Gregory  Katmai 65 Pack - Men's

Finally. A top-end backpack that actually fits my big body. At 6'6" and 320lbs., with a 48" waist, this is the first pack that doesn't force me to compromise on comfort. A serious game-changer for larger humans of all shapes and sizes. That said, this pack is no novelty act. Ingeniously designed harness system (FreeFlow 3D) moves with you flawlessly once dialed in, providing excellent air flow across your back while keeping your load tight and secure. The wide shoulder harness reduces upper body stresses as the day goes on. Pockets on the hip belt are set forward for easy access. Good strappage to keep your loads in place. Included straps on the bottom for a pad is a nice touch. This is a heavy-duty pack, capable of comfortably hauling big loads on long days. Not terribly weighty but certainly not ultralight. Been through a half-dozen packs in the past ten years. They're all great packs, but finally finding one that actually fits is fantastic. Good job; Gregory!

Really loved this backpack. It’s comfortable and I felt like I could go all day with it. I’m 5’10” and I had it adjusted about as short as it goes. It’s got a spot for all my gear and I especially like having the bottom and side access zippers. I also like how it’s easy to get to my water bottle without taking my backpack off.

I originally bought an Osprey Atmos, that pack was super comfortable in store but when on the trail and loaded with weight, the hip straps would cut into my waist and were not curved enough to wrap around me without hotspot. This Gregory Katmai is the complete opposite, super comfortable without weight and remains comfortable when loaded with 50lbs of gear. It also has the 360 air mesh back just like the Atmos and is super breathable! A must have backpacking backpack! Glad REI allowed me to exchange the Osprey for this Gregory. I own many Osprey backpacks, but for backpacking, buy a Gregory and be done with it! This backpack says it fits down to a size 25 waist, the Osprey says it fits down to a 28 waist but more realistically only fits a 29+ or 30 waist because of its poor geometry. This Gregory Hip belt is more curvy and comfortably hugs a smaller waist perfectly.

Gregory did an outstanding job on just about every aspect on the design and production of this backpack. Fit and function are great. No hot spots so far, came out of the box, packed, and hit the trail for a local hike without any break in period at all. Very impressive. “Free Float” keeps the pack well ventilated from the back and air can actually travel through- this is probably my favorite feature. It is the backpack I will actually reach for time and again because it actually adapts with my body. Because of the air movement, I was not worried about the Polygiene technology to keep it from stinking. After more use and more sweat I’ll be able to comment on that, right now it is fine, but it’s good to know it’s built in. Another feature that is great is the shoulder strap attachment actually moves, it does not stay static, and moves with your body as you move. The balance of the load is excellent because of this. Design is top notch. So many features to make it customizable. Will continue to adjust it as I use it more. My favorite features to date are the large side zipper access for bigger items and the small zippered pocket on both sides of the belt for smaller items. Gregory gets big kudos for the water bottle pocket - it’s easy to access if you want it, but if you don’t, it stows away and stays in place with a velcro tab. Fabrics, U-pull zippers, construction are all sturdy and the lifetime warranty backs up the design and construction. The pack is made of recycled materials and research made me feel good about the company’s commitment to sustainability. One other thing I love about this company: in doing the research they make packs in plus sizes for EVERY BODY. Equal opportunity for all size hikers - my kind of company and one I feel good supporting. Gregory also gets big points for their product video showing all the functions and how to adapt it for your own body and use. It’s one thing to read it, it’s really helpful to SEE it and helped to “learn” the specifics of this pack. One of the best product demonstrations I have ever seen and shows commitment to their product and understanding their customers. Only negative is a lack of included rain cover - if you want you need to purchase separately. This is my first Gregory product but I am so pleased I am already looking at their other products to add to my Katmai 65. Fit, weight, function, construction, looks, and access, company commitment to sustainability and a lifetime guarantee. I’ll be back.

