Gregory Baltoro 75 (Closeout) Internal Frame Backpack

Likes

Lots of storage spaces; rain cover included; day pack included; angled water bottle holster; carries up to 45 lbs effortlessly

Dislikes

Heavy pack just by itself; starts to get uncomfortable when the load is over 50 lbs

Likes

Built in day pack and rain cover. Great compartmentation!!!!!! I love that it isn't just top load. has hip pouches and one is waterproof. adjustability!

Dislikes

Could be just my body, but I'm not to impressed with the shoulder straps....It is slightly on the heavy side but that is a matter of perspective. Maybe I just need to get stronger.....

Likes

this pack feels very reliable. the durability is reassuring. the ratings for comfort are satisfying. the small size is actually a 70, rather than a 75.

Dislikes

it is very heavy. the 65 is as adequate for lightweight and small camping equipment.

Likes

easy on/off, comfortable on hips, balanced

Dislikes

none so far

Likes

I have come to believe that backpacks are like shoes, and you need to find one that fits you. I just took it out on its first hike, and I was reasonably comfortable as I was hiking. It has a lot of features, most of which I could do without, but I liked one a lot. The water bladder sleeve converts into a small daypack. It was priceless once I got to camp. I set up my tent about 100 yards away from where we had our campfire, and it was great for carrying things around camp. I didn't take it on a day hike, but I expect it would hold up well.

Dislikes

My back was aching a bit at the end of the first day. This is probably a symptom of middle age, and I may need a little help fitting it. Still, it is a bit heavy, and some of this weight is from unnecessary bells and whistles. I wouldn't recommend this pack unless you are planning longer excursions and/or need to carry a bear canister.

Likes

The suspension system on this pack is hard to beat. The shoulder straps are able to move left and right as you walk, making the pack feel a little bit more connected to the wearer. The waist belt is thick and comfortable. The waterproof pocket is nice, but barely fits an iPhone 6 (4.7"). The slanted water bottle pocket works great.

Dislikes

The shoulder straps seem to require a bit of break in. I had bruises on my collar bones for the first few wears (10-15 miles total). The pack is really wide at the top when full.

Likes

Good suspension system and organizational design. Lots of pockets.

Dislikes

I was disappointed with the included day pack.flimsy material. Would have preferred the top pack cover with its rugged material convert into a hip pack as former model did. Also the water-poof pocket on the waist-belt will not hold an iphone 6 in a standard case. I wouldn't put one there but they advertise it for cellphones and electronics so it should be designed as such. A Garmin 600t gps unit will fit but without the case. This is disappointing. That pocket better be waterproof, not water resistant. In comparison the Osprey Aether easily fit my Iphone 6 and Garmin 600t in the hip pockets .I wish the buckles, especially for the waist belt were beefier as on the Osprey Aether. The zippers also dont appear to be as rugged as on the Osprey but they might be. Since I do extended treks around the world I am returning this one for a Baltoro 85. I also do treks which require a bear cannister so size matters. I was torn between sticking with a Gregory or trying the Osprey which I definitely would have chosen if it had more pockets. I also noticed that Osprey has a lifetime warranty for anything which happens to the pack including wear and tear. Gregory does not but they will repair it for a reasonable charge. That said I have a Gregory Pack which I bought in 2010 which as been around the world and it's still going strong.Backcountry Edge is great allowing its customers to try a number of packs to see which works best. Thx...