Gregory  Baltoro 65 Pack

I bought the Baltoro 65, 75 and Scout 45, 65. I returned everything but the Baltoro 75. I really wanted to like the Scout but the Baltoro is worth each and every one of 1lb 3 oz ounces more that it weights. Please see my review of the Scout which is an unfortunate miss in Gregory's lineup. The instant I put on the Baltoro the comfort and perfect fit was immediately apparent. I tested it first with 40lb of Kitty Litter in each pack then I loaded 5 days worth of gear and food into it. My decision was made before even taking the pack on the trail. I could not believe I had 45lbs on my back. It felt effortless and the transfer between hip and shoulder straps (as I tightened one and loosened the other) was seamless. Comparison of Stout Vs. Baltoro The main pieces organization between the two packs is roughly the same (one large compartment, lid, brain, etc) Baltoro : Adjustable shoulder straps (a must in my opinion), adjustable load straps, wider more padded shoulder straps, accommodating my chest width (185lb 5'11), weight rides effortlessly. Bottomline: everything you could want and more. With 35lb+ loads I could not think of a better pack. Stout: 1lb 3oz lighter, constructed well (as to be expected from Gregory), unfortunately this pack just did NOT fit well for me. The shoulder strap connection to the bag were not adjustable (they are stitched to the bag) and they pinched in on my chest and armpits. It almost felt like I was wearing a woman's pack. The shoulder strap was also less padded but the padding should have worked for loads of up to and around 40-45lbs if the fit was better. The chest strap was not long enough to accommodate my moderate chest width (see picture). Bottomline: check the fit before you commit. This is not meant for everyone. I would have loved to save 1lb 3oz with the Stout but the differences are unmistakable. I know cutting weight requires compromises but I expected better fit and a few basic adjustments from Gregory.

After three days, two nights, and 26 miles in the Daniel Boone National Forrest, my experience is as follows. This pack carries a heavy load well, excellent frame and weight distribution I wish the brain was completely removable, and fit more securely to the frame when the side straps are pulled down. What I had an issue with was the bladder bag/day pack. the day pack inside is pretty much useless I think I used it for a maximum of 5 hours outside of the main pack, in that short time the day pack acquired three holes, one on the back side and two on the bottom. As for the elastic on the shoulder straps of the "Day pack" its useless I ran my hydration tube through it and it was almost frayed off when I was done using. The main pack I was satisfied with but what i do not like is paying 300$ for a feature that's not really a feature because it cant even make it on a 2 night three day hike there is no way the "Daypack" could make a thru-hike this concept is a great one, but the material needs to be stronger.