment (harder to use as a waist pack for day hikes on layover days) and the smallest bear canister compartment at the bottom.
#1: Pack is over ten years old. Nothing has broken or torn, tho' the pack is looking worn. The elastic band securing the water bottle in the holster has lost its stretch, but that's it. The top pouch and the bottom compartment are the largest of the three packs we own. It's easy to fit a Garcia Bear Canister in the bottom compartment.
#2 Pack is about six years old and was a super buy at an REI Garage Sale. No problems at all and the pack is still comfortable.
#3 Pack is two years old (Aug 2008.) The hip attachment broke last weekend, and from the other reviews, it sounds like this is not unexpected. The salesman at the Redmond REI said he had not seen this flaw but it didn't look like a sturdy design. Customer Service exchanged the two year old pack for a brand new one. Son will be very very careful with it, but if it breaks again, we'll look for a used Palisade from 2006 or earlier, or we'll exchange it for another pack. This pack has the smallest zipper opening to the top compartment (harder to use as a waist pack for day hikes on layover days) and the smallest bear canister compartment at the bottom.
I'm typically a lightweight backpacker, but when I decided to take my 10-year old daughter on the week-long Daisetsuzan Traverse, I decided lightweight had to go out the window. I was between this pack and an Osprey when I found this one on sale. Overall, I have nothing negative to say about this pack. I can haul all my stuff, a 2-man tent,a week's food for 2, and a bear canister with more room to spare. I was hauling 55-60 lbs and the pack felt comfortable with the waist contraption doing most of the work. I had read bad reviews about the plastic waist contraption breaking on these packs, but I believe Gregory fixed any issues with this. In fact, I took a nice 50 yard tumble down a 45-degree ice field and the pack made out better than expected. I broke a load adjuster on one of the shoulder harnesses and trashed the rain cover. Everything else came out unscathed and I was able to get the load adjuster fixed for $10 at my local cobbler.
I've recently gotten more serious about photography which again doesn't mesh very well with my old lightweight hiking habits. So, I intend to get more mileage out of this pack.
Previous review is bogus...
I have never met a peice of equipment i couldnt break and the previous reviewer does not give this pack its due....that being said... i left my first review about a year ago for this pack. Since then i have logged close to 300 miles with it on the trail. Have hauled 65+ lbs and packed it till the seams looked like they would burst...they havent. Treated it like it was bullet proof and it held up like a champ. A quick wipe down with a damp cloth and it looks like new. Took me a few uses to get the hip belt angle right and had to adjust the shoulder straps after the first use. But since then this pack has been perfect for everything from simple weekend out and backs to 12 days above the tree line. Seems to get more comfortable everytime i wear it. If your an ultra light snob it aint for you. But if you want a dependable comfortable variable use pack, you cant find a better one for the price. Buy a raincover if you plan to use it the rain though..anything more than a light drizzle and the contents will get wet.
Negative Reviews:
Not a Trail-Worthy Pack
I traded in a Kelty Pack that was too small for me. The Gregory pack looked like a good replacement, though I really prefer packs with outside pockets as they make gear organization easier. Even still, I have learned how to pack the Gregory and make sure that everything I need on an immediate basis is easily accessible.
The biggest problem with this pack is that it simply cannot take the wear and tear inherent in an extended backpack trip. It did fine for the 2-3 day practice hikes we took earlier this year, but when I took the pack to Philmont for a 12-day trek, it started deteriorating on day 4. In particular, two of the bolts that connect the hip strap to the internal frame loosened up and came apart. The parts of the bolts that were inside the pack nicely fell into the bottom compartment of the pack, but one of the external bolts remains somewhere on the trail to Mount Philips. I was unable to field service the hip belt because Gregory chose to use hex bolts (which require an Allen wrench) in their design. This is great for bicycles, but I am not in the habit of carrying a set of Allen keys with me on the trail, and my Swiss Army knife does not have such a blade on it.
The result was a hip belt that did not function properly for the last half of my trek, the only saving grace being that the second half of the trek was mostly downhill. My maximum pack weight was around 27kg, so this should not have been an excessive burden for the hip belt or the pack.
In addition, I can now see daylight through the bottom compartment of the pack, even though the pack spent quite a lot of time sitting on its pack cover. I am not a pack-dragger and the pack was used by me, not by one of the Scouts on my trek. A pack that costs this much should be able to endure being set down on the ground without developing pinholes in the pack bottom.
Very unhappy with this pack and I plan to replace it as soon as I can get back to REI.
