Years ago I bought a Gregory Z Pack 50L & I remember Chris Townsend reviewed it saying how Gregory packs have a reputation for being comfortable and he's right. I happily carried that pack on a month-long trip carrying excess stuff (two thick paperbacks and two magazines etc.). I moaned a bit about my Gregory Focal 48 pack above, but that too is really comfortable. For example, I had a three day dry stretch in Spain where I knew I'd probably have to carry 5L water plus 3 days food, beyond what it's designed for I'm sure, but again it carried really well. Full marks for comfort Gregory 👍
I remember Chris recommending them donkeys ago thankfully finally got one albeit i asked they obliged :) absolutely agree nothing is more comfy my MLD packs same comfort and as they frameless.... shows how good they are but that Gregory is a dream. Fab comments thanks 😊
@TonyHobbs I've noticed some well known UL US hiker blogs/RUclipsrs who now are finding they're using slightly heavier gear these days for increased durability rather than replacing worn out items as regularly as with super UL gear, and the added comfort. The Adventure Sports podcast is one of my favourites and featured a fab interview with Glen Van Peski (creator of Gossamer Gear) recently which is worth checking out. I will go back to using my GG 50L pack next summer as the back system incorporates my folded Z-Lite sleeping pad so sack and pad together only about 790g I think? The Gregory would obviously be more suitable for more 'traditional' kit.
The Gregory is probably (?) The best or one of the best traditional pack makers. Soon I'll be in Scotland doing a short walk with my MLD Exodus dcf pack. Not used it for ages kinda preserving it now vs using all the time as i once did....
I've gone away from lightweight packs, they always feel heavier than they are due to poor strap padding and adjustments. My most comfortable pack is the Osprey Aether 65L (2.2kg) and even though on paper it appears heavy it feels much more comfortable and lighter than other packs that actually are lighter. This is due to copious adjustment features it has, which when dialled in, make a huge difference. I also like having the brain on a pack and the zips on my belt pouches are similar to yours here, good quality and but need a bit of 'encouragement'. The Gregory looks to be a decent pack, and if I didn't have the Aether I'd probably look at getting one as around 58-60 litres is a sweet spot for me. The Aether has more room but I don't mind having spare space for extra rations etc and the comfort is just too good to sacrifice. It's great when we live in a time with so much choice, but I'm done with lightweight backpacks, the comfort just isn't there for an elder statesman like myself.
The most important thing for me in a pack is comfort. I like the adjustable back systems as ive never found an off the shelf fixed back system that fits me! Other than that i can live with a few oddities as long as its a good fit. A few straps are handy also 😄
😁 hi Tony, great review of the Gregory.. I bought the Gregory 45ltr as compared to my gathering dust osprey 38ltr, this is lighter, more comfortable , has the elasticated back pocket and much larger easier to use hip pockets. Fully agree regarding the hip belt system. I spent a month with mine 2 weeks up in scotland then 2 weeks down in dartmoor last month carrying upto 15kgs with ease and still had space inside if needed.. Highly recomend Gregory 😁👍 i will be using my G45 throughout winter for solo trips and wildcamps.
There’s a lot of strapping there Tony I was waiting for a cheeky pun of some sort to do with strap things 😂😂 Great review Tony two spoons , Take care mate ,
I looked at one of these the other day and it just seemed a bit over-specced for my needs. I was comparing it to my Gregory Focal 48 lightweight pack. What I find REALLY irritating about the Focal 48 is that I have to take the pack off to access my 1L water bottle in the side pocket which is a major flaw IMO. That alone is making me look to replace it. I'm going to consider an Atom pack, but I do like the convenience of a lid with an internal & external pocket. Why Nigor discontinued the Zero-G 50L pack I'll never know, as it was fully specced, tough and only 1.049 Kg. The straps could've done with more cushioning though.
The problem or it was maybe now improved is the shoulder water pockets very small poorly placed too high. But it might be better.... I agree water access is critical and needing to remove is a pain. Arms might reach side pockets of this pack .
