How to Choose a Backpack

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This expedition pack for women delivers a spacious multi-access interior and an EVA foam suspension, helping you stay fast and comfortable while toting extra gear deeper into the backcountry.
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View the Gregory Deva Product LineView all Gregory Backpacking PacksFrame Type | Internal Frame |
---|---|
Adjustable Torso Length | Yes |
Number of Stays | 1 |
Pack Access | Top/front/bottom |
Number of Exterior Pockets | 8 + main compartment |
Best Use | Backpacking |
Material(s) | Double-diamond ripstop nylon/flat weave nylon |
Frame Material | Thermomolded polypropylene/HDPE/aluminum stay |
Sleeping Bag Compartment | Yes |
Gender | Women's |
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I don't have much experience backpacking, this was my first trip and my first pack. So I don't have anything to compare this pack to, but for my first pack I'm pretty happy. The only complaints I have are that the straps eventually kept sliding looser as I hiked and I had to be careful about the shirts I wore because the straps rubbed bare skin raw. I'm not sure if that is fairly normal for the activity level so I wont mark it down too much. Everything considered, I'm happy with the pack choice. Great pockets and accessibility, plenty of space, and I love the straps on the outside. Also good back support, which I was concerned about.
I used this pack for a six night backpacking trip in Yosemite backcountry with my two young kids. I had to carry the bulk of our food and water. The main compartment of the pack is spacious enough for a bear canister, sleeping bag, extra clothes, stove gas canisters, inflatable mat, 3 standard REI nalgene bottles, and other odds and ends. I carried the stove and water filter in external pockets. The pack was fully loaded and heavy to lift, but once on, I carried it comfortably for an average of 10 miles per day over hilly terrains. The reinforced side water bottle was super convenient to get the bottle in and out of while hiking. The only minor gripe is I wished it came with a built in rain cover as do most Ospreys.
I just used this pack to hike the Skyline to the Sea trail through Big Basin Redwood State Park in California. (Which is an absolutely gorgeous place and you should go if you ever get the chance!) It was only a 3 day trip and my bag was probably about 35 lb. It was very comfortable... I had almost no lower back or shoulder pain after hiking with it all day. I also found all of the pockets to be perfectly placed and easily accesible and the compression straps helped balance the weight tremendously even though my pack was only partially full. In other comments I had read that people didn't really find the pockets on the waist strap helpful but my experience was the opposite. My iphone DID fit in one, which was great easy access for photo opportunities. Also, we ended up getting caught on the trail with the sun setting, and I preemptively pulled out my head lamp and kept it in the other hip pocket for easy access. I also had kept some almonds in there at one point. On our second day we set up camp around lunch time so we could explore the rest of the area around the park headquarters pack-less. Of course we still had water and maps, etc that we wanted to bring so I de-tached the top and used it as a cross shoulder day bag and it worked perfectly. I also want to mention that this was the only bag I brought for my whole trip to San Francisco... the hiking was only a small part of a bigger trip. I fit all of the stuff I needed around the city in it with my hiking gear and It still fit in the carry on compartment. I am replacing my suitcase with this because it is so much easier in the airport. This is the only time I have used the bag so far... but I don't expect my feelings to change in the future. Can't wait to take it on my next adventure!
I bought the REI Venus 70 and took it out on two 3-day trips and was in excruciating pain on both trips. My lower back and hipbones felt bruised and dreaded putting the pack on. I went to a different REI store than the one I purchased that bag from and was "refitted". I was told the Gregory Deva was the only bag for me since my lower back swoops in. Boy was he right! I've had this bag two years now and have never once been in pain. Just proves the point that proper fitting by someone who knows how to and knows the products they carry can make the difference.
I am petite and have used "hand me down" packs and smaller guy packs for hiking/trekking and always had issues with uncomfortable fit, especial in the waist and shoulder. Bought the Deva XS 70 and was very happy with its comfortable carry. It is slightly heavier compared to other packs but I NEVER had any back/hip/shoulder issues. The small zipper pouches on belt can hold energy bars, cell phones, sun block/chapsticks. Lots of cinch straps to keep the pack compressed. Packed it w/35 lbs of gear and trekked up to Mt. Rainier's Camp Muir.
This was an excellent pack for my first 5 night backpacking trip on the West Coast of BC. We did the Juan de Fuca hike and the bag held everything that I needed with room to spare. All the little side pockets are excellent for storing and compartmentalizing, and the side zip access makes it so easy instead of unloading everything from the top. The pack fits great at the hips and the straps are highly adjustable. I would recommend this pack for anyone doing overnight hiking.
I bought this pack for a two month trip through the Himalayas. I just took it out on the Appalachian trail for a trial run and am super pleased with how comfortable it is! I've got back injuries and have to be very careful about anything that puts stress on my back. This pack has lumbar support to fit right into the curvature of your spine and has shoulder straps and belt that rotate so it literally moves with your body. I definitely recommend it!
I bought this pack for a recent section hike on the AT in NC. I had used an ultra light pack that just didn't have a comfy enough hipbelt or sturdy enough frame for my needs on my last 2 trips and I had huge problems with my hips at the end of each day. I love the size (I am an overpacker - what can I say?!) I fit all of my gear, even some I didn't need, with room to spare. The hipbelt was comfy and soft with 2 ample storage pockets. I did not get any numbness in my hips, which I experienced with my ultra light pack after only about 30 minutes of hiking. I didn't use the water bottle storage spot for water, that is where I put my food for the day. I stored my water bottle on the mesh side pouch - it was snug but that way it didn't fall out. It held my 3 liter water bladder in the interior pouch and the hose actually fit through the opening and reached far enough that I could drink from it while walking. The pack is definitely heavier than my other pack, but the comfort and sturdiness more than made up for any extra weight. I had an older version of this pack years ago and loved it. I got rid of it when I fell victim to the call of "ultra light" gear. I regretted it until I bought this new one. I have learned that it is best to balance ultra light and comfort to a level that works for me, and this pack fits the bill.
I am 60 years old, suffered a broken back 10 years ago, and just used this pack for a five-day Grand Canyon rim to rim hike. I couldn't believe how comfortable this pack is. I had it fully loaded and appreciated all the compartments and zippers for easy access of my gear. The water bottle compartment is sized just right and there are plenty of places to lash gear onto the pack. The one drawback is that it is awkward to reach your water bottle while wearing the pack, but hiking friends were always willing to help out and I used my water bladder also. Great pack. So glad I made the purchase!
I went though several cheaper bags till I found my way to this one. I must admit I did shy away from it because of the name, Deva. Dumb, I know. I have used this pack for several trips, two trips to Yosemite, the second was two weeks in the back country, Devil's Ladder in Idyllwild Ca, several smaller local trails. I had this pack fitted to me at a store, and can't imagen buying one online unless you know what to order. For the two week trip I had over 70lbs of gear.I found this out after the trip, since the ranger station had a handy scale. I tried not to faint in shock. Yeah I was overloaded, but I made the trip in shocking comfort. Next time I won't do that again. I maybe 170lbs and a heavy build girl, but that was a bit too much to be safe!