Gregory Whitney 95 Pack
Priced: $272.99 - $439.00
Gregory Whitney 95 Pack -
Gregory Whitney 95 Pack Features.
Gregory Whitney 95 Pack.
The Gregory Whitney 95 Pack is the newly updated whitney that will keep your gear within easy reach. This bag is designed for carrying your stuff while going to a camping or trekking trip. The backpack has endless options in organization, access, and the amazing comfort features. The bag has Response CFS Suspension that provides load support and keeps your back comfortable. It has a 3D pre curved auto cant harness and waistbelt that are adjustable. The back panel is dual density, ventilated and made of molded foam that prevents you from back pain and stiffening. It also has a front pocket and twin side pockets for keeping your smaller and regularly used items. The hideaway side of bag has a water bottle holder so you can easily carry water and have easy access to it. This waterproof bag will make sure that you stuff remains dry. Made up of 210D HT double diamond ripstop and broken twill nylon fabrics the bag is very strong and durable. The Gregory Whitney 95 Pack can carry load up to 70 lbs.
Key Features.
Hipbelt:
- Quick-Adjust hipbelt adjusts to five different hipbelt angles with a simple pull of a quick release tab
- Features dual hipbelt pockets, side stretch pocket, hide-away water bottle pocket and stash pocket
Weather and Wind:
- Rubberlike thermoplastic elastomer covers the bottom of the pack, providing long-lasting wear and waterproof protection from the elements
Zippers:
- Large front zip pocket keeps bulky gear easily accessible
Pockets:
- Removable top lid pocket converts to a lumbar pack and lets you keep compass, maps, small essentials and raingear close at hand
- Front pocket and twin side pockets with stash pouch
Fit:
- Response Custom Fit Suspension™ system pivots to adjust hipbelt to your hip angle; system also pivots to mirror your body as it moves
- Response™ CFS (Custom Fit Suspension) moves with your body and provides the righ amount of hipbelt flexibility
Fabric:
- Features 210-denier ripstop nylon and nylon twill for strength, durability and lightness
- Made of durable materials
- 210d DDR "Double Diamond Ripstop" HT Nylon Body with 210d HT Nylon Twill
- 3-D precurved hipbelt and harness use dual-density foams laminated to the surface fabric, resulting in cushioning without pinching or binding
Padding:
- Co-molded, anti-slip lumbar pad
Ventilation:
- Ventilated dual-density molded foam backpanel moves moisture off the back
Hydration:
- 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:
- PVC free
- HDPE framesheet with twin 7075-T6 aluminum stays and an anti-barreling cross-stay prevents barreling under heavy loads
- Water and wear-resistant bottom panel
- TPE bottom
- Recommended carry weight 32 kg. / 70 lbs.
- Quick-adjust 5 point angle waistbelt system
- Design offers four ways to get at your gear in the main compartment via top-loading, front panel, side and bottom accesses
- Auto-Cant harness
- Crossover compression
- 3D pre-curved harness and waistbelt components
Gearx
We sell a huge variety of Gregory packs here at Outdoor Gear Exchange, and the Whitney 95 is the biggest of them all. A pack this size is necessarily very heavy when full, so making one that is comfortable to wear when so heavily loaded is an obvious engineering challenge - but one that Gregory has plenty of experience with. The Whitney fits beautifully thanks to the Response CFS suspension system, and we feel confident saying that because it offers near-endless options for adjustment and customization; one woman shopping in our retail store even cut out a section of the shoulder strap so that it wouldn't press on an old collarbone injury, using the adjustable outer Velcro part of the strap as a bridge. You couldn't do that with any other type of pack that we carry.
At the heart of the Response suspension system is the pivoting hipbelt that matches your hip angle for optimum weight transfer; it is complemented by well-structured shoulder straps with adjustable padding and a non-slip lumbar pad. There are two stacked slots that the shoulder straps can fit into within each torso size, allowing you to fine-tune the fit to match your torso length, and the shoulder straps and hip belt can be swapped for other sizes if you aren't proprotioned equally in every direction.
