Gregory Baltoro 75 Pack

Comments about Gregory Baltoro 75 Pack:

After trying 5 or 6 packs in the store (loaded them up with 30 pounds and walked around the store) I wasn't finding the right pack. I'm especially sensitive about packs because of some back problems I have so finding one that didn't hurt was difficult. The sales person kept suggesting I try this Gregory pack. I didn't want to pay that much so kept looking. Finally I agreed and loaded up this pack with what I thought was 30 pounds. I walked around the store for about 15 minutes. It felt lighter than all the other packs so I came back and told the sales guy I thought he didn't put the full 30 pounds in. Turns out he had accidentally put in 35 pounds. That with this pack being heavier than the other packs it was probably about 7-8 pounds heavier but felt lighter. I was immediately hooked.

I think what makes this pack so unique and fit me so well is partly due to the shoulder harness and the belt are able to swivel interdependently. All the other packs I've tried the belt is stationary.

On the flip side the side pockets could have been designed better. When the pack is full it's difficult to put much into these side pockets. That with a heavy pack is all I can find to complain about. Even with that it's still a 5 star product!

I've learned over the years that finding the right pack and fitting it perfectly to your body type and needs is essential. After a couple miles on my last trip I was experiencing pain and was thinking about stopping early. I finally remembered the sales guy had told me the belt must be centered directly over my hip bone. I lifted the pack slightly and tightened the belt. What a difference! I made it the full 12 miles that day without any more problems. I adjust my pack to carry all the weight on the hip belt. The shoulder straps only keep the pack from falling off.

Comments about Gregory Baltoro 75 Pack:

This bag is outstanding. Here is why:

1) External pockets - this bag has pockets in all of the right places. If you are the type of hiker who always wants to know exactly where everything is located in your pack, this pack is for you. Two very spacious side pockets, a spacious front pocket, and two mesh pockets located on the waste bands are all perfectly designed. Also has the standard pocket on the top flap of the pack, as well as underneath the top flap. Bottom line, I have never found a pack with so many pockets, all of which are placed exactly where you want them.

2) Front access to main compartment - the designers of this bag added an awesome feature that I have no idea why other bags haven't thought of: you can access the main compartment from 3 locations, not the standard two. Like most bags, you can access through a top opening, through a bottom opening (where most people store a sleeping bag)...but they have also created a THIRD opening that is located on the front of the bag. It is large and spacious and enables you to quickly access gear that might be stored half way down your main compartment. Outstanding feature that makes life that much easier.

3) Comfort - the floating straps and waste band suspension system is top notch. I've carried a lot of weight in a lot of different bags, and this bag is frankly the best. Extremely well designed, comfortable, and practical.

4) Aesthetics - generally this is something I don't care about...I'm all about function. Yet somehow, the designers of this bag managed to make this thing look pretty awesome despite its extreme functionality. Pretty nice perk if you wanna look good!

5) Quality - this thing is just WELL made. Everything down to the small details - for example the zippers. Sometimes zippers can be a pain in the butt. Not on this bag - they are sleek, well designed, easy to open and close...just one of the many details that these designers paid close attention to. Another example: the fact that they canted the angle of the water bottle holder on the side of the bag. THANK YOU. It's about time that a bag designer realized that unless you have T-Rex arms, you have to take your pack off in order to reach the side bottles. Not on this bag.

Comments about Gregory Baltoro 75 Pack:

I have done many multi-day hikes and currently own 3 backpacking specific packs. The baltoro is BY FAR the heaviest bag I own but I pick it every time for outings of 4 or more days because I can carry anywhere from 35-50# of food/gear much more comfortably than with my other 2 smaller "ultra-light" packs I have. While this pack may be "heavy" by most pack standards, on longer trips comfort becomes much more important to me. Yeah its almost 2-3 lbs heavier than my other backpacks but I take that extra weight every time on longer outings. There are many other ways to cut weight that don't come at the expense of a sore back, hips or shoulders. When getting fit for a pack be sure to take comfort into consideration, a slight pressure point here or there when fitting a pack is compounded many times over on the trail over long distances (especially if you like to cover high daily mileage during your hikes).

When looking for a new pack I tried on several at REI, (osprey, arc'teryx, deuter) loaded them with ~40#'s and walked around the store for a while. Decision was easy, this one was so blanaced and the load was well distributed it actaully felt lighter than the other packs I tried that weighed less.

REI staff was patient and helpfull. Honestly I wasn't even considering the Baltoro when I walked in as it was "too heavy" according to specs.. I saw it there and REI sales dude said it was a very popular pack so I tried it out. Good lesson, DON'T buy based on specs alone!!

