Gregory  Alpinisto 25 Pack

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I tested the Gregory Alpinisto 25 during a full day of outdoor climbing, using it to carry my personal climbing gear and attaching a full rope securely to the outside of the pack. I also wore it while climbing, which gave me a chance to see how it performed both around the crag and during more technical movement. One of my favorite features was the fit and adjustability. Gregory does a great job making its packs customizable, and I was able to dial in the fit well for my smaller frame. I especially liked the elastic waist belt. It stayed comfortable without digging into me, even with climbing gear and a harness on, and I appreciated having some flexibility rather than a stiff or bulky hip belt. The rope attachment system was another standout. I was able to secure a full rope to the outside of the pack easily, which kept the main compartment available for the rest of my gear. The 25-liter size worked well for a day at the crag and felt much less cumbersome than bringing a larger backpacking pack. One tradeoff I noticed was load stability while actually climbing. Although the pack fit me well overall, I sometimes struggled to keep the load pulled tightly against my body, particularly while working through overhanging sections of the wall. On more vertical terrain it was less noticeable, but on an overhang I could feel the weight of the pack shifting away from my back. For someone planning to climb regularly with the pack on, I think that is worth considering. Organization is the other area I would change. The streamlined design makes sense for a technical pack, but I would personally love more internal organization, especially additional zippered pockets. With small climbing items, keys and other essentials, having a few more secure compartments would make it easier to keep things organized instead of having most of the gear together in the main compartment. Overall, I really enjoyed using the Alpinisto 25 for outdoor climbing. The comfortable waist belt, customizable fit, compact size and secure rope-carrying system made it very practical for a day at the crag. I think it is best suited to someone looking for a streamlined technical pack who does not need extensive internal organization. I would mainly improve the ability to keep the load closer to the body during steep or overhanging movement and add a few more zippered storage options. *I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review.*