@TonyHobbs You're absolutely right Tony, water access is critical. It's all too easy for me to think 'Oh I can't be dealing with the faff of taking my pack off for a couple of gulps', but multiply that by X times & I must be getting dehydrated, and over a few days that all adds up.
Totally agree on tbe Nigor Zero G. It's been my favourite for years, falling to bits now and I haven't yet been able to find a suitable replacement. I got mine at one of Bob Cartwright's ultra light backpacking shows he used to run from his home near Upton on Severn.
Regarding bottom pockets etc etc on packs , Personally I cnt reach them , am not a contortionist I have recently added a shoulder strap water bottle carrier to my osprey, got it from treadlight gear , And regarding hip belt pockets , I really struggle zipping them fully back up , I have to fiddle with the twiddle to Love a good fiddle 😅😮
I m currently looking at Bach molecule 45, It should be capable of carrying even 20kg loads, I want a pack that can comfortably carry at least 16kg sometimes,that's why osprey exos is out of my list..
@@TonyHobbs Paragon seem very interesting.. Bach weights 1250g Abt for large version which is 49 l they claim plus can expand for extra 10l. It has daisy chains, removable straps, solid frame. Some pouches can be added to it,or exped flash pocket maybe.removable hip pockets. Modular pack.
Good stuff. A very thorough review. I had a Gregory once and some silly design ideas and poor water resistance put me off the brand despite the pack having the best front netting pocket on any pack I’ve tried. You mentioned the Windrider a couple of times. Have you done a review of that pack? I’ve just discovered that HMG tape their seams and one of their packs is on sale at Garage Grown Gear. I love the exceptional comfort of my Atom Packs Atom but, for Scotland, a water resistant pack is worth having.
Years ago I bought a Gregory Z Pack 50L & I remember Chris Townsend reviewed it saying how Gregory packs have a reputation for being comfortable and he's right. I happily carried that pack on a month-long trip carrying excess stuff (two thick paperbacks and two magazines etc.).
I moaned a bit about my Gregory Focal 48 pack above, but that too is really comfortable. For example, I had a three day dry stretch in Spain where I knew I'd probably have to carry 5L water plus 3 days food, beyond what it's designed for I'm sure, but again it carried really well. Full marks for comfort Gregory 👍
I remember Chris recommending them donkeys ago thankfully finally got one albeit i asked they obliged :) absolutely agree nothing is more comfy my MLD packs same comfort and as they frameless.... shows how good they are but that Gregory is a dream. Fab comments thanks 😊
@TonyHobbs I've noticed some well known UL US hiker blogs/RUclipsrs who now are finding they're using slightly heavier gear these days for increased durability rather than replacing worn out items as regularly as with super UL gear, and the added comfort.
The Adventure Sports podcast is one of my favourites and featured a fab interview with Glen Van Peski (creator of Gossamer Gear) recently which is worth checking out. I will go back to using my GG 50L pack next summer as the back system incorporates my folded Z-Lite sleeping pad so sack and pad together only about 790g I think? The Gregory would obviously be more suitable for more 'traditional' kit.
The Gregory is probably (?) The best or one of the best traditional pack makers. Soon I'll be in Scotland doing a short walk with my MLD Exodus dcf pack. Not used it for ages kinda preserving it now vs using all the time as i once did....
I've gone away from lightweight packs, they always feel heavier than they are due to poor strap padding and adjustments. My most comfortable pack is the Osprey Aether 65L (2.2kg) and even though on paper it appears heavy it feels much more comfortable and lighter than other packs that actually are lighter. This is due to copious adjustment features it has, which when dialled in, make a huge difference. I also like having the brain on a pack and the zips on my belt pouches are similar to yours here, good quality and but need a bit of 'encouragement'. The Gregory looks to be a decent pack, and if I didn't have the Aether I'd probably look at getting one as around 58-60 litres is a sweet spot for me. The Aether has more room but I don't mind having spare space for extra rations etc and the comfort is just too good to sacrifice. It's great when we live in a time with so much choice, but I'm done with lightweight backpacks, the comfort just isn't there for an elder statesman like myself.