That said.. Gregory, make a 65-70L pack with the same suspension/padding and cut out all the extra pockets and extra zips!! could propably get an ultra comfy 4# pack pretty easily that is just as durable.

Comments about Gregory Baltoro 75 Pack:

Well worth the extra weight. Yes, it is a bit heavy and might be a bit hot, but when you're pushing your weight it is very comfortable. I've put over 100 miles on mine in the past month or so and have had no complaints.

Comments about Gregory Baltoro 75 Pack:

I use this pack for backpacking occasionally. Like others have said, it isn't the lightest of packs, but it isn't as heavy as others have made it seem. The amount of padding and comfort this pad has makes up for the weight hands down. It's highly adjustable, easy to load and balance.

Service and delivery comments:

As always, the shipment showed up in a timely matter. Everything was packed nice and tight, with lots of padding to protect the goods.

Comments about Gregory Baltoro 75 Pack:

Soon as I purchased the pack I took it out to the Smoky Mountains for a test drive. Since I like to carry a lot of camera gear with me, I really needed something that was sturdy and comfortable for my hikes. So far it's been everything that I could ask for. Havent even noticed the weight of the Pack because it carries heavy loads like a champ. I also like having 3 points of entry. Makes packing the bag easy and when everything gets jumbled up throughout longer hikes it helps with finding or repacking gear.

Comments about Gregory Baltoro 75 Pack:

I use this bag for multi-day backpacking trips and as a bug-out/72-hour bag. It is incredibly comfortable for extended hikes, the padding is fantastic, the support system keeps the weight off of your shoulders nicely, and the multitude of pockets and features are useful and well thought out. My pack, loaded, comes to about 45 pounds and you don't even feel it. And ignore anyone complaining about it being a heavy bag. Is it the lightest pack out there? Of course not but it has high quality materials that are durable and add a bit of weight. If you'd rather have a pack that will tear easily because it's cheap, don't buy the baltoro. I also should state that I got the larger variant so my pack is actually about 78 liters. Nonetheless, I can't complain. The only issue I would have, and this is nitpicking, is the the waste pockets could've been a tad bit larger. I keep a compass in one and a head torch in the other but I would like for them to be large enough for a handheld gps or small digital camera.

Comments about Gregory Baltoro 75 Pack:

The staff at REI really helped me find the perfect backpack for taking extended trips. I have a 1 person tent that leaves plenty of room on the sides to fill up with the rest of my gear, while leaving plenty of room for dehydrated food (possibly even a weeks worth....maybe).
It's very comfortable as the suspension moves with my movements. I have went a few hikes already for several miles and have not been sore afterwards, my feet did not hurt, nor did I have any back issues afterwards.
I also have the separate rain fly that works well (get the large, though).
I got it for a good discount but would have been happy to pay full price for it!

Comments about Gregory Baltoro 75 Pack:

I use this backpack for several day trips and also day trips. It works well for both. Very heavy duty, I can load it with a ton of stuff! Not a pack for someone going for lightweight, but I'm not going for that. Very comfortable to wear.

Comments about Gregory Baltoro 75 Pack:

Competitive advantage: harness/suspension system. Other backpacks (Osprey Aether/Arc-teryx Altra) have flexibly padded shoulder harness and waist belt for ease of storage on display shelf for retailer, compact storage in your garage or in the car trunk when driving to trailhead. Baltoro has a formed shoulder harness and waist belt for outstanding fitting and weight distribution; and, an updated lower back contour cushion. Sure, storage and travel is a little bulky but trail performance is outstanding. (shrink wrap for protection on airplane travel checked baggage)
Top section: nice addition of 2nd zippered pocket (on reverse side) and belt for separate day-pack use. Good clips for car keys…really nice to find at trail end.
Main section: great idea to add zipper for main body front access. Smart design of cinch cord in main body top access. Center water bladder storage pocket with hose access ports on both sides. Interior platform to create distinct storage areas is removable for single cavity. Good change in exterior tie downs vs prior year-stronger and more. 3 exterior pockets nicely done for distinct storage areas without creating too much bulk. Water bottle pocket with integrated top cinch strap—less fumbling for the security loop in old model; and, pocket on opposite side—nice for trail food or holding trekking poles (handle down). Cinch straps on both sides for exterior storage.
Lower section: I like the separate section for quick access to priority items, e.g. layered clothing/tent… Improved lower terminal pocket for spine stay (problem for my prior model Baltoro 70)
Wish list: add tiedowns at front shoulder strap for quick access to camera, binoculars, gps, whistle…give up the small pockets on waist belt.
Bottom line: superior gear storage and harness systems. Pack is stable on trail and secure when scrambling. The increase in main volume, day pack utility and access zipper are worth the extra weight. Well done.