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Let me first start with saying that I love this bag. It is as versatile as they say, I can hit the crag, climb the wall, and bring it back and hit class or the commute with it. I'm a climbing guide and a student and have seen great use out of this in climbing and commute. Hopefully this blurb can give you a little more info on navigating the Gregory Alpinisto line. Gregory Alpinisto 25L Pros: - 4 main storage pockets allowing for organization - Side storage pocket is big enough for a water bottle - Alpine features are sensational (helmet holder, rope carry, ice axe) - Lightweight and moves great with you - Removable hip belt - Breathable/structured back panel Cons: - Lacking in features (compared to the 30L+ Alpinisto bags) - Pockets could have been a little more intuitive - Beware rain When I got this bag, I was wanting a fast, light bag to hit the trails and climb multipitches with and it does a great job at that. Gear storage and build quality are sensational. Rope carry is super secure (straps on top and both sides), helmet carry has two options (top and back), and ice axe is well protected. I saw they advertised laptop and EDC and I tried that out and it was just as good at that. The pockets keep things organized, however...they are not intuitive or as accessible as the Gregory Alpinisto 30L and up bags. Had I done this again, I would have gone for a 30L. Why you ask? The 25L and below have certain features while the 30L and up have more features. The pockets/zippers on the 25L and down lines are a bit inaccessible/inconvenient. Want to grab something in your main compartment or zipper compartment? Gotta undo the main latch and second latch. (Side note: I don't fully understand the top latch/cover combo because there is already a strap holding the rope and the cover doesn't protect from rain so the top latch just becomes a chore.) The other two zippered pockets are good but not intuitive. If rain falls, it will collect at the top pocket and requires you to unlatch. If a rope is on, you won't be accessing your water easily on the side. When I first put on the bag, I intuitively looked for a zipper on the front face of the bag but there was nothing. That's when I discovered the Gregory Alpinisto 30L+ has an actual front zippered pocket that is almost always accessible and a better hip belt (gear loops, removable, and more robust). When on the wall, I don't want to set my bag down, unlatch the bag, and expose items to fall. I'd rather swing the bag on my shoulder and grab what I need and zip it back up without it leaving my body (currently most the pockets are inaccessible/inconvenient). Moving to the belt. It's a stretchy belt which is nice and secure with movements. Having the gear loops would have been a great "nice" feature. Finding out they removed the features for the smaller bags just stung a little so I wanted to give you all the heads up. I appreciate intuitive and practical design and it seems that in the lower sizes of the Alpinisto line, they compromised weight with practicality. Overlooking those design decisions, this is a fantastic bag. If you want a fast mover, this is the bag. Once you get your gear dialed in, this bag really does become part of you because you do not feel swing, and I really do feel like I could move on the wall with it without even noticing it. Hauling climbing gear, it's second to none, everything has a place and the build quality on it is great (it is only secondary items that take a backseat). If you are wanting a little more features and depth, move 5L up. I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] The 25L version of this pack really hits the sweet spot for alpine climbing – enough capacity for layers, bladder, food, some gear, etc., plus the versatility to carry my 70M rope (three tie down straps!), helmet and shoes (plenty of external gear loops) to and from the crag with a removable hip belt (which made the whole rig comfortable with all of the weight on it). I really love the quick access side pocket and that I can easily get to my chalk bag while climbing. Everything feels durable. Finally, the universal fit meant that I was able to swap who is carrying the pack at the belays mid-trad climb. If you want a pack for carrying ALL the gear to the cliff for a day of trad cragging without having to clip anything to your harness, opt for one of the larger Alpinisto models – 25L is the size I’m taking on my on my next trip to Dolomites! I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This is an awesome little pack for whatever climbing discipline, and it’s surprisingly roomy for a 25L pack. I found for a rope trip I could comfortably fit two pairs of shoes, a harness, chalk, a block, a rack of draws, misc hardware, and plenty (and I mean plenty) of food for the day. I also found I could swap the rope gear out for a third pair of shoes for bouldering. You also can fit plenty of more gear on the outside straps. The rope and helmet holders also worked well, however, I noticed the rope on top did tend to make the pack top-heavy, which could be circumvented by putting water bottles in the bottom or using longer coils. The rope strap also worked for a jacket or a hoodie when carrying a rope isn’t needed. The side and hidden front zipper pockets keep valuables secure and handy (also keeps snacks easily accessible). For the back pocket, the slot for a hydration hose is a nice touch if using a bladder. I also found it can fit a 16” laptop for dual use as a commuting bag. On the straps, I found I could pretty quickly adjust them for a secure fit, that is comfy on the move. I also like the top flap for expanding or shrinking the pack depending on how much I need to carry. I also discovered that I can make it way smaller by strapping into the webbing on the flap when I need it tighter than the strap allows. There also is a little safety whistle on the chest, which is always nice to have, just in case. It’s also pretty comfy to wear on the front when carrying crash pads, even on long approaches. One thing I wish it has is a water bottle sleeve for easy access. In scrambling or climbing mode, I don’t mind having water safely zipped away. However, for the boulder and sport approaches, gym use, and commuting I like being able to quickly grab my water or thermos for on the go use. You can fit a small (think disposable bottle size) bottle in the side zipper for quick access, but I couldn’t fit anything bigger than that. Overall, it’s a roomy and comfy pack. (that comes in awesome colors!) I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I gave the Alpinisto five stars because it checked all boxes I look for in a climbing pack. Intuitive rope carry, check, helmet holder, check, ice tool carry, check. The pack is lightweight and even under load felt very stable. The standout feature to me was the elastic waistband, I feel this allowed for much more comfortable movement than a rigid waistband. The pack was able to accommodate all the gear I needed to bring with me, and the pockets made reaching the small specific pieces very easy.

