Gregory Goes There

One of the most frequent questions/inquiries we get here at Gregory in our customer service department is “I’m going on a trip (of varying lengths) … what’s the best backpack for me?”

Though there is no single right answer, there are some questions you can ask yourself to help narrow down your choices, in terms of size and features. We categorize our packs by their volume and suspension systems, and therefore by how much weight they can comfortably carry.  So, the best way to start the process of selecting the right pack is by asking yourself a few questions:

• How many days do you expect to be out?
• How much volume will you need?
• How much weight do you plan to carry?

Don’t worry if you’re unable to answer these questions directly; instead, you can use them to set some parameters. For instance, “I’m not sure how many days I’ll be out, but I know less than five days.” Or, “I’m not sure how much weight I’ll be carrying, but I’m going out for two to three days” – and so on.

These principles should only be used as general guidelines, as each trip you take may vary in length and needs.  A cold-weather trip, for instance, will typically require more gear (warm layers) and food for the added calories needed to stay warm.  Many people heading out on guided trips will get volume requirements for the backpack from their guide service (such as, bring a pack 4,000 cubic inches or larger). Some desert locations may require you to carry more water, typically one of the heavier items of a pack.

This all said, here’s an overview of how Gregory categorizes its packs, with the relationship between size and weight, and the typical uses for which people buy these packs.

Mountaineering/Expedition (carrying capacity 70+ lbs, 5,200-6,500 cubic inches or 85 to 105 liters)

•     Denali Pro
•     Petit Dru Pro

Backpacking 5+ days (carrying capacity up to 70 lbs, 5,200-5,800 cubic inches or 85 to 95 liters)

•     Whitney95
•     Palisade80
•     Deva85 (women’s)

Backpacking 3-5 days, or a couple days if you travel with a lot of gear (carrying capacity up to 50 lbs, 3,600-4,300 cubic inches or 60 to 70 liters)

•     Baltoro70
•     Triconi60
•     Deva70
•     Deva60

Lightweight backpacking, 1-3 nights or longer trips in very lightweight style (carrying capacity up to 45 lbs, 40 for the Z55/Jade50, 3,100-3,900 cubic inches or 50 to 65 liters)

•     Z65
•     Jade60
•     Z55
•     Jade50

Long day or very lightweight overnighter (carrying capacity up to 30 lbs, 2,200 cubic inches or 35 liters)

•     Z35
•     Jade35

Day packs (carrying capacity up to 25-30 lbs, 1,200-1,800 cubic inches or 20 to 30 liters)

•     Z30
•     Z25
•     Jade25
•     Z20
•     Jade20

Running, cycling, very lightweight day hiking (20 lbs or less, 350-1100 cubic inches or 6 to 18 liters)

•     Miwok
•     Maya
•     Wasatch
•     Navarino
•     Diablo
•     Dipsea

Gregory also makes a number of other more specialized packs not outlined here for things like climbing, skiing and other more specific activities, but these weight and size guidelines should give you some idea what works for most people for different uses.

Please be aware that these are general guidelines. Everyone has different preferences, needs, wants, etc. from a pack. Many folks who are new to backpacking tend to over-pack, and end up carrying items more rather than less. The more time you spend out in the backcountry, the more comfortable you tend to become with your surroundings, and more likely you are to be able to live without certain comforts. That said, sometimes people take trips and part of the point is being comfortable.

If anyone has questions, our customer service team is always willing to help - 877-477-4292. We also always recommend seeing one of our retailers for product recommendations – and specifically a proper fit when it comes to frame and harness sizes – as that will make all the difference when carrying heavy loads.

George McCloskey is a product technical specialist at Gregory, which pretty much means his job is knowing backpacks backwards and forwards. Before achieving recognition as the man behind ‘Ask George,’ George worked for the Appalachian Mountain Club, worked with several outdoor education programs, and took a few years to concentrate on ‘himself’ in the Wasatch, where he was a regular fixture at Alta.