How to Choose a Backpack

Head on happily down the trail, even with a heavy load. Made with recycled fabrics, this Gregory pack adapts to your body shape and movement for comfort on your multiday backpacking adventures.
Imported.
View the Gregory Baltoro Product LineView all Gregory Backpacking PacksBest Use | Backpacking |
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Frame Type | Internal Frame |
Gear Capacity (L) | S: 60 liters M: 65 liters L: 70 liters |
Gear Capacity (cu. in.) | S: 3,361 cubic inches M: 3,966 cubic inches L: 4,272 cubic inches |
Weight | S: 4 lbs. 11.2 oz. M: 4 lbs. 14.4 oz. L: 5 lbs. 4 oz. |
Adjustable Torso Length | Yes |
Fits Torso Length (in.) | S: 16-19 inches M: 17-20 inches L: 18-21 inches |
Fits Waist/Hips | S: 26-48 inches M: 28-50 inches L: 30-52 inches |
Material(s) | Body: 2,100-denier high-density 40% recycled nylon, 420-denier high-density 45% recycled nylon; lining: 135-denier 40% postconsumer recycled polyester |
Frame Material | Alloy steel |
Number of Stays | 2 |
Reservoir Compatible | Yes |
Suspended Mesh Back Panel | Yes |
Pack Access | Top/U-zip/bottom |
Number of Exterior Pockets | 9 + main compartment |
Sleeping Bag Compartment | Yes |
Raincover Included | No |
Hipbelt Pockets | Yes |
Dimensions | S: 31 x 13 x 13 inches M: 32 x 13 x 13 inches L: 33 x 13 x 13 inches |
Gender | Men's |
Sustainability | Contains recycled materials |
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It's fantastic. At 65L, I've been able to get 55lbs into and around it. As a photographer, I need to be able to haul triopods and different lenses into the backcountry, this allows me to do it efficiently. There are plenty of zippers, which allow for easy access of goodies, necessary supplies, and whatever else you want to store in it. The most days out has been 4 days and three nights which is about right for a 65L. I could probably go 5 days, 4 nights and be fine. After 6 days, you'll start to be pushing your pack max for food quantity (though you can figure out how to make it work). To sum up, I've had zero issues with this pack and it's going on three years *knock on wood* Highly recommend.
I wish I would have purchased a more durable pack. The sternum strap broke (both sides) on a single trip and I was forced to hike 20+ miles with a 35 pound pack without the sternum straps. I thought that Gregory would replace the straps for free based on the warranty language on their website. The customer service rep merely told me that they do not have the exact strap and a replacement is $12 and that I would have to pay for the replacement. The elastic around the top of the water bottle holder also broke (I didn't even mention that to Gregory). As long as you know it is buyer beware, then maybe this product is for you.
I used this for a 10-day trek at Philmont Scout Ranch and it was the most comfortable pack I have used. The suspension system made the trek much easier on the bones. The hip pad fit great and left no marks or bruises like some of the others I have used. Accessibility was perfect - no more unloading the entire pack to get something from the midde. There are plenty of pockets and tie-offs available for the items you may not want to put into the pack such as flashlights and first aid kits. The rain cover fits like a glove and saved me a few times. I would recommend the Baltoro 65 to anyone going to Philmont. It was just the right size to fit everything I needed.