The bag itself is designed to help you organize and manage large quanitites of gear, with access from the top, front, and bottom. Additional pockets on the hood, front, and sides keep your small items from disappearing into the abyss. The hood converts into a fanny pack for side trips outside of camp.
Features:
Specs:
USOutdoor.com
The Whitney 95 backpack by Gregory reaches a new zenith when it comes to organization: everything in its place, and within easy reach. The Whitney 95 backpack by Gregory has astounding load support with Response™ CFS Suspension, and the dual density, ventilated, and molded foam back panel makes your back very happy. Additional long haul comfort features include the 3D pre-curved harness and waist belt components (with dual waist belt pockets), dual hydration ports, and sleeve, and as an added feature, hideaway side water bottle holder. Explore the roomy front pocket and twin side pockets, and don’t forget, the top pocket easily converts to a fanny pack for a summit or side-hike pack. The long haul Whitney 95 by Gregory is made to last; constructed with 210d HT double diamond ripstop and broken twill nylon fabric, while water resistant zippers, water resistant and wear resistant bottom panel aid in keeping things dry on the inside. These features mean the Whitney 95 is made to give you a lifetime of adventure.
Moosejaw
The Whitney 95 Backpack by Gregory features endless options in organization and access, offers an amazing load support with the Response CFS Suspension, and will keep your gear within easy reach and your back in perfect comfort. This fully featured pack offers durability and load support for the most challenging backcountry locales in the world.
FEATURES of the Gregory Whitney 95 Pack.
Campmor
Gregory's Whitney 95 Pack can handle all the challenges of your alpine accents and haul monster loads with ease. With multiple options for access, organization and support, your gear will be in easy reach and the CFS suspension system makes carrying up to 70 lbs. in the backcountry comfortable and convenient. The sleek and durable Whitney is made of tough diamond ripstop nylon and has a water and wear resistant bottom panel. Highly adjustable, this workhorse of a pack features a sleeping bag compartment, convenient front pocket, twin side pockets, a top pocket that converts to a fanny pack, a hideaway water bottle holder and stash pocket, and dual waistbelt pockets.
Backcountry Edge
No matter where you want to go or how much you plan to pack, the Gregory Whitney 95 internal frame backpack is up to the task. Equipped with an innovative suspension system, the rugged Whitney 95 comfortably carries loads of up to 70 pounds!
REI
With all-angle access, loads of organization and increased capacity, the Gregory Whitney pack is built for those who wander.
Imported.
Cabelas
This oversized backpack features Response™ CFS Suspension for heavy-load support in challenging backcountry locales. Quick-adjust, five-point angle hip-belt system. Water- and wear-resistant bottom panel. Tough, 210-denier double diamond ripstop and broken twill nylon construction for long-lasting durability. Imported.
Average Price History:
| Access: | Top and Side Loading w/ Sleeping Bag Compartment |
|---|---|
| Activity: | Backpacking |
| Adjustable torso: | Deluxe backpack |
| Backpack Features: | Hydration Compatible, Lumbar Pack Lid, Sleeping Bag Compartment, Front Loader, Top Loader |
| Backpack Style: | Multi-Day Pack |
| Bottom Width: | 17 1⁄2 in |
| Capacity: | Small: 5309 cu in / 87 L Medium: 5797 cu in / 95 L Large: 6285 cu in / 103 L |
| Detachable Daypack: | Yes |
| Dimensions: | 26" H x 13" W x 11.5" D. |
| Fabric: | 210d HT double diamond ripstop and broken twill nylon fabrics. |
| Fits Torso: | S: 16"-17.5" M: 18"-19.5" L: 20"-21.5" |
| Fits Waist: | S: 22"-28" M: 28"-34" L: 34"-40" |
| Fits waist/hips: | 87 liters |
| Frame Material: | Aluminum Stays and HDPE Framesheet |
| Frame type: | Backpacking |
| Gear capacity (L): | Internal |
| Gear capacity (cu. in.): | Internal |
