This tends to provide more airflow, making these packs cooler and less sweaty, but typically less capable of handling heavier loads. Perhaps the closest competitor to the Paragon is The North Faces Banchee. 10.4 oz. For loads greater than 25-40 pounds, we recommend stepping up to an option like Gregorys burlier Baltoro. The Optic also includes a storm flap. We put some holes in the mesh water bottle pockets of the prior version, but the new model feels tougher and hasnt torn yet. Along with a tailored backpanel that has a substantial lumbar support, the pack hugs you more than you would expect at this $230 price point. Like the Atmos, the Baltoro is one of the most comfortable packs I tested for extended trips. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. In the end, in Gregorys lineup we prefer the more well-rounded and comfortable Paragon. When the weather does turn stormy, you can pull out the included pack cover to shelter your gear, but if the forecast is clear, you can leave it at home to save some ounces. The aluminum frame is pretty stout. He has logged over 6,000 miles of backpacking, including the entire Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Continental Divide Trail. Plus, the Paragon is tougher with its panels of 210D nylon (the Flash has 100D in all places except the 420D bottom). Thanks to its impressive design, the Granite Gear Blaze 60 is once again the best overall backpacking backpack in our review. Yet when we need to carry seriously heavy gear, there's no pack we've tested that's more comfortable to take on hefty loads than this one. Gregory has slightly higher prices, whereas Osprey's bags are similarly . Weighing in at 2 pounds, 10 ounces, this pack is one of the lightest of the bunch, almost qualifying as a true ultralight pack. It excels in nearly every performance metric. This is a review of the Gregory Baltoro 65 vs Osprey Atmos 65, two high-end weekend backpacks. It also has a forward-angled side water bottle pocket on the right side of the pack, but not the left. To judge each backpack's adjustability and fit, we considered its overall ergonomics and how adjustable each model was. Osprey Atmos AG 65 vs Gregory Paragon 58 (2017) : CampingandHiking - Reddit Amazon.com : Gregory Men's Paragon 58 : Sports & Outdoors The Arc'teryx Bora AR 65 allows you to move the shoulder straps up and down and side to side to dial in the fit. Still, this modular pack has a lot to offer for a modest price. Small buckles are hard to operate with gloves. It features a relatively robust waist belt and a frame. A pack cover can only do so much to lessen this reality, but it helps prevent excess water from soaking into the pack fabric, which will weigh down your pack. The clever features and lightweight design made it an awesome companion on the trail. The Gregory Baltoro has a robust suspension that comfortably supports heavier loads. Some are light and relatively soft, while others swivel and are well-padded yet rigid to carry heavy loads. The packs comfortable carrying system is also praiseworthy. The companys custom molding hip belt technology is one of its greatest achievements. The lightest packs in our review, by a significant margin, are the REI Flash 55, ULA Catalyst, Gregory Focal 58, and Granite Gear Blaze 60. The next time I go on an adventure that requires carrying lots of heavy gear, the Baltoro will likely be on my packing list. Keeping in mind that all of this is coming from someone who always tries to pack light. Its also one of the most durable daypacks. Stacked up to the Paragon, the Blaze is lighter at 3 pounds even, similarly durable with a mix of 100 and 210D robic nylon, and highly adjustable with moveable shoulder straps (these can be shifted up or down to fit your torso length) and a removable hipbelt. One reason for the lack of hot spots is the heavily tapered padding in the straps and waist belt, which provide the thickest cushioning where you want it the most, like on top of your shoulders. The Exos is not adjustable. The packs share similar designs with a top-loader style, but the Banchee has two extra zippered pockets along the front and doesnt include a second access to the main compartment or a rain cover. Over the last decade, many hikers have made a concerted effort to carry less weight than their predecessors. The long opening runs nearly the entire length of the pack and offers easy entry. Essentially, this Gregory pack doesnt sacrifice anything to save weight. It easily undercuts many popular backpacking models like the Osprey Atmos AG 65(4 lbs. We would have liked to have carried a little more than 30 pounds from time to time, but being able to do so would require a more robust suspension and added to the pack's baseline weight. Tipping the scales at just 2.8 pounds, the ULA Catalyst borders on being an ultralight pack and is an excellent option for lightweight enthusiasts. If you're so inclined, there are many customized options, including some fun color combinations. The big difference is that these models are more comfortable for people with a base pack weight below 20-25 pounds. But I feel that you would reduce the overall comfort of the backpack by doing so. Every pack, other than the ULA Catalyst, has a top lid with a zippered pocket, and many of them can be removed and left at home to reduce weight. From the Camino de Santiago to the West Highland Way in Scotland or simply a great day hike on the weekend. Let's compare Osprey vs Gregory - two of the best backpack brands out there. Stay light on your feet with the men's Gregory Paragon 58 pack. How you access the primary compartment on the backpacking pack is part of our Ease of Use metric and measures how easily you can grab a few items without unpacking the entire bag. The plush, tapered, breathable foam shoulder straps are dreamy. These packs weigh in at 3.0 pounds or less and ride the line between backpacking backpacks and ultralight minimalist packs. It weighs a mere 2.8 pounds. Two "extra" side pockets exist between the water bottle and the front stretch pockets. All the backpacking backpacks in our review are top-loading; many have a separate sleeping bag compartment with a bottom access zipper. The company has also launched a DIY Field Repairable Part Service to prevent old Gregory packs from ending up in a landfill. So that you can customize the fit, the Tempest has an adjustable torso length. 