While most outdoor brands make all sorts of gear, Osprey and Gregory specialize in designing various types of backpacks. However, I must note that this backpack has a prominent lumbar curve. Additionally, not all side-zippered lid pockets are the same. Best known for their heavy-hauling Baltoro, the Paragon backpack from Gregory cuts weight to appeal to the core overnight and weekend crowd. Whether they are full or mostly empty, the stretchy mesh pockets will hold your items securely. Its true that the side zip isnt as convenient as an opening along the front, but I quickly adapted and started placing items Id likely need during the day on that side. The Exos allows you to comfortably carry 30 to 40-pound loads. Wayne Gregory, the founder of this iconic brand, designed his first backpack at age 14. It runs almost the entire length of the backpack. But these are minor issues on an overall great backpacking backpack for keeping organized. Every pocket is a good size and thoughtfully placed. Fabric: Nylon (210D x 500D) Capacities: 50, 65L What we like: A standout all-rounder with especially great ventilation. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Tipping the scales at just 2.8 pounds, the ULA Catalyst borders on being an ultralight pack and is an excellent option for lightweight enthusiasts. I especially like the drinking hose release clip. These straps are also useful for strapping wet gear outside your pack. Additional storage includes a large mesh shove-it pocket along the front of the Paragon, which is very stretchy and a great place to keep items you want handy, as well as separating wet or smelly gear. Depending on the seller, most products ship free in the United States on orders of $50 or more. A lightweight pack like the ULA Catalyst can help increase your speed and mileage over long distance hikes. The hip belt of the Aether doesn't absorb the movement of your hips while you walk, which causes the pack to sway from side to side when carrying heavy and tall loads. Price: $350 Weight: 4 lbs. The biggest downside of this pack is its substantial heft. The new panel is also injection molded with die-cut foam. Almost all of the packs in this review have a location to store a hydration bladder where it should stay upright. 9.8 oz. The aluminum frame is pretty stout. From the Camino de Santiago to the West Highland Way in Scotland or simply a great day hike on the weekend. For those who dont need the extra room, the Paragon 48 appeals more to weight-conscious backpackers taking on shorter trips($200; 3 lbs. If you are looking for a more affordable, but still highly functional backpack that will last for decades, go with Osprey. 13.4 oz. Luckily, Gregory didnt give up. We also determined how well the pack's brain provides access to small items and whether those items stayed organized. We looked at each pocket and asked ourselves: Does this pocket make my life easier and keep me more organized? Each of these models offers subtle advantages that will help transfer the load to your hips and keep you moving toward camp in relative comfort. Over the years, Ive learned that the right backpack can mean the difference between an okay hiking trip and an amazing one. The Osprey comes with the grantee but the Gregory with a rain-cover.. I'm sure there're more factors but I don't know what they are or what to consider. Osprey has always done a good job of marrying durability, adjustability, and large load comfort, and the Osprey Aether 65 is the perfect example. The Ariel has a classic feature set plus a few extras. We compared the number and location of pockets and how useful our testers found them. But considering the fact that the pack is a bit on the heavy side, I think that the construction should be more durable. Given how well it fit our two testers on opposite ends of the size spectrum, this isnt a downside. I love hiking, backpacking, and camping. As a dedicated day hiker, I appreciate the well-ventilated back panel and the carefully tailored features. The hip belt is of a one-piece design that holds the backpack weight close to the torso and wraps smoothly around the hips. These packs use high-quality foam that perfectly balances support and comfort. The combination lands all of them in the load-hauler category. Compared to the Paragon 58, the Gregory Maven 55 costs the same at $230 but comes in a few ounces lighter at 3 pounds 6.6 ounces for a small/medium. Best Backpack for Multisport Trips: Arc'teryx Bora AR 60 and Arc'teryx Bora AR 65 Best Backpack for Ultralight Trips: Hyperlite Mountain Gear 4400 Southwest Best Value Backpack: REI Co-op Traverse 60 ( Women's and Men's) Gregory Maven 45 and Gregory Paragon 48 Best Backpack for Overnight Trips Gregory Maven 45 Pack 4.9 18 Reviews Women's $229.95 Gregory has built its reputation around the comfort of its packs, and the Paragon 58 carries the torch in a trimmed-down form. We rarely got hot spots on our backs or hips, even after extended travel in warmer conditions. The most discernible differences are in the packs fit and sizing, with varying torso and waist measurements, along with different colorways (although both models come in blue). 1. Storing your trekking poles on the side is more secure. How can we improve GearLab? 