| Hydration Bladder Included: | Not Included |
| Hydration Compatible: | Yes |
| Item Weight: | S: 6 lb 7 oz M: 6 lb 9 oz L: 6 lb 11 oz |
| Laptop Sleeve: | None |
| Material: | 210d HT double diamond ripstop and broken twill nylon fabrics |
| Max Load Capacity: | 70 lb / 32 kg |
| Maximum Weight: | 70 lbs |
| Number of Access Points: | 4 - Top/front/side/bottom |
| Number of exterior pockets: | 6 lbs. 9 oz. |
| Number of stays: | 5,309 cubic inches |
| Pack Size: | 5000-5999 cu in |
| Pack access: | 6 lbs. 7 oz. |
| Pack loading: | 6,285 cubic inches |
| Pockets: | Front, Side & stash; Waist |
| Raincover included: | 2.92 kilograms |
| Recommended Use: | Extended Backpacking |
| Size: | n/a |
| Sleeping bag compartment: | 6 lbs. 11 oz. |
| Sternum Strap: | Yes; Adjustable Position |
| Suspended mesh back panel: | 5,797 cubic inches |
| Suspension: | Response™ CFS Suspension, Anti-barreling cross-stay |
| Torso Adjustment: | Yes |
| Torso Length: | S 16" -18", M 18"-20", L 20"-22" |
| Type: | Internal Frame Backpack |
| Volume: | S: 5309 cu in M: 5797 cu in L: 6285 cu in |
| Warranty: | Lifetime |
| Weight: | Small: 6 lb 7 oz / 2.9 kg Medium: 6 lb 9 oz / 3 kg Large: 6 lb 11 oz / 1.1 kg |
| Weight - metric: | Deluxe backpack |
| •LG: | 6 lbs 11 oz. |
| •MD: | 6 lbs 9 oz. |
| •SM: | 6 lbs 7 oz. |
Compare specifications to related products.
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- Gregory Backpacks, Daypacks & Bags
- Backpacks, Daypacks & Bags
- Everything from Gregory.
Gregory Whitney 95 Pack Reviews:
Positive Reviews:
Great Pack
I hadn't been hiking in years when I agreed to a trip to Big Bend. I went into REI expecting to buy an external frame pack but was amazed at how far technology has come since the days when I lugged half my weight around in old ALICE packs.
The Gregory packs were by far the most comfortable in the store. In the field carrying 3 days worth of water among all the other camping gear, I was quite pleased at how well this large pack could carry 50+ pound loads. The suspension was fully adjustable, allowing me to easily configure the loading between my hips and shoulders. I was able to adjust the pack so that 100% of the weight was comfortably carried on my hips while the shoulder straps provided ample stability. Try that with an ALICE pack.
This is a great pack and I highly recommend it however since Gregory designers obviously read these reviews I feel that I must point out a few minor shortcomings.
The first is that there are no Velcro loops on the shoulder straps to help hold a hydration hose in place. I know you can buy Velcro straps and hydration hose clips but this should be included on a pack in this price range.
The second shortcoming is that there were no D rings on the shoulder straps. Carrying a heavy load on your back forces you to lean forward to keep your c.g. over your feet and the ability to hang some gear off your chest helps in maintaining an upright posture although the excellent suspension system makes this only a minor complaint.
And finally my personal rant: I wish the marketing guys would quit trying to force the designers into trying to make the top lids into day packs. Yes it's functional but I'm not convinced that the complexity required to remove the waist pads and relocate them on the top lid is worth the limited utility a lumbar pack provides. This is a 95 liter expedition class pack after all, and if I wanted to camp in the same place every night or cover the same ground over and over I would go car camping.
The Gregory packs were by far the most comfortable in the store. In the field carrying 3 days worth of water among all the other camping gear, I was quite pleased at how well this large pack could carry 50+ pound loads. The suspension was fully adjustable, allowing me to easily configure the loading between my hips and shoulders. I was able to adjust the pack so that 100% of the weight was comfortably carried on my hips while the shoulder straps provided ample stability. Try that with an ALICE pack.