Pros: I've used a very similar backpack from a competitor, and the suspension system on this backpack is the best I've used. It gently disperses weight over a larger surface area. It feels roomier around your physical frame than other comparable backpacks. It also does not speak when walking, which is a downfall of competitors backpacks. The storage compartments feel larger as well, and the water bottle holster is super cool. It's similar to the competition but better in every way. The final and most important part about this pack that I enjoy is the sustainability which is detailed in the pictures. Cons: Color selection is poor at best. The blue is pretty. I wouldn't hike with a black backpack for heat reasons. Why they don't have other colors is confusing, especially for a company of their size.

The Gregory Katmai is a fantastic pack. As expected with Gregory, it seems well made and has good materials. I've tried the pack on a couple of short day hikes (5 miles) to get a feel for it, and a weekend backpack in Linville Gorge, about 21 miles. Things I like: The zippers on the waist belt pockets actually work! My Osprey Atmos zippers were alway extremely difficult to zip back up while wearing. On the Katmai they glide super easy and are easier to reach than on the Osprey. I can now retrieve a water bottle from the side pouch while wearing the pack, and even get it back into the pouch. Also had big problems with this on the Osprey. It's a big deal for me especially during winter hikes when bladders are more likely to freeze up. The little sunglass holder is a really nice touch, very handy. The straps and back suspension/ventilation works great in the steamy forests of NC. The way the straps are cut, I find they fit my torso better and are more comfortable to wear than the Osprey, especially over long distances. They just sit in a better place on my body. I didn't really use the side access zipper which allows you to get into the main compartment, but that was because I kinda forgot it was there. Seems like a useful thing to have, so as not to have to unpack the whole thing if you are looking for something on the trail. Things I don't like: Nothing so far. I would definitely recommend this pack if you need something in the 65L range, no complaints and all good so far.

First time using this pack was in the middle of Central Texas summer and the pack really pulled through. There is enough breathability and I didn't have any issues with chaffing or stress points despite not using such a large pack in quite a while. The balance was great with about 25lbs on average in my hikes (not including water for the day). I think my only complaints were that the zipper covers were a bit too wide and could make zipping the pack a bit more difficult than necessary at times, but technique helps with that. The 'brain' is also a bit more difficult to remove from this pack compared to some others and the straps can get confusing when tired but I think most packs have those last two problems. Overall it is a great large pack in my opinion even for warmer hikes with heavier gear. Fit wise I am always a M/L Gregory (and most others) this pack fit perfectly out of the bag without much adjustment!

I bought this pack to use in Patagonia, very nice and makes me want to backpack some more. I had an old Gregory Denali that was quite large. This pack is a good size for short and longer treks. Very nice, comfortable and well designed.

SUMMARY Great pack for the mid to heavy load backpacker (the pack is a bit heavy if you run under 30 pounds load out). Rides and carries loads well. Ventilation is very good. Good organization. The front pocket and top lid are very nicely set up for quick to get items. I found the SideWinder right-side water bottle pocket a bit hard to use and required both hands. I wish Gregory had not removed the right-side pocket for the side zipper. Also wish they had used a U-shaped zipper like the Baltoro. If looking at Gregory packs, also consider the Baltoro at about the same weight – it has a U-shaped zipper but lacks the front pocket of the Katmai. I recommend this pack. FIT & ADJUSTMENT - Excellent • Easy to adjust. Velcro holds well so you only need to adjust once. • Would like better size markings (i.e., ‘inches’) but once set you are good to go. • Variable hipbelt is nice and easy to use. RIDE & VENTILATION - Excellent • The pack always felt like an extension of me regardless of the terrain. • Wore it on very hot and humid days – the trampoline system worked well. ORGANIZATION – Very Good • BV500 bear vault fits vertically with room to spare. • The front pocket and top lid are well organized and can carry a good bit of gear. • SideWinder side pocket – as stated above. I found it hard to use but I am not super flexible. • Side Zipper – very good but I use a pack liner, so the capability is not needed for me. • Hipbelt pockets are good size and easy to access – just fit my iPhone 8+ with case. DURABILITY – Excellent Construction, Durability is TBD • Recently got it so haven’t taken it through a few seasons but I expect it will hold up well. PROS • Fit and load carrying. • Organization. • Ventilation. FOR CONSIDERATION – next generation Katmai • Install a U-zipper versus just a side zipper. • Bring back side pockets on both sides.