Gregory Goes There

This is a fitting title for this post, since Gregory athlete Joe Kinder is always on the move. Red Rocks, Hueco Tanks, Red River Gorge, City of Rocks, the Gunks … we pretty much expect that Joe will be some place new the next time we hear from him. He did sublet a house near Rifle, CO, for like a month in 2008 … 

Anyway, we like to hear periodically from the athletes who we ask to put our gear through the paces on why they like (or don’t like) a particular product. Joe uses the Z35 R (the roll-top version), a bit of a niche pack within the Gregory line that (you guessed it) enjoys a strong following among climbers. 

Since I was 16 years old I’ve always used Gregory Packs, one of the benefits of knowing Erik Mushial (a Gregory Sales Rep who lives in Maine).  I’ve used packs of all sorts for my lifestyle, which revolves around rock climbing and traveling. Since I’m basically living out of my bag, I don’t want to waste a lot of time with a less-than-perfect pack.

I use my Z35 roll-top at the cliff, hiking, bolting new routes, and even for my carry-on for the plane. With an enormous main compartment at 35 liters, there is more than enough room for my three pairs of climbing shoes, my harness, chalk bag and extra chalk in the front zippered pocket, an entire rack of draws or gear, an 80 meter 9.2 mm rope AND water. 

The roll top feature makes this pack work like a haul bag or large container - stuff it and go. There are no complicated buckles, or straps to deal with whatsoever. All you do is stuff, roll, and cinch the two straps on the sides. As well,  I keep track of my keys all the time by zipping them up in the waistbelt pouch, which is also perfect for handwarmers, tape, a candy bar or anything smaller than your fist.

Of late, I’ve been hiking around looking for new routes to bolt, and the Z35 has worked perfectly.  Being a mid-sized pack, it is easy to use as a day-pack or a load hauler. It’s slim and works with your body scrambling over boulders or small 5th-class solos. And with the Jet Stream feature (allows air across your back for ventilation), it’s ideal for longer hikes.  The Jet Stream keeps your back from staying sweaty by having a large mesh breathing area.  SAVIOR!

For me, I prefer having one pack to use for ALL of my endeavors.  Using the Z35 as a simple piece of luggage like my travel-on is standard.  I stuff in my laptop, sweatshirt, magazines/books and headphones.  It stuffs easily under the seats or in the upper storage bin.  The small pocket on the roll-flap is perfect for your easy access snacks or cell phone.

It’s a perfect pack for me and my lifestyle and remains my staple pack for all of the routes I equip, cliffs I frequent, places I travel to and anything I can’t carry in my arms … perfection in every way.