5 offers from $194.96. It features horizontal channels that allow vertical flex. The padding is extra thick in the area that runs over the front and the top of your shoulders, so the straps are comfortable even when youre wearing minimal clothing. These models offer a similar setup and exhibit our favorite organizational and pocket layouts. The value placed on this metric depends on the user and the pack's volume. We especially love the hip belt pockets on the Granite Gear Blaze 60, Gregory Baltoro 65, Gregory Focal 58, and the ULA Catalyst for their unrivaled size and ease of access. The cost of the product is the same to you but this helps us continue to test and write about outdoor gear. This pack has our favorite external stretch mesh back pocket of any ultralight model. Truth be told, I find this feature to be a bit gimmicky. All trademarks property of their respective owners I tried the pack on a hot summers day and it did a good job of keeping my back cool. If you want serious volume without serious weight, the Catalyst is a superb option and one of our favorite packs for long-distance hikes. This is all great stuff, but when all is said and done, this pack scores so well in our review simply for being lightweight, capable, comfortable, and feature-filled. Further, the updated mesh-heavy build and easy adjustability of the shoulder straps and hipbelt do a really nice job keeping the pack close to my back, which minimized excess movement and gave me a lot of confidence during river crossings and over more difficult terrain. What we don't: Heavy at nearly 5 pounds. It only comes in one size, so if your torso length is outside the 18 to 21-inch range, then this pack won't fit you. I have mixed feelings about the mesh water bottle pockets. These packs weigh in at 3.0 pounds or less and ride the line between backpacking backpacks and ultralight minimalist packs. While this pack does many things right, there is no perfect pack for everyone. When preparing for testing, we also considered what makes a great backpacking backpack. However, maximum adjustability is unnecessary if you get the right fit. The torso length can be adjusted up to four inches, and the generously cushioned shoulder straps, lumbar pad, and hip belt make this a comfortable ride overall. I like the packs hiker-centric feature set. The best-performing contenders for heavier loads are the Osprey Aether 65, the Gregory Baltoro 65, and the Granite Gear Blaze 60. However, some of the more expensive packs did score quite well overall. Rating: (4.7/5) See the Men's Gregory Baltoro 75 See the Women's Gregory Deva 70 Feature-wise, the two packs have their organizational strengths: the Flash can be stripped of its top lid and other accessories to shave significant weight, but the Gregory comes with a rain cover and the option to adjust the torso and hipbelt. An expensive pack might not be ideal for you, either. It allows you to comfortably carry loads over 30 lb all day. Don't select a pack solely for an elongated zippered access panel, especially if you will rarely use it. We also looked at the range of torso lengths available. If you are sure you dont want a fully frameless backpack, but still want a lightweight backpack, the Exos is a solid choice. When you design a product to be lightweight, it's common for performance to suffer in another way. Description. Made of durable and light materials, it will stand up to just about anything you get into: bushwacks, talus fields, or anywhere else the trail takes you. It also has thick but flexible shoulder straps and a wide, comfortable hip belt. When Adam isn't thru-hiking with his family, you can find him trail running, rock climbing, planning his next trip, or scouting the next place to call home. All told, its a big win to get such convenient accessibility in a pack of this weight. Read more: Ultralight Adventure Equipment Catalyst review. There is a stretchy mesh front pocket, roomy hip belt pockets, a removable top lid, a breathable back panel, a long front access zipper, and nine compression straps to handle variable loads. Moreover, the Atmos offers an excellent fit with efficient adjustability focused on ergonomics. We also looked at access points and evaluated whether they seem useful for retrieving items or if they're impractical to zip shut when the pack is full and are thus just for show. That said, we found the Zulu to be fairly disappointing in terms of carrying comfort, and especially when hauling bulkier items (this was largely due to its shape, which is somewhat wide and short). The REI Flash 55 is an inexpensive, lightweight, and well-designed backpacking backpack. To ensure that your gear is organized and easily accessible, the Baltoro features great pockets and a top-notch access zipper. The main compartment fits a full-sized bear canister horizontally, which is rare for an ultralight backpack. The Optic has one of the best feature sets. Just keep in mind the two share suspension designs, so it likely won't have a higher max carry weight. For average trips with loads at or under 40 pounds, this is one of the more comfortable packs in our review. The feel of the high-quality foam is also nice. What sets the Atmos 65 AG apart the most, though, is Osprey's innovative anti-gravity (AG) suspension, which helps spread the load more evenly across your hips and shoulders while also venting excess heat that tends to build behind your back and under the hip belt. Another pack to have on your radar is Granite Gears Blaze 60. Let us know! It allows hip belts to fit perfectly around the hips, making it easier to carry heavy loads. And, unlike many womens daypacks, it comes in multiple sizes. Unlike many other high-end packs, the Ariel isnt over-engineered to the point of complexity. And you can compress this bag to a smaller size when carrying a smaller load. We loaded them up with various gear and took to the trail on a series of adventures ranging from volcano mountaineering trips to alpine rock approaches and long thru-hikes. When I carried 20 to 30 pounds of stuff in the pack, I didnt even notice a difference compared to sturdier packs. Finally, Gregory makes the pack in a womens-specific version called the Maven, which is nearly identical to the mens design (more on this below). Even today, Pfotenhauer inspects every single design bearing the brands name. Weighing in at 2 pounds, 10 ounces, this pack is one of the lightest of the bunch, almost qualifying as a true ultralight pack. We filled every pocket of every pack with ping pong balls, then measured the total liters of the balls. After all, the more room you have, the more you may be tempted to carry. That said, the Paragon is the better breather with more mesh in the backpanel, and the Blaze is $40 pricier at $270. This adds to the hip-hugging feel. We break down everything you need to know for choosing the right backpack. So far I have walked three Camino routes and many other long distance hikes in the UK, Canada, and around the rest of Europe. See the key differences: Weight See the weight difference between the Osprey Men's Exos 58 Pack vs Osprey Men's Atmos AG 65 Pack. Rounding out storage, the top lid includes one very large, U-shaped pocket along the exterior for items like a headlamp or map, and there is zippered space on the underside of the lid that stores the rain cover. Many backpacking packs we test get stacked up in some way to Ospreys very popular Atmos AG 65. Small buckles are hard to operate with gloves. After researching the best backpacking backpacks on quality, innovation, and popularity, we purchased every pack we tested. The REI Flash 55 offers the best value for a backpacking backpack. 9.3 oz. Though this isn't a high-tech, revolutionary pack, part of its appeal is its simplistic yet functional design. Essentially, this Gregory pack doesnt sacrifice anything to save weight. The aluminum frame helps disperse the load weight thanks to its anti-barreling support and leaf-spring lumbar pad. These openings enable access to a part of the pack that is hard to get at from the top without unloading it all on the ground first. It easily undercuts many popular backpacking models like the Osprey Atmos AG 65(4 lbs. You do lose some ankle support when carrying a heavy pack or traversing rocky trails A great pair of hiking pants provides comfort, freedom of movement, the versatility to perform well in a range of environments, and durability over the long haul. The big difference is that these models are more comfortable for people with a base pack weight below 20-25 pounds. They provide excellent hip belt pockets, big water bottle side pockets, and a stretchy mesh "stuff-it" pocket that is excellent for wet clothes or carrying oddly shaped items like fuel bottles, a trowel, camp shoes, or a frisbee. The Osprey Aura and Atmos AG LT 65 are more affordable than the original versions ($290 vs. $340). The Deuter Aircontact Core 65+10 is a great pack for those who want options for staying organized on the trail. Designed for fast-paced adventures with a lightweight kit, the men's Gregory Paragon 48 pack offers an adjustable suspension and comfortable carry for pared-down thru-hikes or quick weekends away. We tested backpacking backpacks from Osprey, Granite Gear, Gregory, REI, Arc'teryx, and more to find the best models. Testing the Osprey Atmos 65 on a downhill scramble in Colorado. The new version of the pack comes with an upgraded back panel. The fit of the pack is excellent and the design is truly ergonomic. The Ariel is a very popular pack among the backpacking community. Weight: 4.39 (s) and 4.58 (m) and 4.92 (l) Volume capacity: 62 liters (s) and 65 liters (m) and 68 liters (l) Price. 9.3 oz. After testing the pack on multiple backpacking trips in Patagonia, we think the revamp was a success: the Paragon still isnt a standout in any one particular category, but its competitive price, adjustable fit, and good mix of weight and features make it a well-rounded option. 