This is a great pack and I highly recommend it however since Gregory designers obviously read these reviews I feel that I must point out a few minor shortcomings.
The first is that there are no Velcro loops on the shoulder straps to help hold a hydration hose in place. I know you can buy Velcro straps and hydration hose clips but this should be included on a pack in this price range.
The second shortcoming is that there were no D rings on the shoulder straps. Carrying a heavy load on your back forces you to lean forward to keep your c.g. over your feet and the ability to hang some gear off your chest helps in maintaining an upright posture although the excellent suspension system makes this only a minor complaint.
And finally my personal rant: I wish the marketing guys would quit trying to force the designers into trying to make the top lids into day packs. Yes it's functional but I'm not convinced that the complexity required to remove the waist pads and relocate them on the top lid is worth the limited utility a lumbar pack provides. This is a 95 liter expedition class pack after all, and if I wanted to camp in the same place every night or cover the same ground over and over I would go car camping.
Good pack (with some gripes)
I've used this pack on multiple, 3-week wilderness expeditions in the Northwest and several multi-day climbs in the lower 48. I've generally been satisfied with the Whitney, but have a few gripes as well.
As far as positive notes: The Whitney is very comfortable even under heavy (85+ pound) loads; it is highly adjustable so loads are more manageable, even on rough terrain. I had no problems with blows outs others mention, even when stuffing it to the gills with gear, including Pelican boxes, cooking gear, etc. I was careful, however, to "baby" the zippers for fear of a blowout. Hip and shoulder padding is great on the Whitney. The rubber-coated bottom is great for tough conditions, too.
Cons: The pack is fairly heavy, but I hoped this would translate into durability on volcanic rock and when wrestling through heavy foliage.
Another issue: the zippers have held up well so far, but I attribute some of that to the neurotic care I take when using them. They seem pretty marginal for the loads people will reasonably expect to cram into this kind of pack.
I'm also disappointed by the shortage of attachment points on the outside of the pack. For some of my longer unsupported trips, I ended up attaching extra gear to the compression straps on the sides and back; not only did I look like a gypsy but things tended to bounce around a lot. The straps at the bottom of the pack are also not long enough for thick bed rolls (pad, ground sheet, bivy bag).
My biggest issue is the sleeping bag compartment. On winter expeditions, it was virtually impossible to fit a winter (-10) bag in it. I feel confident that had I forced the issue, I would have blown out the zipper eventually. It just is not big enough for a winter bag.
Overall: I like this pack and think it is money well spent. But if you are doing long trips (especially in winter) this may no be enough pack for you.
As far as positive notes: The Whitney is very comfortable even under heavy (85+ pound) loads; it is highly adjustable so loads are more manageable, even on rough terrain. I had no problems with blows outs others mention, even when stuffing it to the gills with gear, including Pelican boxes, cooking gear, etc. I was careful, however, to "baby" the zippers for fear of a blowout. Hip and shoulder padding is great on the Whitney. The rubber-coated bottom is great for tough conditions, too.
Cons: The pack is fairly heavy, but I hoped this would translate into durability on volcanic rock and when wrestling through heavy foliage.
Another issue: the zippers have held up well so far, but I attribute some of that to the neurotic care I take when using them. They seem pretty marginal for the loads people will reasonably expect to cram into this kind of pack.
I'm also disappointed by the shortage of attachment points on the outside of the pack. For some of my longer unsupported trips, I ended up attaching extra gear to the compression straps on the sides and back; not only did I look like a gypsy but things tended to bounce around a lot. The straps at the bottom of the pack are also not long enough for thick bed rolls (pad, ground sheet, bivy bag).
My biggest issue is the sleeping bag compartment. On winter expeditions, it was virtually impossible to fit a winter (-10) bag in it. I feel confident that had I forced the issue, I would have blown out the zipper eventually. It just is not big enough for a winter bag.