The biggest problem with this pack is that it simply cannot take the wear and tear inherent in an extended backpack trip. It did fine for the 2-3 day practice hikes we took earlier this year, but when I took the pack to Philmont for a 12-day trek, it started deteriorating on day 4. In particular, two of the bolts that connect the hip strap to the internal frame loosened up and came apart. The parts of the bolts that were inside the pack nicely fell into the bottom compartment of the pack, but one of the external bolts remains somewhere on the trail to Mount Philips. I was unable to field service the hip belt because Gregory chose to use hex bolts (which require an Allen wrench) in their design. This is great for bicycles, but I am not in the habit of carrying a set of Allen keys with me on the trail, and my Swiss Army knife does not have such a blade on it.
The result was a hip belt that did not function properly for the last half of my trek, the only saving grace being that the second half of the trek was mostly downhill. My maximum pack weight was around 27kg, so this should not have been an excessive burden for the hip belt or the pack.
In addition, I can now see daylight through the bottom compartment of the pack, even though the pack spent quite a lot of time sitting on its pack cover. I am not a pack-dragger and the pack was used by me, not by one of the Scouts on my trek. A pack that costs this much should be able to endure being set down on the ground without developing pinholes in the pack bottom.
Very unhappy with this pack and I plan to replace it as soon as I can get back to REI.
take a review from a weekly backapcker
I live next to the Great Smoky mountains National Park and i get out for 1-3 week hikes all the time and gregory claims that their packs will last you into your golden years, however i had to send the pack back to gregory after the first time out because the outside compartment zipper busted. It took three and a half months to get it back to me. Shorty after the zipper broke again when i was over 100 miles from my car spilling my stove, and video camera into the foot deep swamp in the Dolly Sods last year. Shortly after the hipbelt snapped loose. this morning while i was out with only a 35 pound load the plastic adjustment part of the hipbelt snapped in half leaving me with a very uncomfortable hike back to my car. Also the seams DO NOT hold up. I have 4, inch long holes in the seams and I have NEVER rubbed my pack on canyon walls like the manufacturer testers claimed to have done and not gotten any wear and tear. The pack was priced at almost $400 dollars! I've seen frame packs from the 70's hold up better than this piece of junk! I could have bought 4 cheap packs for the price of one gregory palisade 80 and moct likely still be on the trail today rather than being online now shopping for a new one. I am a very serious backpacker who carries large loads for long expeditions and this pack has been nothing but problems for me. I strongly advise anyone shopping for a large expedition pack to go for a more affordable/less attractive pack because the gregory palisade WILL NOT LAST LONG!
Heavy, Expensive, Thick Hip Belt
Bought this because I needed a bigger pack for an upcoming trip (my normal pack is an osprey atmos 50 - also purchased from REI).
Pros: This pack is big, I was able to fit most gear inside, and it has straps on both side, top and bottom for more. I did like how the main compartment was accessible from the top, the bottom, and from the face of the bag -- has an external zippered area, that has an internal zipper to the main compartment.
Mixed: It has a pocket for a waterbottle, and it's angled so you can grab it and put it back... the downside is that it is only about 3 inches deep. It does have a spring cord to pull over the top of your bottle, but doesn't really secure it well... my bottle fell out a couple times. I became very aware of my bottle, checking it often with my elbow.
Cons: Cost, rather expensive. Next, the weight, this pack is around 6.6 lbs... yes it's a bigger bag, but every pound counts. Lastly, the Hip Belt..This was the killer for me. It felt ok in the store, but on the trail it just didn't work for me. It is very thick, and it didn't sit right on my hips. Maybe I'm spoiled by my other pack, but this one was not comfortable at all. Also, the pockets on the hip belt were too small for my camera, and a very tight fit for my gps.
Bottom Line -- I returned it after a 2 day hike in the smokies.
Pros: This pack is big, I was able to fit most gear inside, and it has straps on both side, top and bottom for more. I did like how the main compartment was accessible from the top, the bottom, and from the face of the bag -- has an external zippered area, that has an internal zipper to the main compartment.
Mixed: It has a pocket for a waterbottle, and it's angled so you can grab it and put it back... the downside is that it is only about 3 inches deep. It does have a spring cord to pull over the top of your bottle, but doesn't really secure it well... my bottle fell out a couple times. I became very aware of my bottle, checking it often with my elbow.
Cons: Cost, rather expensive. Next, the weight, this pack is around 6.6 lbs... yes it's a bigger bag, but every pound counts. Lastly, the Hip Belt..This was the killer for me. It felt ok in the store, but on the trail it just didn't work for me. It is very thick, and it didn't sit right on my hips. Maybe I'm spoiled by my other pack, but this one was not comfortable at all. Also, the pockets on the hip belt were too small for my camera, and a very tight fit for my gps.
