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.

I had to do a lot of research before purchasing this pack, as I have a bad back and need to keep all the weight I can off my back. After some research I opted for the Baltoro 65 based on favorable reviews. After having completed a few relatively long (for me) hikes of about 30 miles (doing 10 miles per day), I can say I am extremely happy with this pack. Never did it cause me pain or become uncomfortable. The only gripe is the same as some other reviewers who complained about the small pouches on the belt. That's the only real complaint I have. Now that I know I can do 30 miles without issue I can start to venture out on longer hikes without worrying too much.

This pack gets great reviews, but I honestly don't understand why. From my viewpoint there are packs that far surpass this one for the price and are far more comfortable. I had this one for about a year and a half before I got rid of it, and it honestly was a relief. The shoulder bolt broke on me within the first few weeks (which gregory did repair for free with a 20 dollar shipping charge), the shoulder straps dug into my shoulders, and the slip resistant hip belt literally ate into my hips (I still have the scars). I used it periodically on 3-6 day trips and I can honestly say that the pack was the only bad part about my hikes.

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

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.

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.

I purchased this pack about 8 months ago on the advice of a friend and Backpacker magazine. And I'm sorry that I did. After about 4 months a seam started to split on the right side by the shoulder strap. It was repaired. About 2 weeks ago the other side went as well! Immediately I looked for the receipt to return it. However, I could not find it thus could not return it. Now i'm stuck with a pack with one fixed shoulder strap, and one that has come completely off. This is my 4th Gregory bag, and the only one I have had problems with. I think i will buy another brand next time....or keep a copy of my receipt.

I have been backpacking for forty years, and this is the most comfortable pack I've ever had. Before I got this one, I had the REI Flash 65, which was OK, but not too comfortable and the durability wasn't there. So, I returned it to REI (with their wonderful return policy) and got this one. I've put a lot of effort, time and money into getting ultralight gear, but I've realized that the comfort of my pack is one area where some extra weight is more than worth it. There's just so much more to the overall equation that simply the weight of a pack. This pack weighs 2.5 lbs. more than my ultralight pack did, but with 25-30 pounds of load, it feels SO much better! It actually feels like I'm carrying LESS weight. No pressure points whatsoever, nothing digging in, just plush comfort! I put the pack on, adjust it once and go hiking. I'm not constantly re-adjusting it like I've done with packs in the past. All my other gear (sleeping bag, pad, tent, etc) are all very light, so I could disappear for a week with this pack and still have my load under 35 lbs. Packs and boots are two items where I won't skimp on comfort, support and durability. Also, I love the side pockets on the Baltoro. Growing up backpacking in the seventies with external frame packs, I really appreciate numerous pockets to organize gear. I use the water bottle holder on the right side for my Katadyn Hiker Pro water filter, and because I have the adapter on the tube of my Camelbak, I can refill my reservoir without ever taking off the pack. This is a really great thing to be able to do, and I appreciate it very much. All in all, I am extremely pleased with this pack. Having the 65 liter version helps ensure I'll be careful about what I pack, and not take too much stuff. I tell you, the fit, comfort, padding and craftsmanship of the Baltoro 65 is outstanding!

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.

Great pack to hike with. Lots of space to pack all you gear into and straps in very convenient locations. Pack sits snug on my back.