Gregory Baltoro 65 Pack

Comments about Gregory Baltoro 65 Pack:

I love this backpack. I have had or used a half-dozen other packs, but none has fit so comfortably. The padded hip belt is the best I've found. Baltoro is slightly heavier than some other units, but comfort is so much more important. Because of weight distribution, you won't feel the extra pound. Hiked up and down Mt. Washington with this pack last spring; barely felt the 35 pounds on my back. Only con I noticed was that some straps, if not carefully tied down, whipped my face in 40 mph winds.
Otherwise, the straps are intelligently placed. I find hip and shoulder stabilizers a necessity, so pleased to find them here.
Enough compartments to allow separation of contents, without adding too much weight. If your focus is totally on weight, you'll probably pass on this one. If you're willing to add an extra pound for the sake of comfort, buy this pack.
You won't be sorry.

Comments about Gregory Baltoro 65 Pack:

I had a no hip support pack that I was not too happy about, so I did some research and narrowed down to three models to try out at an REI store. But, when I actually tried them out, none of those really jumped at me. Then, one of the REI guys came to rescue and introduced me to Gregory Baltoro 65 Pack! What a great hip support it gives! It is slightly on the heavier side with the weight of over 5 lbs. However, I really couldn't say no to this pack once the belt wraps around my waist. It is an amazing pack, and I took it with me to my 2 nights/3 days backpacking trip to Thousand Island Lakes in Mammoth just past weekend. In terms of capacity, I didn't find it too difficult to load stuff in even with a large bear canister that I brought with me, and with everything in it, it looked still very tight and easily accessible for each compartment. I particularly loved the middle opening where I could easily access my bear canister without taking out all of the stuff sitting on top of it. The only minor complaint that I have is the belt that is very solid and rigid, which is perfect for the hip support but at the same time my hip bones were soar at the end of the trip. I guess it needs a bit of break in. Other than that, it is a perfect pack for me, and I am very glad that I discovered this pack during my visit! Highly recommended!

Comments about Gregory Baltoro 65 Pack:

Used it on a 3-day trip recently in NH Whites...only person in the group to not have sore shoulders and hips.
Very adjustable with straps...too many at times as it got confusing.
Very small belt pockets...won't fit an iPhone or camera.

Comments about Gregory Baltoro 65 Pack:

This pack is great. I bought it for an annual 4 day back packing trip in central Idaho and it served me well. The support and padding is phenominal! The only gripes I have are the heavy weight (it's a couple POUNDS heavier than similar sized packs) and the waist belt pockets are too small.

Comments about Gregory Baltoro 65 Pack:

Took this pack on a canoeing trip for 3 days and it was awesome. I way overloaded with heavy foods and water, but it did not make a difference as the pack rides so well it seems to take weight away.

Comments about Gregory Baltoro 65 Pack:

I love this pack. It is very comfortable with light or heavy loads. So much storage and so many capabilities! I have used the pack locally and in Kentucky and Tennessee. The Baltoro felt great on my back while getting drenched in Cumberland Falls State Park and has also been very comfortable on overnighters in hot/humid climates. I can tell by the quality craftsmanship that I will have this pack for a longtime.

Comments about Gregory Baltoro 65 Pack:

Camping in Merck Forest, Vermont. That greatest thing about this product is the comfort, the quality, and the versatility.

Comments about Gregory Baltoro 65 Pack:

I haven't got the chance to go backpacking with this yet, but I did go on a 3 mile road march with about 32 lbs of weight. It distributed the weight very well and had plenty of cushion to prevent the straps from digging in. I like all the pockets and adjustments it has. So far the only real gripe I have with it is the lid. It doesn't seem to have a way to fasten it down securely. The sleeping bag compartment is adequate, but you most likely need to have a good compression sack if you have a bulkier bag.

Comments about Gregory Baltoro 65 Pack:

I bought this pack for scouting trips with my son. The troop does a yearly week long high adventure trip plus multiple weekend trips to get in high altitude training. I'm 50 something and a reasonably experienced hiker/backpacker.
I've used the pack now for about two years. I've got probably 150 trail miles on it. I use the Baltoro for longer trips and alternate between this pack and a light weight 44 liter pack for overnights and weekends.
The Baltoro is by far the more comfortable of the two. I can fit a full weeks' worth of gear; sleeping bag, rain gear, stove, cooking gear, tent, etc. plus a bear can and 2-3 liters of water (around 35-40 lb. for a week full up) and be very comfortable on the trail. The straps and belt tighten and stay put - they don't loosen. We pack in the Sierra and San Jacintos so there's lots of ups and downs. The pack stays put and is very stable.
I have to comment on the water bottle pouch. It is seriously worth any extra weight! To be able to reach a 1 liter Nalgene and put it back without help or taking the pack off is great! I can't recall ever having a bottle fall out of the holder. I don't like or use camelback style water bladders and this is the best thought out water bottle holder I've seen.
Pockets are reasonably useful except for the hip belt pockets. I'd like to see the side zip pockets a little more roomy. When the pack is full, they get pretty squashed. The pockets on the hip belt are too small to be useful for snacks. I usually put my compass in one pocket and put a lip balm in the other - that's about it for them. The pockets should be bigger or removed. The removable top pocket is big and really useful for things you may need access to on the trail. Packing is easy with top and bottom access.
The pack is durable. No rips, tears, broken zips, straps or buckles. The fabric is durable enough to have survived multiple scrapes and scuffs on Sierra granite without damage. I cannot comment on waterproofing integrity, I use a pack cover for wet weather.
OK. Cons. The pack is heavy. Yes, it is comfortable and incredibly durable but it is heavy. For the comfort though, I'm willing to tolerate the weight. The pack is also noisy. I have been unable to keep the shoulder stay straps from rubbing. It is annoying when hiking along a quiet Sierra trail to hear the pack rubbing at every step. I would give the pack a 5 except for the rub-rub-rub as I hike.
I will probably use this pack for several years, and would buy another to replace it.

Service and delivery comments:

I purchased to pack in store in San Diego. I tried several packs in this size range and this pack was the best fit and most comfortable.
The staff was very knowlegable, experienced, and helpful.

Comments about Gregory Baltoro 65 Pack:

This is a great pack. I have packed with this pack for over 200 miles in the last 2 months for work. Almost all of these miles have been in wilderness. The large size accomodated not only all neccesary backpacking gear but also XL size dry suit, fleece onseie, snorkel mask, and various pieces of data gear. The pack is very comfortable even when loaded down with 65+ pounds. I would definatly reccomend this pack. The only downside is the little pockets on the hip belt. They are too small to be useful for much more than sticking bar wrappers into.