9.8 oz. Best Overall Backpacking Backpack 1. The pack features a top-notch hydration system, a comfortable and breathable back panel, and well-laid-out organization and storage options. The new mesh backpanel is less plasticky than the prior model, and all the buckles, webbing, and zippers are holding up well thus far. This pocket is big enough to store snacks, extra layers, and other gear you need to access quickly. Moreover, I had a bit of a hard time removing, cleaning, and refilling the hydration bladder. Gregory Focal 58 Review | Tested by GearLab Its thick nylon fabric is reinforced in all the right places. It exhibits all the qualities Ive come to expect from the brands products. We break down everything you need to know for choosing the right backpack. We like trampoline-style suspension systems for breathability and weight distribution. The big side pockets can easily accommodate two 1L water bottles. Price vs. Within Gregorys own lineup, we also like their Zulu 65, which costs the same as the Paragon at $230. Backpack Reviews Backpacking Packs for Men Gregory Paragon 68 Review A solid, versatile, and low weight backpacking pack that is a great option for a variety of trips $210 at Backcountry $211 at Amazon Price: $270 List Manufacturer: Gregory By Ian Nicholson Review Editor Nov 5, 2019 70 OVERALL SCORE Suspension and Comfort - 45% 7.0 The exceptional lower back support is one of the biggest reasons hikers love the Baltoro. However, I must note that this backpack has a prominent lumbar curve. We tested backpacking backpacks from Osprey, Granite Gear, Gregory, REI, Arc'teryx, and more to find the best models. Pfotenhauer started out by making custom backpacks and daypacks. Gregory Men's Paragon 58. Gregory Paragon 58 Price: $230 Weight: 3 lbs. The Tempest has only one major drawback: the expandable front pocket is a bit small. The Deuter Aircontact Core features waist belt pockets made of stretchy mesh, allowing them to fit even more than their appearance suggests. Hiking boots are critical to your comfort and performance on the trail, but this no longer means a stiff and burly model that will weigh you down. Tested: Gregory Mountain Katmai 65 versus Gregory Baltoro 65, Osprey The AeroSpan suspension also allows heat to escape from the back panel. When testing suspension, we assessed each model's shoulder straps, waist belts, back panels, and frame design. Osprey Atmos AG 65 Men's Backpacking Backpack. Mike Pfotenhauer founded Osprey in 1974 in California. For such a light pack, the Gregory Paragon 58has a great collection of organizational features. The Exos allows you to comfortably carry 30 to 40-pound loads. Despite all these features, the Maven 65 actually weighs less than the Osprey Aura AG LT 65. It's an impressive pack in both weight and weight capacity. After all, every outdoor lover has different needs and preferences. While it may only have four inches of verticle adjustment, it also has adjustable shoulder straps and waist belt padding that help dial in your perfect fit while on the trail. If you appreciate the breathability and ventilation of a trampoline-style suspension, you will want to look elsewhere. The newest version of the Arial pack has exceptionally functional adjustability in the torso length, hip belt, and shoulder straps. Weight: 3 lbs 8 oz Volume: 58 liters Pockets: 7, plus main Frame: Internal Adjustable torso: Yes Adjustable length hip belt: Yes Ventilated: Sort of Load lifters: Yes Torso lengths: S/M: 16-20; M/L; 18-22 Hip belt lengths: S/M: 27-46; M/L: 29-51 Backpack Pockets and Organization International shipping availability and rates vary by seller. Thanks to its excellent design and overall comfort, the Atmos is one of the best all-around backpacking packs. But Ospreys All Mighty Guarantee is what seals the deal for me. While most outdoor brands make all sorts of gear, Osprey and Gregory specialize in designing various types of backpacks. Its clearly designed storage features are absolutely praiseworthy. And once you factor in the features often found on heavier, deluxe packs like the Paragons rain cover, full metal frame, and side zippered access to the main compartment, its weight is perfectly reasonable. 5 offers from $194.96. They allow you to easily access your water bottle. Mountainsmith Apex 60 . The majority of issues that bother new backpackers relate to these two areas. Our reviews can help you select the best backpack, and we'll also help you complete your "Big 3" pieces of backpacking gear: pack, shelter, and sleep system. Osprey Atmos (2022) vs Gregory Paragon? : r/backpacking - Reddit The Osprey comes with the grantee but the Gregory with a rain-cover.. I'm sure there're more factors but I don't know what they are or what to consider. Thanks to its plush padding and rock-solid suspension, I can always rely on it for hauling heavy loads. Still, at a weight of 4.6 pounds, this pack approaches a mass that starts to feel slightly over-engineered. The Gregory Endo boasts an adjustable suspension system, a large 3-liter 3D-Hydro water bladder, and outstanding storage and organization. The Zulu, one of Gregorys most popular products, is a solid day pack, but its nothing flashy. VIEW ON OSPREY (WOMEN'S) VIEW ON OSPREY (MEN'S) 3. But, if your water bottle is tall, it will encroach with your natural elbow movement. All the features on the pack, including the full-function compression straps, are largely intuitive. The 10 Best Backpacking Packs of 2023 - The Big Outside Where the Paragon has the edge is weight (its almost 1 pound less), zippered access to the main compartment, and $40-lower price tag.