8.5 oz. The suspension system keeps heavier loads well-distributed across the torso and the hips. The packs semi-flexible suspension system does a great job of distributing weight. It features a relatively robust waist belt and a frame. I also liked the stretchy mesh front pocket. I am a bit concerned about the sizing, though. And yet, it is way lighter than the average backpacking pack. Tucked away on the underside of the top lid, the matching blue waterproof layer is quick and easy to deploy and fits snugly around the loaded-down pack. Osprey Atmos AG 65 vs Gregory Paragon 58 (2017) Gear Questions I'm just getting into the world of backpacking and looking to upgrade from my crappy 45L Costco bag. It's loaded with features and provides incredible back ventilation while weighing in at 4.5 pounds. (size MD/LG)Fabric: Nylon (100D, 210D, & 420D)Capacities: 48, 58, 68LWhat we like: Very well-balanced design at a great price.What we dont: Thin hipbelt padding has a modest impact on carrying capacity. From the Appalachians to the Rocky Mountains to the Sierra Nevadas, we wore these backpacking backpacks on long and short trail days, testing and assessing their strengths and weaknesses along the way. Some of the more expensive packs here weren't the highest performers. The waist belt and shoulder straps are fixed. The Gregory Paragon, which is the brand's men's version, also weighs less than the Osprey Atmos. An outside mesh pocket makes stashing a jacket where you can grab it quickly a breeze. In most facets, the Paragon has good durability among lightweight packs. With its Fit on the Fly velcro adjustment system and quick sliding shoulder straps, it's easy to dial in your ideal fit while out on the trail. At loads above 40 pounds, however, the Atmos becomes less comfortable. If you plan to haul loads of 45 pounds or more consistently, you should consider a different model this pack doesn't handle heavy loads as well as a pack that's close to 5 pounds probably should. This pack clocks in almost a pound lighter at 2 pounds 10 ounces and maxes out at 30 pounds, putting it squarely in the fast-and-light category (although we carried 35 pounds on a trip into the Grand Canyon and it did just fine). Within Gregorys own lineup, we also like their Zulu 65, which costs the same as the Paragon at $230. It carries exactly as a traditional backpack should. If you want a ton of space to store your bulky items, the ALPS Mountaineering Cascade 90 and Mountain Hardwear PCT 70 had some of the largest main compartments along with tons of external storage. Even though its a lightweight model, the Optic comes with fully padded shoulder straps and waist belt. The hip belt isnt heavily shaped and its angled to fit womens hips. The Aircontact Core has great features to keep us organized at a reasonable price. It boasts incredible ventilation and many useful features. Frame systems include internal and external frame components (or "stays"), compression straps, shoulder straps, and a hip belt. The Gregory Optic is one of the best lightweight packs Ive tested. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Gregory Men's Paragon 58. But, if you consider both of these brands to be out of your price range, check out my post on the best backpacks for the Camino. The Gregory Focal 58 also stood out for its value: it's more comfortable than most backpacks we tested and costs less than most. Ive used it on several 5-day hiking trips so far, and it has proven to be very reliable. They have the most significant impact on a pack's comfort (or lack thereof). September 12, 2022 by Leslie Gilmour Over the years, I've learned that the right backpack can mean the difference between an okay hiking trip and an amazing one. and The North Face Banchee 65 (3 lbs. The clever features and lightweight design made it an awesome companion on the trail. This is something Ive rarely experienced with hip belt-equipped backpacks. $340, 4 lbs. Still, this modular pack has a lot to offer for a modest price. Even though its a high functional daypack, it might not be the best fit for outlier sizes.
Gregory Baltoro 65 vs Osprey Atmos 65 - Off the Grid Gear Hub Backpack Reviews Backpacking Packs for Men Gregory Paragon 68 Review A solid, versatile, and low weight backpacking pack that is a great option for a variety of trips $210 at Backcountry $211 at Amazon Price: $270 List Manufacturer: Gregory By Ian Nicholson Review Editor Nov 5, 2019 70 OVERALL SCORE Suspension and Comfort - 45% 7.0 So, you'll only have access to one water bottle at a time with this pack. A light pack allows you to keep your base weight low, but since the Blaze has such a robust suspension, you can comfortably carry a few luxury items, winter/climbing gear, or extra food for a more extended trail section. and Osprey Exos 58 (2 lbs. The packs aluminum frame does a great job of transferring the load from the backpack to the waist belt. My favorite thing about Ospreys All Mighty Guarantee is the fact that the company will repair any damage free of charge. Specifications 65 liter storage capacity Hydration sleeve converts into removable day pack Wishbone internal frame maintains shape Available in 3 sizes 3D ventilated hipbelt and shoulder harness Check on Amazon Osprey Atmos 65 Specifications 65 liter capacity Comes in 3 sizes Hip belt pad extends 5 inches for varying waist sizes Floating top lid It excels in nearly every performance metric. That massive zipper will add a lot of weight to the backpack. Weight: 3 lbs 8 oz Volume: 58 liters Pockets: 7, plus main Frame: Internal Adjustable torso: Yes Adjustable length hip belt: Yes Ventilated: Sort of Load lifters: Yes Torso lengths: S/M: 16-20; M/L; 18-22 Hip belt lengths: S/M: 27-46; M/L: 29-51 Backpack Pockets and Organization
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