Just returned from a 4 day back country backpacking trip in Yosemite NP. This was the first tru challenge for my Baltoro and the bag went above and beyond. Below are tons of Pros and one small Con. Pros - More than enough space for anything and everything you could want on a multi day trip. This is almost a cons because it taunts you to over pack! - We hiked up to Eagle peak one of the days. While I may not feel great about heights this bag felt so stable I never doubted my footing when scrambling to the peak. -Big Brain. The brain on this bag is massive. Its quite deceiving until you start filling them with items. I had 5 cliff bars, 3 packs of Bloks, 2 liquid IV packets, 1 Life Straw, and a first aid kit. All of that fit into just ONE of the 2 pockets on the brain. -Comes with a great rain cover. Osprey's do not. -makes 45 pounds feel like 20. Can;'t stress enough how much of the work this bag seems to do for you. My hips never felt sore neither did my shoulders. Cons -The included day back is small and lacking. Doesn't have water bottle holders and only has 1 pocket. had to shove 3 Nalgenes in it and my toilet kit. This did not leave much room for snacks and after leaning it on a rock it was so taught I tore a small hole at the bottom against one of the Nalgenes. Looking back this is more so me needing to bite the bullet and stop being old school and just get a bladder. Overall fantastic bag and would recommend it to anyone. Usually love Osprey but I think Gregory won me over. PS. Not a single person with a Baltoro on this trip (there were 3 of us) complained about sore hips or shoulders during this trip. Everyone else did...
I am fairly new to backpacking mainly because I am a bigger guy and have always had issues with my knees since an injury. I've been wanting to get into it for 10 years now. This pack is going to motivate me to get out there and find some trails. I have already logged 50+ miles with this in the week or so I have had it. I had had it loaded between 40-50 lbs. and this thing holds the weight well! It hugs my hips well and has lots of adjustments that can be be made. I have a longer torso and wider hips, so this made fitting to my body a breeze. I adjust as I go and have found a nice sweet spot and have no problem with slippage or misfit. I love all the cool features, especially the zip down front pouch to access gear while on trail. I also think it's cool that the water bladder holder is actually a removable day pack/hydration pack. Good if you don't want to lug your pack on a mini venture while at camp. I have always gone with cheaper packs in the past and am now realizing the difference quality makes. This thing is well built, good materials and zippers and I am certain this pack will last me many years. LOVE this pack!
The Baltoro 65 (2018) is an incredible pack! I went to the REI store in Richmond, VA to try on both the Baltoro 65 and the Atmos 65. I was leaning Atmos 65 just based on all the positive reviews, but nothing beats trying on the pack. Once I was in-stores, I was definitely convinced the Baltoro was the right pack for me, and after a long weekend in the Virginia back country, I am convinced this pack was the right choice. Overall, the Baltoro 65 offers plenty of space, is incredibly comfortable, and feels premium / durable. For my first pack, I am really happy with my purchase.
Great pack for people with very curved lumbar spine! Has a lot of pockets and plenty of storage to do multi night. I’ve used for one season and I read enjoyed it!
Background- I took this pack in the backcountry for the first time this year on a 18 mile backpacking trip. I was the one carrying a bear canister and I also had my own gear Pros- Super comfy, lots of pockets, and the overall features are great Cons- the straps needed constant adjusting and it’s not durable. The front chest buckle snapped within the first 10 miles and the zipper was catching itself getting stuck. For the price of the bag, I’d expect it to be a lot more durable. This is my only second Gregory pack and I’ve had issues with my first pack’s buckles snapping on the bottom and back. Never had an issue with Osprey so it could be brand related
The carry system using kind of a hinged belt is very comfortable. There is a nice assortment of pockets for carrying different items. I found the zipper to open up the main compartment to be much more useful than I expected. I always filled the bag from the top but, at the end of the day, I always unloaded by unzipping the front. The rain cover worked very well (I had one night of heavy rain and hail with no leaks). The only problem was the chest strap. It is on 2 plastic-coated chords and it constantly slides up the chords, ending up at the top where it really wasn't pulling on the straps like I wanted. I couldn't find a way to lock the strap where I wanted it.
I currently own a Gregory 75 pack I use for my 2+ weeks treks but found it was too big for my week-long/weekend treks. It's a little heavier than other packs, nonetheless, after a week plus on the trail the pack is comfortable on my back and hips. I wanted something smaller for shorter treks and decided to go for the updated 65 pack. The 65 pack is perfect for what I needed; additionally, the 65 pack is lighter than my 75 and is equally comfortable. It is well built and leverages all of the great bells and whistles I've grown fond of with my 75 pack.