Overall: I like this pack and think it is money well spent. But if you are doing long trips (especially in winter) this may no be enough pack for you.
works for me
I've got about 750 miles in with this pack now. 3 Muir Trails, heavy loads (to keep my kids from carrying much), and the pack delivers in comfort and design. Flaws are few and not enough to have me look for anything else. About the only two things I can mention as negatives are that one of the small aluminum cross stays in the back (horizontal strut about mid pack suspended against the two main stays and in some sleeves) keeps wandering out of the sleeves and is then very difficult to re-insert. Happens about every 100 miles. The other thing is that it's absolutely not water proof and you must bring a rain cover, but then what pack doesn't need that?
Comfort is the best I've had for a pack that large, and after just a day or two on the trail, I really don't even think about the pack on my back any longer. No re-arranging for comfort, no adjusting of straps to shift loads - it just fits and I keep going.
No seam has ripped, buckles all still work perfectly, and the material is strong where it needs to be.
Large enough to fit a Bearikade Expedition bear canister inide the upper compartment with room to spare for other gear.
Could use a few more pockets, but they are easily added to the side straps.
I really like the small zipper pockets on the belt. Sure wished it was available in brighter colors.
Comfort is the best I've had for a pack that large, and after just a day or two on the trail, I really don't even think about the pack on my back any longer. No re-arranging for comfort, no adjusting of straps to shift loads - it just fits and I keep going.
No seam has ripped, buckles all still work perfectly, and the material is strong where it needs to be.
Large enough to fit a Bearikade Expedition bear canister inide the upper compartment with room to spare for other gear.
Could use a few more pockets, but they are easily added to the side straps.
I really like the small zipper pockets on the belt. Sure wished it was available in brighter colors.
Whitney 95 good but watch the hip
I like this pack even though some people have rated it poor. It has a lot of space and can handle the Bear Container easily. The only issue I have with it is with the hip belt internal frame. It is made out of plastic and broke on me during a hike. Although it didn't really make any difference, it was noticeable when I lost some weight and had to tighten it up more due to my waist being smaller. I have seen that this pack has had this type of issue so hopefully they will work on a different type internal frame in the hip padding. I love the side pockets where I put my filtering stuff as well as my personal business stuff, you know what I mean. Just makes it easier than some of the other packs out there with no side internal pockets. if it happens again, I will opt for a different pack in this range since I don't like using products and then have to return them over and over. It isn't light but hey, it is meant for multi day hikes. My usual is 3 or 4 day hikes so this is perfect.
This is a great pack!!
I just took this out on a quick 15 mile weekender to see how comfortable this pack was really going to be. I found it very easy to load and access my gear. The suspension system makes the pack feel like a pillow on my back, and it felt like the weight of one too (despite the 50+ pounds I loaded into it)! The small pocket on the right was perfect for my handheld GPS where I was able to easily grab it while I was hiking. I even got stuck in a downpour of a thunder storm and my pack kept everything dry (with the aid of an REI pack cover).
The pack is a bit on the heavy side, but when you are looking for this kind of capacity, a few extra pounds is not going to make a huge difference. I just found ways to drop weight off my other gear to compensate. My only other complaint is that the pad on the back did not seem to breathe very much, but the narrow and fitted design helped keep my back ventilated fairly well.
The pack is a bit on the heavy side, but when you are looking for this kind of capacity, a few extra pounds is not going to make a huge difference. I just found ways to drop weight off my other gear to compensate. My only other complaint is that the pad on the back did not seem to breathe very much, but the narrow and fitted design helped keep my back ventilated fairly well.
I stand corrected
I stand corrected, after my 7 day hike in to the North fork (Big Pine), I am a die hard Gregory fan and with REI's trade up program (thanks REI)I now am a proud and very happy CAMPER, with this 95. (traded up from the 70 Baltoro) I loaded everything in it but the kitchen sink and had room for more (64lbs) first day in was 12 miles and 7500'elev, with the adjustable hips pads and the form fitting shoulder straps this has got to be the best extended days pack on the market. I'm very please and would and have told all my friends even some shoppers at the store (REI) that if they are going for 6 or more days and dont have a drop point, this is the pack to buy. Thanks Gregory for again having the best packs on the market. My son just dumped his (other brand) to step up to a real pack and got the Baltoro 70. Any of the Gregory packs that you may be thinking about are the right one. But YES this 95 is a smoking pack.
