Gregory  Baltoro 65 Pack - Men's

I've been using the prior generation of the Baltoro 65 for several years, which is very similar to this current one. Let me first say - this is the most comfortable backpack I've used in 30+ years of backpacking. If you need to carry weight, Gregory Baltoro's are your best bet. The hip belt and shoulder straps are plushly padded, and I love the silicone gripper on the lumbar pad, it really helps keep the pack from sliding down (wish they'd put some version of this on all their packs!) There's a huge amount of access and flexibility depending on the trip, though I still think there are a few areas for improvement: First off, get rid of the side water bottle pocket. No one is backpacking with bulky Nalgene's anymore, the bottom just gets shredded and torn up, and the bungee is more of a pain than it's worth. Plus it's not versatile and takes up valuable space on that side of the pack that may want to be used for other things. The side pockets on the Focal series work the best (though I wish the stretch mesh weren't so thin) for how most modern backpackers pack, and I really wish Gregory would bring these to both sides of the Baltoro. Those give you access both through the top of the side pocket, and lower on the front so it's easy to get some things in/out while you have the pack on. Still fits the Smartwater bottles, or Nalgene if you're really old school. I think Gregory's line of packs are too redundant of features and access, but having all of it makes sense in this top-of-the-line pack. The top drawstring is great (appreciate the grommet), and the main panel access works well too. The double front zip pockets and two on the top pocket add useful organization. Bit of a bummer they changed the removable hydration sleeve/lightweight day-pack from the prior gen. I love Gregory's dark blue color for packs, but am not a fan of the gradient stuff they're doing on the back panels. I'm surprised they didn't add the excellent Polygiene odor control (also from the Focal series) when they upgraded this Baltoro, as that works really well at keeping odors out of the straps over the long-term. Lastly, I think it'd be awesome if they made a 50-55L version of this. The weight of the Baltoros are pretty reasonable considering how well they carry. Still the best for hauling big loads, but could really use some improvements to the side pockets.

Gregory green colors are leaning too blue. This Baltoro 65 can not carry the weight as well as my 15 year old 65. The padding is too weak in the shoulder straps.