Bottom Line -- I returned it after a 2 day hike in the smokies.
Does Not Last/Very Delicate
When I originally bought this backpack, I took it with me on a test hike to the Franconian Ridge. It was the most comfortable backpack I've ever worn. It was so great that I convinced my friend to buy it as well for our upcoming trip to South America.
We went backpacking/trekking in south america for four months. Normally, I always take extreme care of my backpack. About 1 month in, my friends hip belt broke. I thought it was because he wasn't careful enough with the back so I was even more delicate with mine. And then we met 2 other people with the palisade backpack--both of their hipbelts had broken. A week later, mine broke. When I wrote to Gregory, they told me that they were "aware of the defect in the waistbelt panel of your Palisade."
They sent me a new part to Peru, no questions asked but it still was not/is not worth the trouble.
Bottom Line: As great and comfortable as the bag is, the hip panel will break. It's a defective prodect
We went backpacking/trekking in south america for four months. Normally, I always take extreme care of my backpack. About 1 month in, my friends hip belt broke. I thought it was because he wasn't careful enough with the back so I was even more delicate with mine. And then we met 2 other people with the palisade backpack--both of their hipbelts had broken. A week later, mine broke. When I wrote to Gregory, they told me that they were "aware of the defect in the waistbelt panel of your Palisade."
They sent me a new part to Peru, no questions asked but it still was not/is not worth the trouble.
Bottom Line: As great and comfortable as the bag is, the hip panel will break. It's a defective prodect
Comfortable, but that's it.
I bought this bag a few years ago for a trip to europe on a whim. I didn't research the purchase and despite paying quite a bit for the bag, it's just not that great. 1st thing you'll notice is that it squeeks like crazy, every move you make, it'll squeek at you. you get use to it, but your fellow hikers won't. Second thing you'll notice is that it doesn't fit that much inside of the pack, you have to end up attach alot of what you carry to the outside of the pack, which would be just fine, but it doesn't have that many places where you can attach straps. the third thing you'll notice is that i doesn't hold up under use. like other reviewers have said, if you use it, it will break. this was my first big pack purchase, I didn't really know what I was looking for, but now that I have more experience, I can make a much better decision, I won't be going with another Gregory... sorry guys.
A let down of a pack
I have used this pack for three extended 7-9 day backpacking trips carrying around 60 lbs. These trips were spread over a course of three years. The pack has been well cared for and used responsibly.
After the second extended trip the plastic frame around on the hip belt started to crack. A friend who has the Whitney in the same model year had a similar problem. I sent it back to Gregory for repair. On the most recent trip, the bolts that hold the hip belt to the pack and thus allow the load to be distributed to the hip belt broke. A seam also began to blowout on an ancillary pocket. One of the zippers also began to split.
I would not recommend the purchase of this pack if you plan on backpacking for any sort of extended period of time where you must depend upon your gear. This pack shows both construction and design flaws. I am returning this pack to purchase a different pack by another manufacture.
After the second extended trip the plastic frame around on the hip belt started to crack. A friend who has the Whitney in the same model year had a similar problem. I sent it back to Gregory for repair. On the most recent trip, the bolts that hold the hip belt to the pack and thus allow the load to be distributed to the hip belt broke. A seam also began to blowout on an ancillary pocket. One of the zippers also began to split.
I would not recommend the purchase of this pack if you plan on backpacking for any sort of extended period of time where you must depend upon your gear. This pack shows both construction and design flaws. I am returning this pack to purchase a different pack by another manufacture.
Major design flaw ruins a real winner
This is a beautiful pack that had the potential to be one of the best. Unfortunately Gregory is relying on a rahter flimsy piece of plastic for the hip belt strap that breaks easily putting all the weight on your shoulder until you can replace the entire pack.
I loaded the pack a week before a four day hiking trip in Virginia. The next morning I put the back on to confirm everything was adjusted well and on latching my hip belt, heard a crack and the entire right hip strap came out in my hands and some pieces fell on the floor. Upon inspecting I found the left side was also cracked in many places. This was not the case the day before. I had 45lbs in my pack. I had not even a single mile on the pack!!!
Not cool!
I loaded the pack a week before a four day hiking trip in Virginia. The next morning I put the back on to confirm everything was adjusted well and on latching my hip belt, heard a crack and the entire right hip strap came out in my hands and some pieces fell on the floor. Upon inspecting I found the left side was also cracked in many places. This was not the case the day before. I had 45lbs in my pack. I had not even a single mile on the pack!!!
