How to Choose a Backpack

With its FreeFloat dynamic hipbelt, fully ventilated back panel and odor-fighting mesh, the Gregory Focal 48 pack provides efficient movement as you cover mile after mile.
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Imported.
View all Gregory Backpacking PacksBest Use | Backpacking |
---|---|
Frame Type | Internal Frame |
Ultralight | Yes |
Gear Capacity (L) | S: 44 liters M: 48 liters L: 52 liters |
Gear Capacity (cu. in.) | S: 2,685 cubic inches M: 2,929 cubic inches L: 3,173 cubic inches |
Weight | S: 2 lbs. 8.6 oz. M: 2 lbs. 9.6 oz. L: 2 lbs. 12.2 oz. |
Fits Torso Length (in.) | S: 16-18 inches M: 18-20 inches L: 20-22 inches |
Fits Waist/Hips | S: 27-45 inches M: 28-48 inches L: 30-53 inches |
Material(s) | Nylon |
Frame Material | Aluminum |
Number of Stays | 2 |
Reservoir Compatible | Yes |
Suspended Mesh Back Panel | Yes |
Pack Access | Top |
Number of Exterior Pockets | 6 + main compartment |
Raincover Included | No |
Hipbelt Pockets | Yes |
Dimensions | S: 27 x 14 x 12 inches M: 29 x 14 x 12 inches L: 31 x 14 x 13 inches |
Gender | Men's |
Sustainability | Contains recycled materials |
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I have had this pack for a while now - maybe two years? I have put about 350 miles of AT on it. It has performed and held up well. It is a great sub 3lb pack. The only downside, in my opinion, is the skinny little adjustment straps for load lifters and compression straps. While I don't care for them, I understand weight needs to be cut any way it can be cut. Having said that, I pretty much just set it and forget it so being rather nit-picky.
Used on a 40mile trip held up to rain and rough treatment. The bag is very lightweight and took a lot of the load off my back especially uphill.
Love my Gregory Focal 48. Been using it all summer and it helped me get my base weight way down. Great synch and release system for the main compartment (other manufacturers take note, that’s how it should be done). Thought I would miss having multiple compartments but there’s a simplicity to having just one. Nylofume bag at the bottom wrapped up for bedding and clothes, everything else on top. Just have to be mindful when loading each day. Leave rain gear and shorts up top if needed. Thought the Free Float system was just marketing hype, but I can feel a difference, no more hip soreness (although I’m also carrying less weight) and had good mobility when doing some lite scrambling. Back ventilation and side pockets for Smart water bottles are excellent. I ditched the brain on the last few trips and again there’s a simplicity to keeping that stuff in a diddy bag instead. The Focal is so easy to open and close it’s no big deal to keep it near the top if you need to get into it. Hip Belt pockets are pretty small, and the pocket under the hip belt pockets for tucking belt straps is fairly useless (I ended up just trimming the belt straps) Overall highly recommended.
The pack is very lightweight and comfortable. Easy to adjust while on a hike without having to take it off. It would be nice if you could access the inside from the center like the women's 38 version. As other reviews said, the center strap tends to ride up. Good bag for a couple nights out.
I have used this pack on countless trips over the course of a year. It’s very light compared to other traditional packs, but is far more comfortable than Hyperlite. I took this puppy out on the High Sierra Trail (6 days) and weighed in at 35 pounds fully loaded with a bear can and all. It carried the weight good and breathes exceptionally well. My only gripe, which isn’t a big deal, is that the Peak Design camera clip doesn’t feel great on the shoulder strap. However, I can live with that. Highly recommended if you’re looking for an ultralight framed back.
I love this pack. It is light, has all I need, but not more. Fits well and is great to carry on long hikes. On the downside, after a few multi-day hikes (less than 30 days combined), the back mesh panel has completely lost its spring. As I was under 12 months, I returned it and am trying another one. Maybe it was just a one off quality issue. I am grateful for the REI member return policy...
Over-all I was pleased with the pack. I do run into an issue being tall and thin, which means inevitably the waist strap is as tight as it gets, but I get that with every pack.
great fitting pack for my long torso. The "brain" works great clipped on to the front. just the right size to prevent me from overpacking.
The main reason I got this pack is for the lighter weight and the front-facing water bottle holder. Definitely lighter weight than a standard pack of the same capacity. But the water bottle holder does not deliver. The water bottle easily falls out when you bend over forward. Very annoying. Gregory need to tighten the opening. I have a Decathlon Quechua pack that does a much better job which I brought to the Camino Portuguese. The other negative is the small belt pockets. I also have a Zulu that has a much larger belt pocket.
I have Zulu 40 that I used on the Camino Frances and other hikes. Thought I would upgrade to something lighter. Overall I like the focal especially the front facing side pockets. Convenient for water bottles without removing the pack. my only suggestion is to make the belt pockets bigger. then it would be perfect!