As an avid outdoorswoman this Gregory packs review will show you the only brand I trust to carry my gear. Durable, functional, and afforable, these packs are where it’s at.
Deva
trekking/backpacking
In spring of 2017, my Significant other and I purchased new backpacking bags in an attempt to find extra comfort and better packing ability. After some research, we decided on Gregory Packs and what a great decision it was! Our packs have proven to be durable, comfortable and able to carry everything we need for an extended overnight trip in the great outdoors. Gregory packs is noted for their innovative design, ergonomic and comfortable fit, and their obsession with quality, comfort and durability. Founded by a boy scout with a love for outdoor design, Wayne Gregory, created a backpack company that was the first to build backpacks in different frame, harness and waist belt sizes; the first (and still only) pack manufacturer to develop a waist belt system that adjusts to fit different hip angles, instantly improving load transfer; and the first to develop the center-locking bar tack, a stitch that ends and locks off on the center of a seam instead of the side for increased strength at major stress points which helps Gregory stand up to its well-known standard of durability. Taking suggestions from customers and implementing them has to be what this rugged outdoors company does best!
I went with the Women’s Small Deva 70 liter back in Egyptian Blue. My significant other went with the Male equivalent, the Baltoro, but only 65 liters. I prefer having a few more as far as liters are concerned because, as a woman especially, I tend to have to carry a few more items.
As a 5’9 woman weighing in at 160 pounds or so with an athletic build, the small fits perfectly. The weight of the 70L bag is 2.26kg or 5lbs; the rain cover weighs 133g or 4.7 oz.; the SideKick weight is 136g or 4.8 oz.; with a max carry of 24.9kg or 55lb. Choosing what size to order was tough because in no other way am I ever considered a ‘small’, however, I am very happy that a small is what I went with after completing the necessary measurements and kind of falling between a small and medium.
Design.
Some of my favorite features are the front U-zip which opens the backpack up from the front similar to a suitcase; despite the pack being a top-loader with a bottom sleeping bag compartment that also allows access to the main compartment, you can access your gear much more easily with the front U-zip. The WeatherShield Hip Belt pocket protects your valuables and the integrated, color-matched rainfly has its own compartment that allows you to easily carry it along and utilize it when necessary (we have certainly had to do this).
The Deva is built with Women’s-specific Response A3 suspension and LumbarTuneto customize lower back support. The swappable 3-D hip belt and shoulder harness allow for a customizable fit unlike many other bags on the market. Each bag also comes with a color matched SideKick; this drawstring style pack doubles as a daypack/ hydration sleeve and can be removed in its entirety to create extra space as well.
So far we have really enjoyed our multi-overnight packs from Gregory and have yet to find any flaws or ‘thing they could do better’. We truly recommend the Deva and/or Baltoro for all of your overnight, outdoor needs.
zulu
day pack experience
My significant other purchased a daypack from Gregory as well, the Zulu 30. I have worn this bag on many occasions as we often share a pack for day hikes and split the wear time. The suspension and ventilation system on this bag is amazing; you barely even realize that it is on your back. It’s best feature is the CrossFlo ventilated suspension; this pack does not get heavier as the day grows longer thanks to you barely feeling it is on your back in the first place! It also comes with an integrated rain fly, an internal key ring clip (so you don’t have to hike 3 miles back into the brush to get into your car), hybrid top loading access to main body, zippered exterior and interior pockets, two external stretch water bottle pockets, dual quick-access waistbelt pockets, trekking pole attachment points double as ice axe loops and a sunglass stash on shoulder harness. All of this quality weighs in at 2.7 pounds so you can load ‘er up for a long day on the trail without weighing yourself down! I will be purchasing the female equivalent, Jade 28, before the start of the 2018 season.
Company policy.
One of the best things about Gregory is that if their products do not meet your satisfaction, you may return it to them for repair or replacement at no cost. We’ve yet to run into the need for this seeing as we’ve only beat up on our packs (just kidding we treat them with LOVE!) through one hiking season but it is nice to know that it is there in case we’re ever in need. We have only great things to say about both our 60+ liter backpacking bags and our 30L daypack!
I have since purchased a Zulu of my own and I love it just as much as I thought I would!
**DISCLAIMER: I am not an employee of Gregory nor do I receive any compensation or free product for reviewing their gear*