Worth the money
Your going to love this pack. I just finished a 65 mile backpacking trip with this pack and it performed well. The waterproof zippers are awesome and the weight distribution is amazing. I was around 65 to 70 pounds and this pack really carried the weight well. I used the Gregory pack sack for rain and this kept everything dry as a bone inside. The waist suspension system is genius and very easy to adjust to comfort. My shoulders never hurt and hips feel great after 14 miles a day. I am worried about all of the breakage issues so many people are having but I am told Gregory really stands behind his product. I have a friend who returned his pack due to a broken zipper and Gregory sent him a brand new pack. With that kind of service policy and the amazing design I am going to keep my pack...Thanks Gregory for another job well done!
caddilac
I took this pack on a 80 mile treck from Kings Canyon to Mt Whitney. I am a retired Army Ranger and am use to heavy loads and I packed about 75 pounds during this treck. The design and weight distrobution of this pack made my 75 pounds seem like 35 pounds. Very durable and comfortable. The only fault in this pack that I would correct is that it lacks outside pockets. It may be just a personal preference, but I love my gadgets. Overall, great pack. Judging from the negative reviews that I have seen, I think those were written by those who have never experienced painfully heavy loads. Great pack!!
Very Good but could be great!
Bought this pack for a 107 mile no resupply hike carrying almost 80 pounds. This pack performed extremely well overall. Construction, comfort and features are top notch. I did however return the pack for the Gregory Baltoro because the Whitney frame as I read on other reviews squeks. The frame make a metal wrenching sound with every step. It was tolerable but I expect more from Gregory and at this price point. If I experience the same issue with the Baltoro I will probably switch to Osprey brand packs. My friend on the same hike had the Argon 85 and it performed well with no complaints.
Great!!!
I loved this pack. I took it on a 12 day backpacking trip and it worked great. I had no problems. I learned how to adjust it and work the straps and it was perfect. I had plenty of room and it was easily adjustable while hiking. The only real problem i had with it was that one of the zippers broke off, but it didn't really mess up anything at all. This pack is great for long hikes and i like the look of it too. I recommend this pack to anyone who is serious about backpacking, and anyone that goes on long hikes.
Negative Reviews:
Disappointed
After almost 20 years of trekking, backpacking and mountaineering, I decided to hang up my trusty mule of a pack, the Lowe Alpine Contour IV, and splurge on a comfortable load master, the Gregory 95 (large).
I packed it for a 10 trip to knock out 5 14ers (and a few 13ers) in the Sawatch Range of Colorado.
When I pulled it out of the Eagle Creek XXL duffle in Denver, I noticed the plastic in the hip belt was snapped.
What that meant was for the entire time we were backpacking to basecamp, my heavy load (60+lb) was pinched into my shoulders.
I don't know if it cracked during transit, or if I missed the crack in the store (as some other reviewers have noted that these packs often come defective).
Additionally, just through normal usage on one trip, the fabric has several rips, punctures and tears. It seems delicate. I didn't notice any stitching blow-outs, but will watch for that since it seems to be common.
I guess that they don't make them like they used to. I have contacted Gregory and am waiting for a return authorization.
In the meanwhile, for my upcoming winter trip, I am pulling out the trustworthy Lowe Alpine instead.
Sadly, I had always heard that Gregory's were the top of the line in comfort and durability, and for the price they charge, you would expect that.
Be very cautious if you ignore the negative reviews here, and if you are looking at an extended trip with more than 40lb loads, have a backup plan in case it fails far from civilization.
I packed it for a 10 trip to knock out 5 14ers (and a few 13ers) in the Sawatch Range of Colorado.
When I pulled it out of the Eagle Creek XXL duffle in Denver, I noticed the plastic in the hip belt was snapped.