Not cool!
Even the "re-engineered" hip belt breaks
I am one of the people who had the hip belt break, and I would like to respond to the post by people who also had the hip belt break but got Gregory's assurance that the 'problem has been identified and solved'. Well, after I had a hip belt break, I too contacted Gregory, and got the same song and dance that they'd fixed the problem, and they even told me how to identify one of the re-engineered hip belts so I would be sure to get a pack with a good belt. So, I got a new pack with supposedly a sound belt. It broke after some minimal use.
Don't bother buying this pack (I know it's a very comfortable pack so it's tempting to buy). The hip belt is going to break eventually.
Don't bother buying this pack (I know it's a very comfortable pack so it's tempting to buy). The hip belt is going to break eventually.
Another Hip Belt Failure
Bought two of these packs for my two college-age sons. Had a total failure of the hip belt on one pack during an 8-day trip on Isle Royale. As you can imagine, this was a major difficulty on that type of wilderness trip.Have also experienced several seam failures on both packs.Gregory has offered to replace both hip belts,Both packs are currently being repaired. I hope this fixes the hip belt problem permanently. I am still uncomfortable, however, since other reviewers have noted repeat hip belt failures. If I have a second failure, I will take advantage of REI's generous satisfaction guarantee for both packs.I have included photos of our packs at a back country shelter on Isle Royale and a closeup of the massive help belt failure.
Poor Quality
I had the 06-07 Gregory Palisade. The quality of gregory is very poor. I had to send my pack the first time for blown seams, and again later for the plastic connection on the shoulder strap completely breaking off, leaving me with one strap in the middle of a backpacking trip in the Grand Canyon. There was some issue at REI with the pack not registering under my account, so they would not return it.
I just sent my backpack to Gregory and asked for a full refund. We will see if they comply. I am done with Gregory and will move on to a better-trusted brand. I think the Bora 80 is in my near future
I just sent my backpack to Gregory and asked for a full refund. We will see if they comply. I am done with Gregory and will move on to a better-trusted brand. I think the Bora 80 is in my near future
Neutral Reviews:
Great pack, durability a problem
Purchased this pack for a 3 week camping/back-packing trip through Switzerland. Managed to fit all the gear very comfortably including tent, sleeping gear and climbing gear, eventually about 50 pounds. Pack carried quite well and was very comfortable considering the weight.
The major issue is it seems the fabric can't handle much abuse. On the very first flight it ever took it got a large hole in the front, there were no sharp edges inside the pack and the hole was right over the flip-flops I had deliberately placed in the front to provide a flat surface for the fabric and prevent holes.....oh well. The second very minor issue is that when the top of the pack is stuffed full the holes on the side of the pack for a hydration bag tube get spread open and any rain would go straight into the main compartment. My smaller pack (a 55l MacPac) is still going strong after 12 years of beating the hell out of it and dozens of OS climbing trips. Overall the Palisade is a great pack but for the price I would expect it to be a lot more rugged.
The major issue is it seems the fabric can't handle much abuse. On the very first flight it ever took it got a large hole in the front, there were no sharp edges inside the pack and the hole was right over the flip-flops I had deliberately placed in the front to provide a flat surface for the fabric and prevent holes.....oh well. The second very minor issue is that when the top of the pack is stuffed full the holes on the side of the pack for a hydration bag tube get spread open and any rain would go straight into the main compartment. My smaller pack (a 55l MacPac) is still going strong after 12 years of beating the hell out of it and dozens of OS climbing trips. Overall the Palisade is a great pack but for the price I would expect it to be a lot more rugged.
A Mixed Bag
A very comfortable way to carry a heavy load. No sign of the reported failure of the rigid plastic hip belt; maybe that's been fixed. The outer pockets are all too small to be very useful and the inner compartmentation takes some getting used to after the flexibility of my old external frame. I view these negatives as the tradeoff required for a comfortable load carrier. But for a heavy duty pack, the fabric is just too thin. Where I go, bear cans are required and this pack can't carry one without stretching the fabric too tight for comfort. There's a slot for a sipping hose to pass through, but no convenient pocket for the bladder. Better instructions might help. My "yes" recommendation comes with some major caveats.
Not as tough as i thought
Bought the Palisdae 80 as my first gregory pack. It carries a load well, is easy to pack. Even hold my bear cannister snugly. Took it on its first trip and had only two gripes. It didn't repel water from a light rain very well at all and the elastomer bottom that they claim is so durable ripped pretty easily(3 places). Must have been from branch snags..not sure. Taking it back as it should not have ripped this easily.
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