Gregory Z55 Men's Pack - '09 Closeout

Comments about Gregory Z55 Men's Pack - '09 Closeout:

Took this pack out for the first time a few days ago up to Hollowtop Lake at 8500ft. It was a category 3 hill. It was crazy heavy when the pack was off but felt right and proportionate when you put it on. Why did I load 45+lbs? Had to lug my friends weight as well since they only had day packs.
I want to tell you this, the side pockets on the hip belt are excellent. I read all these reviews on here and you guys religiously complain about how it doesn't fit any of your cameras'. I'm here to say I put my eye-drops, chap-stick, my camera(Samsung NV3)inside a camera bag, whistle, Garmin GPS, gloves, lighter and 2 nutrigrain snacks between these pockets and it all held fine and I was able to close the zipper with zero problems.
You guys must be bringing those big full size cameras with you and getting upset when you have to load it in your bag and pull it out every time you want a shot.

The suspension on this bag is superb. One thing that impressed me a lot is the ventilation system. I sweat a lot and have had trouble in the past with keeping dry. Not any more, this packs ventilation is 2nd to none. It allows ALL the sweat from the middle of your back to evaporate and gets rid of it super quick for a nice dry time up the mountain or into the woods. Also, the shoulder straps are the most comfortable I've ever tried and I've tested all the big name brands. You will feel them hug you just enough to stabilize the pack and not so much that you feel suffocated. Everyone will agree that the most amazing feature is the suspension straps at the top of the bag. After you load it and pull on these things the weight disappears and you become one with the pack afterwards a big smile will appear on your face because your 30Lb load now feels like its a 15Lb load.
The pockets are great and all have covered

Its truly an amazing pack for the money you spend and I recommend this bag to the people who want the good stuff thats ready to perform.

I DO NOT recommend this to anyone who wants to load it with 40+Lbs all the time and go on multi-day excursions. You folks need to get the z65 that gives your extra padding so you don't feel the extra weight in your shoulders or hips. Also, this is too big for day hikes, if your coming back the same day then you need a regular day pack or a small backpack like the Osprey Kestrel 38.'
Have fun out there!

Comments about Gregory Z55 Men's Pack - '09 Closeout:

I have used this pack many times for 20+ mile trips in the smokies of NC. One day it rained and nothing in my pack go wet! I packed this with enough stuff for a week long trip and it handled it no problem with a tent, sleeping bag, clothes, lots of food, sleeping pad, and emergency kit. I have Type I Diabetes and the pockets on the hip belt are great for me to store supplies for low blood sugars along with my pump. I cannot say enough about how wonderful this pack is.

Comments about Gregory Z55 Men's Pack - '09 Closeout:

Just came back from 2+ weeks in the Alps carrying 20+ lbs each day in this pack and it worked great over all kinds of terrain and shifting loads. Was very comfortable and easy to carry. The extra outside compartment was a plus. Only drawback was the top lid not being convertible to a fanny pack, but that's not unusual for a mid-size loader. Have used Gregory packs before and have always been pleased. Not super light but light enough, and a great value at this price.

Comments about Gregory Z55 Men's Pack - '09 Closeout:

I backpacked 27 miles on the Buffalo River Trails with approx. 35lbs and it was wonderful. I never had shoulder or hip pains while hiking.It easily carried all my gear without having to hang things off my pack.I love it!!!Can't beat it!!!

Comments about Gregory Z55 Men's Pack - '09 Closeout:

I upgraded from a 2004 Zpack that was the wrong size. These packs are so good that it took me several trips to realize it wasn't right. Now that I have the correct size it is dialed in! I just got back from a three night trip where, thanks to the slackers with whom I was hiking and our decision to have nightly happy hours, I had to fit 47 lbs into a medium Z55. The pack handled it no problem. It road well with no hot spots. I highly recommend this pack. The pockets on the waste belt were an enjoyable addition from the zpack.My sole disappointment was when I tried to fit my Bearvault 500 in it. No go. It fit snuggly in the large Zpack but no can do. I'll just use it under the lid when I need it.I am a faithful owner of Gregory products (this is my third pack). The products have been very durable over the last 16 years that I have used them. The fit gets better each time I put the packs on. [...]