I’ve been using the Alpinisto 25 for both sport and trad climbing—everything from quick single-pitch days to longer multi-pitch routes—and it’s been awesome. It’s super comfortable for how light and minimal it is, and it moves really well with you on route without feeling bulky or annoying. It just kind of disappears on your back, which is exactly what I want in a climbing pack. It’s definitely a smaller pack, but it fits way more than you’d expect if you pack it right. I can usually get everything I need for a full day in there without feeling cramped. Only real complaint is I wish it came in more colors—but overall, it’s a great little pack that does exactly what I need.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] The Alpinisto 25 has quickly become one of my favorite climbing packs. I have taken it out on several climbing adventures, and it has handled everything I've thrown at it. Most climbing bags are just one big hole and you're lucky if you get a zippered pocket, but the Alpinisto allows for great organization and even the ability to access things like your keys and snacks without having to pull off your rope. In addition, the stretchy hip belt makes climbing with the pack on comfortable and non-invasive. The catch is that it does not provide a ton of stability so this is a pack for someone trying to go light and has their gear dialed in. I have not gotten to test this pack in winter conditions yet, but I am excited to bring it out on ice climbing adventures. The inclusion of a helmet holder is also super appreciated as many packs make you purchase them separately. Overall, I would recommend this pack to intermediate to advanced climbers that have their gear dialed in and are looking for a pack that is lightweight and easy to move in.

Love this pack for days scrambling in the mountains. Super comfortable, lightweight, and sleek enough to scramble without getting hung up. My favorite pack right now!

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] The Gregory Alpinisto is an awesome pack with tons of great features! I tested this pack on day trips around Chat and western NC, and while guiding in the New River Gorge, and it never disappointed me. This is a well thought out bag with multiple features that were purposefully thought out for each piece of gear and its use. There are dedicated spots for crampons, ice tools, helmet, and rope, and the internal pockets are also very spacious. The hydration pocket is large and doubles as a great spot to throw a guide book, an extra layer or two, or even a laptop! The two small hidden external pockets are also great for organizing gear that you need readily accessible, instead of having to dig through the main compartment. I have never used a bag with a stretchy hip belt before, but I really liked this feature. It feels like the bag moves with you and the belt never digs into your waist. I also appreciate the various external spots to clean gear and load lifters on the shoulder straps. The bag itself is super durable, and I have no doubt that fabric will be able to take quite a beating. I’d recommend this bag to anyone who needs a light alpine bag or a versatile day pack! I received this product free in exchange for my unbiased views.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review. The alpinisto is such a great multipitch pack, or a small day pack. The amount of pockets, versatility, and ability to strap your rope is so useful and helpful. The ability to carry crampons and ice tools on the outside is so well thought out - you can use this for both your summer and winter climbing! Or for a day pack as I got my 16" laptop in the reservoir pocket on the inside! I used this on short approaches for single pitch crag days, long multipitch days, for general day pack, and for a short hiking pack. I have yet to use it in the winter, but I know it has adaptations to carry ice tools and crampons! The fit was very well done - the shoulder harness system is very well thought out - the straps don't twist easily when taking it off or putting it on - they're sturdy, adjustable, and padded. There's load lifters, and the waist belt is elastic, so it's comfortable and adaptable to layers around your waist level. This is especially important when moving a lot or climbing as the the system needs to move with you. I carried heavy ropes and my climbing paraphernalia weighing this down. I felt the weight, but didn't feel uncomfortable. I've had packs where the weight just digs into my shoulders - Gregory did a great job having that load distributed across the body. The capacity for this feels like so much more than 25! There's a side zip (one side) pocket which can carry a small water bottle (not big enough for my Owala or Nalgene) and has a key clip in it, and a long zip pocket on the front that has entry from the top that goes down 2/3rds (ish) of the height of the pack. It's a thoughtful element with the black bag that the lining is a bright yellow - allowing for easy finding of things. The zip pockets allow for easy access for all the small things - snacks, FAK, etc. that I might need on a long route. The separate compartment for the water bladder I think is a huge plus so you can keep things separate from the main compartment. You can also use this for your laptop if you're going another route use for this bag! While it doesn't come with a water bladder, it does come with a helmet holder - two bottom straps are static, with the top two connecting straps being elastic, making it that much easier to load your helmet onto the pack! There's a good number of daisy chains if you ever want to hang stuff off your pack, but Gregory doesn't overdo it. It's got good load distribution, lots of small features that add up, and not over engineered. Great for carrying rope and all your outdoor things. I with it had slightly more organizational pockets with outside access and that the side pocket was big enough for my water bottle, but these are small things. This is still a very useful outdoor pack for climbing, hiking, ice climbing, or general day to day things!