How to Choose a Backpack

Ideal for summer overnights, the women's Gregory Amber 44 Plus Size pack can be the bag you take on day hikes as well. It's supported by the adjustable VersaFit suspension and includes a raincover.
Imported.
View all Gregory Backpacking PacksBest Use | Backpacking |
---|---|
Frame Type | Internal Frame |
Gear Capacity (L) | 44 liters |
Gear Capacity (cu. in.) | 2,685 cubic inches |
Weight | 2 lbs. 14.9 oz. |
Adjustable Torso Length | Yes |
Fits Torso Length (in.) | 14-19 inches |
Fits Waist/Hips | 41-60 inches |
Material(s) | Body: 210-denier nylon/420-denier high-density nylon; bottom: 840-denier ballistic polyester; lining: 40% postconsumer recycled 135-denier polyester |
Frame Material | Alloy steel |
Reservoir Compatible | Yes |
Pack Access | Top/bottom |
Number of Exterior Pockets | 5 + main compartment |
Sleeping Bag Compartment | Yes |
Raincover Included | Yes |
Hipbelt Pockets | Yes |
Dimensions | 25 x 12 x 10.5 inches |
Gender | Women's |
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Overall: this is a great plus size backpack for overnights or up to a 3-day trip. The design is a standard backpack, big ol' center compartment, a mesh pocket outside on the front, some straps, hip pockets, etc. The fun features that I appreciated: a built in rain cover and hip pockets that I could actually access. Adjustable points at soooo many spots to really dial in the comfort. It feels amazing to have a pack designed for MY body! The things I didn't love: The water bladder holding situation seems to discourage use of other water bladders. The hook is designed for use with Gregory bladders, so if you have other bladders, you're SOL because they won't fit in the loop. This could be fixed with a buckle loop, like on other Gregory packs! The mesh side pockets were good, but definitely felt tight for putting stuff in. Wishlist: Having more loops or attachment points on the straps would be awesome because I couldn't quite figure out a good place for my water bladder nipple thinger. Also having like a mesh pocket for holding things on the straps would be awesome!
I’ve had this bag for a couple months now and I ADORE it. I use it mostly as my climbing backpack and I can put loads up to 50 lbs in it no problem. The wide waist strap allows for great comfortable weight carrying. I can also scramble in it very comfortably because the chest strap/shoulder straps fit so that I have full range of motion in my arms (a first for me!!). It’s also airline carryon size and I just took it on my first post-pandemmy plane ride and it looked great and carried all my stuff. Oh yeah - and the wait pockets are AWESOME. Big enough for a whole pack of Scandy Swimmers and easily accessible without behind the back contortion!!
I really like this bag. I bought it for my Katahdin hike and it was everything I wanted it to be. It held my hiking poles and everything I, admittedly over, packed for with plenty of room left over. I’m tall (6’1) and was able to get the hip straps where I wanted them to be. It was great being able to open the main compartment from the top and bottom. I separated my things into categories with ziplock gallon bags (food, water, safety, etc) and it was great. 10/10 recommend!
I live in Tornado Alley and also routinely drive 10+ hours by myself, so it is important that I have gear with me in case of emergencies. While the Gregory has a lot fewer separate compartments than my previous pack, the larger overall size allows for keeping like items together in waterproof bags. I especially like the rain cover and that a pair of 8.5W Merrells fit in the shoe compartment. I am 5' and plus-sized and the adjustable inner frame/base and waist belt are brilliant!! Even packed to the brim, I am comfortable and stable.
This pack is almost perfect for a long weekend! It holds everything I need for a 3-4day section hike. (Tent, sleep system, clothes, bear can, food, water bladder, stove, fuel, Etc.)at about 35Lbs. Although sometimes it seems like the straps slip and need to be adjusted more than usual but it could be that the materials are just “working in” and stretching a little or maybe just some operator error. Also, it doesn’t seem to have a very stretchy “stretch” pocket on the back of the pack for stuffing a rain jacket or fleece into. It seems like a different mesh somehow than my husbands Optic48 and 58’s material which gives a little more flex and has an easier stretch to it. Hence the 4 star rating. But all said and done it’s comfortable and otherwise excellent utility in every other aspect. And it has a rain cover included! Thanks Gregory for including us “plus sized”outdoors adventure enthusiasts! We may hike it a little slower but that just means we get to enjoy the scenery longer.
What a joy to have a backpack fit. No digging, pinching or discomfort. I can feel that I'm carrying weight, but no specific location of what body part is taking the brunt of the weight. Not pulling on shoulders, not pushing on hips. Literally no discomfort anywhere. Just a stable fit and feel. So very happy with the new plus-sized fit!
Thanks for taking us on your hikes and supporting Gregory!
This bag is really comfortable and easy to adjust to your size. It’s also pretty light weight. Gave this 4 stars instead of 5 because the description states it has a separate sleeping bag compartment which isn’t what I would consider this. It does have a zipper on the bottom for access to the bag but no separation or divider between the bottom and top. A little disappointing as I like the additional organization but overall a good bag.
I teach at an outdoor school where we are hiking on 400+ acres everyday, so it was time to retire my beloved Timbuk2 backpack for an everyday hiking pack that is large enough for me to hold daily school supplies, water, lunch, first aid supplies-books, folders, papers, clipboards, student medications, emergency kits, etc. It is so comfortable and perfect for the job. I got the plus size bag (was so pumped I found a bag that wasn’t all (XS and S!) however I will say if you’re on the cusp, I wouldn’t necessarily go for the plus. It’s great, but the shoulder part does seem a little big for me. Either way, this bag is so convenient, easy to access, and has so many ways to organize and clip extras! Plus, one morning I *ahem* accidentally spilled my entire water bladder into the pack because I’m talented like that, and it dried amazingly fast! Love this bag!
Thank goodness. It can be so disheartening to love a hobby like hiking/backpacking and not be able to gear yourself appropriately because your body doesn't look like the bodies that most companies cater to. It makes you feel like you don't belong. This pack is amazing. High quality and it fits properly, which means it actually does what a decent pack is supposed to do by allowing you to carry the weight safely and comfortably.
Beautiful bag, great colors and a decent amount of pockets and zipper pouches, but I could not stand the top load only function. I may predict it’s not that big of a deal to some, but for me it wasn’t gunna work. I returned and replaced with Maya 40 which is almost identical but with top and front load capabilities at similar price. Again, beautiful bag, spacious and functional. Just not for me.