How to Choose a Backpack

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The Gregory Baltoro 75 pack delivers spacious volume and an updated suspension system, helping you explore deeper corners of the backcountry without unnecessary weight or bulk.
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View the Gregory Baltoro Product LineView all Gregory Backpacking PacksBest Use | Backpacking |
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Frame Type | Internal Frame |
Adjustable Torso Length | Yes |
Material(s) | Double-diamond ripstop nylon/flat weave nylon |
Frame Material | Thermomolded polypropylene/HDPE/aluminum stay |
Number of Stays | 1 |
Suspended Mesh Back Panel | No |
Pack Access | Top/front/bottom |
Number of Exterior Pockets | 8 + main compartment |
Sleeping Bag Compartment | Yes |
Gender | Unisex |
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I have had this pack for 2 years and have used it for almost everything possible. Good access, hooks, loops, etc. I would first point out the terrible shoulder strap design. There is enough padding but it can't be utilized because of the excess camber. This causes the straps to saw into my shoulder rather then distributing the weight evenly. I don't believe anything had been done to change this design since my purchase. Second, Like most packs it tapers to a point at the bottom and my sleeping bag in a compression sack does not fit (GoLite 4-season men's long 650+fill)so it requires more organization then what I have been use to.
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.
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!
I needed a new pack, so after extensive research, I went with the Baltoro 75. For me cost was not an option and I reviewed many high-end systems. At the end of the day, the ability to carry a heavy load comfortably was at the top of my criteria and as such, the Baltoro won my purchase. The true test: I went on an extreme multi-day backpack trip in the Wilderness of the Pike's Peak range Colorado. The Baltoro was large enough to carry everything I needed and performed exceptionally well over inhospitable terrain. Despite the heavy load out, I was comfortable after many hours of traversing boulder fields, river crossings and other natural impediments. Great suspension and padding, easy to load and find that gear and plenty of pockets and locations to strap on gear. I couldn't be more happy about the performance of this pack. I highly recommend it.
Went to my local REI store during one of their big sales events because they had a very reputable pack on sale at a great price but was still in excess of $200. My mindset was spending $250 to $300 on a pack was bordering on insanity. After wearing the pack I had come for in the store with several sand bags in it, I began to develope a "hot spot" in the hip belt area due to a seam that was in all their hip belts. The clerk had already loaded the Baltoro for another customer and suggested that I try it. The price made me hesitate but I tried it anyway. The diferrence was amazing. After wrestling with the decision in my head for a bit, I chose the Baltoro and I am glad I did. It has just the right amount of organization in it for me so my "gadgets" are easy to find on the trail. There is a hidden zipper in the top of the pack so I won't loose my car key miles from the trailhead. It can top load or side load. The zipper pulls have a "plastic device" on the pulls that is perfectly curved for the thumb so zipping is a breeze. I never thought I would really use this, but the top of the pack converts to a fanny pack. My Wife and I found a secluded waterfall during an off trail scramble and the fanny packs carried the perfect amount of gear down the steep descent which kept us from being without necessities and kept 40 LBS off my back. Now for what really makes this pack shine and makes the extra cost and weight of this pack woth it. I took my Daughter and her Husband on their first backpacking trip along with my Wife and Son for a group of 5. We awoke the next day to find a bear up the tree with the bear bag in it. The bear bag was just out of his reach but when he saw us, he came down and proceeded to come into camp. He sniffed, chewed, bit, prodded and swiped at every piece of gear we had. We backed out of camp and called the Rangers. They were unable to keep him more than a hundred yards from camp. The rangers had to stand guard while we packed camp so it was not the most organized camp break ever. Just as we were about to finish, the Rangers got another call and had to run out of camp leaving the bedded Bear 100 yards away and us with no bear mace left. The bear bag contain items from everone in the group but there was no time now to sort out the weight. I strapped the entire bear bag to my already loaded Baltoro and we hit the trail before the Bear could return to our hastily exited camp. By now I had 85 LBS on my back and had to hike up a waterfall to make our escape. I could not believe how well this pack handled that weight. The hip belt remained comfortable and the shoulder straps were solid. Even though this pack may be heavier than others when empty, it's ability to make a heavy load comfortable makes that extra weight inconsequential. This is by far the best pack I have ever used and I am now a fan for life!! I'd give it 6 stars if they'd let me.
Awesome pack, easy to load, holds a ton of gear, detachable fanny pack on top, plenty of pockets but not too many, hip belt pockets are great. All in all I love this pack. I had a Kelty Coyote for over 10 years before I updated and went with the Baltoro. It is leaps and bounds greater from a comfort and suspension standpoint. I highly recommend this pack to anyone who loves to backpack.
I bought this bag six months ago but wanted to wait til I took it on a few trips before writing a review and after four trips I have to say that this is hands down the best backpack on the market. I have taken it on over night trips but also on multi day trips from in the woods, mountains, and coastline. My last epic trip was to the Olympic coast range and it endured every type of environment I walked through and it performed well. I was loaded out with forty pounds but it didn't feel heavy, shoulders felt good, hips felt good, back felt great....By the time it was all said and done, I walked away like I carried twenty pounds the whole weekend. I recommend this bag to any and everyone.
The old model was better. The new model has cheaped out in alot of aspects. The back padding is cheap and very hot against your body, if you sweat easily this is a problem on long hikes. The old model allowed for much more air flow. The zippers and zipper pulls are cheaper, the clips are in weird areas and often get in the way and appear cheaper as well. Other than that the materials are the same as the previous model and the fit is great. The removable pack is an upgrade from last years model but I would have to say that they cut some corners to add it and still keep it at the same price as last years. I could be wrong check it out for yourself. The previous model was more comfortable too.
What this pack has in its favor: High quality, comfortable foam in straps. Great hip belt system. Good build quality. Minuses: Hip pocket very snug/ not big enough for iPhone in protective case. Can't overstuff side pockets. Caveat: Took this pack on three day AT section hike. Caveat on the fit is that the back of this pack rides about an inch lower than Osprey, which you may notice on the gluts. Also, large lumbar pad combined with curve of pack's back may make you feel you don't have good contact. Result for me was a hunchbacked gait. Just like shoes, many great ones are made, but you have to figure out what fits you best. Kudos for REI return policies making that possible.
This is a well-designed pack, except for one critical component. The lumbar pad is coated with a tacky non-slip rubber substance. I suppose the Gregory folks thought this would improve the pack's ride, but after 5 days it had rubbed through my shirt and torn the skin off my lower back (two quarter-sized wounds). I was carrying about 40-45 lbs on moderate terrain, and have never had a problem like this in the past (I own 8 packs and have carried 60-80 lbs on expeditions in the past). As usual, the REI staff were helpful with the return. One staff member had the same pack and noted a similar problem, and also that the rubberized substance had begun to peel off after a season. While this pack has a great suspension design and various other good aspects, the abrasion of the lumbar pad makes all those other features useless.