What that meant was for the entire time we were backpacking to basecamp, my heavy load (60+lb) was pinched into my shoulders.
I don't know if it cracked during transit, or if I missed the crack in the store (as some other reviewers have noted that these packs often come defective).
Additionally, just through normal usage on one trip, the fabric has several rips, punctures and tears. It seems delicate. I didn't notice any stitching blow-outs, but will watch for that since it seems to be common.
I guess that they don't make them like they used to. I have contacted Gregory and am waiting for a return authorization.
In the meanwhile, for my upcoming winter trip, I am pulling out the trustworthy Lowe Alpine instead.
Sadly, I had always heard that Gregory's were the top of the line in comfort and durability, and for the price they charge, you would expect that.
Be very cautious if you ignore the negative reviews here, and if you are looking at an extended trip with more than 40lb loads, have a backup plan in case it fails far from civilization.
Poor material choices
Been trekking for 23 years. Used to do 100+ miles trips but in my 40s now so we usually spend 8 days averaging 8 miles a day. We are not ultra light packers. I loved the size of this pack and the access points. The plastic hip belt was a bit awkward at first but after a day on the trail it was ok. I always worried that it would break and after reading the reviews I see that was a warranted fear. The bottom material was the main issue for me. It looked tough and water proof but it is weak. After 4 trips the section that connects to the hip belt (a major load point) ripped. It's like the rubber just separated and the sparse threads were showing. I had about 60 pounds in the pack and I take care of my stuff. I also have several holes in the bottom like the rubber is just pealing away. Poor material choice. Also the way the compression straps are secured it really pulls on the coated zippers separating them and the seams look stressed. Basically feels like you just shouldn't cinch it down tight. No good. Surprised that Gregory would even release this pack. Oh well, I'm giving the osprey xenith 88 a try.
Same problem with the hipbelt
Just like other comments on this review, the plastic piece on my hipbelt broke too. Also, I noticed a bunch of hairline fractures in several other areas on the plastic piece on both side of my hipbelt.
I checked some websites with other reviews on this pack. Apparently, there are lots of other people with this same problem. Further, I learned that Gregory replaced a number of packs for some people with this problem. Apparently, there was a design flaw that has since been corrected. I read that the trouble started occurring after they moved production to China (What a surprise!). Supposedly, this flaw occurred on a run of packs build in 2009. I purchased my pack in 2010.
In any case, I reported the trouble to Gregory's Customer Support Center and was issued an RMI number and instructed to ship the pack back to them. I will be shipping my pack to them in a few days and will let you know how Gregory resolves this issue. We shall see if they stand by their products as they claim...
I checked some websites with other reviews on this pack. Apparently, there are lots of other people with this same problem. Further, I learned that Gregory replaced a number of packs for some people with this problem. Apparently, there was a design flaw that has since been corrected. I read that the trouble started occurring after they moved production to China (What a surprise!). Supposedly, this flaw occurred on a run of packs build in 2009. I purchased my pack in 2010.
In any case, I reported the trouble to Gregory's Customer Support Center and was issued an RMI number and instructed to ship the pack back to them. I will be shipping my pack to them in a few days and will let you know how Gregory resolves this issue. We shall see if they stand by their products as they claim...
Despite great design, breaks easily
As with many of the reviewers, I had a relatively positive experience with the Whitney 95. I used it on an 80 day backpacking and mountaineering expedition. It was comfortable, easy to pack and had plenty of room for our 10 day ration periods. However, very soon in to the trip (4-6 days), the plastic molding holding the form-fit hip belt began to crack. Eventually, after several more days of hiking, the plastic on both sides severed entirely. Luckily the hip belt held and was manageable, albeit uncomfortable. It was very disappointing to see an otherwise perfect pack deteriorate at such a pivotal point. I have exchanged it and hope that it was a manufacturing defect and my new one holds up a little better.