The most important thing for me in a pack is comfort. I like the adjustable back systems as ive never found an off the shelf fixed back system that fits me! Other than that i can live with a few oddities as long as its a good fit. A few straps are handy also 😄
Whilst I'd prefer to save grams I agree for whom this aimed at plus it's light for what it is
😁 hi Tony, great review of the Gregory.. I bought the Gregory 45ltr as compared to my gathering dust osprey 38ltr, this is lighter, more comfortable , has the elasticated back pocket and much larger easier to use hip pockets.
Fully agree regarding the hip belt system. I spent a month with mine 2 weeks up in scotland then 2 weeks down in dartmoor last month carrying upto 15kgs with ease and still had space inside if needed.. Highly recomend Gregory 😁👍 i will be using my G45 throughout winter for solo trips and wildcamps.
I remember reading Chris Townsend recommended them years and years ago and I never got one but very happy to finally try one.
There’s a lot of strapping there Tony
I was waiting for a cheeky pun of some sort to do with strap things 😂😂
Great review Tony two spoons ,
Take care mate ,
Thanks Lee
Yeah i missed a chance there all that bandage material 😆
great vlog brother....this is a great allrounder,.. 4seasons in one bag
Exactly 💯
I looked at one of these the other day and it just seemed a bit over-specced for my needs. I was comparing it to my Gregory Focal 48 lightweight pack. What I find REALLY irritating about the Focal 48 is that I have to take the pack off to access my 1L water bottle in the side pocket which is a major flaw IMO. That alone is making me look to replace it. I'm going to consider an Atom pack, but I do like the convenience of a lid with an internal & external pocket.
Why Nigor discontinued the Zero-G 50L pack I'll never know, as it was fully specced, tough and only 1.049 Kg. The straps could've done with more cushioning though.
The problem or it was maybe now improved is the shoulder water pockets very small poorly placed too high. But it might be better.... I agree water access is critical and needing to remove is a pain. Arms might reach side pockets of this pack .
Yes easily I'll post pic in community page here
@TonyHobbs You're absolutely right Tony, water access is critical. It's all too easy for me to think 'Oh I can't be dealing with the faff of taking my pack off for a couple of gulps', but multiply that by X times & I must be getting dehydrated, and over a few days that all adds up.
Exactly
Totally agree on tbe Nigor Zero G. It's been my favourite for years, falling to bits now and I haven't yet been able to find a suitable replacement. I got mine at one of Bob Cartwright's ultra light backpacking shows he used to run from his home near Upton on Severn.
Regarding bottom pockets etc etc on packs ,
Personally I cnt reach them , am not a contortionist
I have recently added a shoulder strap water bottle carrier to my osprey, got it from treadlight gear ,
And regarding hip belt pockets , I really struggle zipping them fully back up ,
I have to fiddle with the twiddle to
Love a good fiddle 😅😮
Can't beat a good fiddle lol that's good you got drink bottles on osprey what did you get? As regular daisy chain type holders won't clip on (?)
I m currently looking at Bach molecule 45,
It should be capable of carrying even 20kg loads, I want a pack that can comfortably carry at least 16kg sometimes,that's why osprey exos is out of my list..
The paragon easily carries 16kg. How heavy is Bach?
@@TonyHobbs
Paragon seem very interesting..
Bach weights 1250g Abt for large version which is 49 l they claim plus can expand for extra 10l.
It has daisy chains, removable straps, solid frame.
Some pouches can be added to it,or exped flash pocket maybe.removable hip pockets. Modular pack.
Frame is removable,hip pockets also.
@vvs3796 that sounds good
Good stuff. A very thorough review. I had a Gregory once and some silly design ideas and poor water resistance put me off the brand despite the pack having the best front netting pocket on any pack I’ve tried. You mentioned the Windrider a couple of times. Have you done a review of that pack? I’ve just discovered that HMG tape their seams and one of their packs is on sale at Garage Grown Gear. I love the exceptional comfort of my Atom Packs Atom but, for Scotland, a water resistant pack is worth having.
Could you do I review of the?
??