Not typical Gregory quality
I just returned from a 40 day backpacking/mountaineering trip and this pack DID NOT live up to the Gregory name. Within the first 10 days, I was sewing this pack back together. On the trip as a whole, three Whitney's went out, and they were all returned to REI. Two of them had stitches in them fixing blowouts. The third pack had its hip belt completely break away from the pack, leaving someone carrying a 85 pound pack all on his shoulders. In short, buy the older versions of the Whitney. The new one is far from durable and did not make it even ten days before blowing out. Out of three packs, all three failed and were returned.
serious problem ..velcro inappropriate
the 2 loops on the lower back are there to hold trekking poles, snow shovel, ice axe, etc and the pack up higher on the back surface has 2 correspodning velcro tabs to secure the instruments handles. However the velcro tabs are inappropraie and dont work well. My axe and trekking poles handles were constantly falling backward and dangling in the back of my pack in cold weather to hot weather as I climbed into the Andes last year. The velcro needs to be replaced with secure plastic buckles. The engineeer who designed this should be fired.
Don't waste your money
This bag is not worth your money. Within 2 weeks of a 7 week trip my hip belt had cracked. By the end of the trip every single Gregory pack (4 Whitney's and 8 Diva's) had a broken hip belt. Granted we were carrying 10 days worth of food at time, other brands of bags on the trip held up fine.
This bag might be worth it if you are carrying less than 40 lbs and only going on weekend trips. I would not recommend it for heavy loads or extended trips.
This bag might be worth it if you are carrying less than 40 lbs and only going on weekend trips. I would not recommend it for heavy loads or extended trips.
Breaks very easily
I took this backpack on a two week backpacking trip. On the fourth day, I discovered that the plastic inside the hipstrap had broken. For the rest of the trip, I carried fifty pounds on my shoulders. One of the zipper pulls also came off a few days later and the seam on the left water bottle holder broke. My friend's backpack (also the Gregory Whitney 95) broke in the exact same places.
Hipbelt Problems
My first hike with this pack, the hard plastic on the hipbelt tore apart. After returning the pack to REI I examined several other Gregory packs in the store and found that ALL of them had broken or cracked hipbelts, and these ones hadn't even seen the trail. I would have expected a respected pack designer like Gregory to have a more robust design. Especially in the critical hipbelt area.
Beware
Used the Whitney for 6 weeks of on and off trail hiking in the Sierras. I was carrying between 40 and 65 pounds. I would love this pack if it weren't for the defective plastic in the hipbelt and frame. The plastic broke towards the end of the 6 week trip, but for a [$]dollar pack, I'd expect it to last for much much longer than 6 weeks.
Neutral Reviews:
Nice design but could be more durable...
I've not backpacked in roughly twenty years. I bought this in spite of some of the negative reviews, mostly because of the fit. I like the pack and I want it to be "the" pack. Then I went out for a 5 day trip. Granted I took too much (mostly food and fuel) and ended up with more like 2 weeks worth and a pack that weighed 65-70 pounds. Duhh! However, given that the pack is designed to carry large/heavy loads and is billed as a large/heavy load pack, I was disappointed. Not more than two days out several seams and areas of stitching started to fray or pull apart slightly. Nothing has failed (yet) and with lighter loads I expect it to last somewhat longer. Nonetheless I was and am extremely disappointed. For the money and the Gregory name and the intended purposes it appears to simply not be constructed well enough. Were it not for the reported durability issues and the fact that mine, after one 5 day trip, is already showing signs of similar failures brewing, I'd give it five stars. I am considering returning it for something else...
Could be better
I have had this pack for 2 years, its been in very humid places and been beat to death by baggage handlers, a zipper came off, the coating on the bottom fell apart leaving it with the nylon threads holding it together, they are very strong, however i don't need a vent on the bottom! the rest of it seems to hold up well so i think i will put a new bottom on it and cut off the extra 3 inch's of straps ind it maybe be better then new.
was very worried about why so many were in the end of month returns sale, but no time to think as i would have lost the price,and i must say for the price it was a good deal.
was very worried about why so many were in the end of month returns sale, but no time to think as i would have lost the price,and i must say for the price it was a good deal.
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