This contender is on the less expensive side of the models with similarly robust suspension systems. I left my car at the Two Medicine campground and set off into the mountains. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. The main differences between the two backpacks include the storage capacity and the overall size of the pack. Gregory may have reduced the thickness of the padding in the hipbelt and shoulder straps, but they clearly stuck to what made the Baltoro so popular from the start: supportive cushioning and supreme carrying comfort. Backpackers.com is a participant in multiple affiliate programs, including Amazon Services LLC. Privacy | Cookies | Terms, The world's most in-depth and scientific reviews of gear, A excellent pack that handles loads well, while offering a respectable weight that even folks carrying modest loads can appreciate. Back!” He continued to advance. The Gregory Baltoro 65 has excellent suspension, features, and solid comfort, earning it a top spot in our review. However, it isn't too stiff. They both have a 65-liter capacity, so they’ll carry a similar amount of gear in terms of volume. If we knew we had heavier loads in our future, this pack would be on our shortlist. Not only did this pocket allow us to stay more organized, but we were able to see inside easily. Checkout our comprehensive guide to backpacks, and read the full Gregory Baltoro 65 review below to find your next favorite travel companion. It offers load-hauling ability and easy-access pockets design. Plenty of pockets and access zipppers. The design of Gregory Baltoro 65 is more user-friendly that i can easily to open the cover and get the gear right middle of the backpack by just open one U-shape zip. Backpacks can be as personal as your underwear: you know what works for you and you may think twice before letting someone borrow it. Over the past few weeks, I've narrowed by decision to the Baltoro 65. All this is attributed to several key features. First of all, the Gregory Baltoro 65 is a beast. The Baltoro 65 features one zippered waist belt pocket on either side, one weather-resistant pocket (shown here) for an item like a smartphone, GPS, or camera, and a zippered mesh pocket for other items like snacks or sunscreen. With luxurious fittings and organization for pocket-hounds, the Baltoro 65 will feel as custom as your bespoke boxers, and you probably won’t want to share. This competitor stands out for its excellent pockets and features. The Baltoro is not that pack, and will be sure to please the compartment-hungry organizer. Pockets are the name of the game here. Today I found a 75 for $100 cheaper.. I love the outdoors. Certain users will appreciate the ability to mix and match torso lengths with a waist belt and shoulder straps to provide the best fit. As a result, we were able to find items more quickly than we could with a more traditional full-length pocket. He proceeded up the trail and my pulse began to race. Gregory Baltoro 65 vs 75. These packs would probably be a good match if you'll be hauling heavy loads over a … Your email address will not be published. Classic drawstring top access, but there’s also a large U-Zip that gives access to the main pack’s content. The update was pretty solid, so there are new features and changes in material from the version we tested, which is now a season old. But, what really makes the Baltoro capable of taking you to extreme comfort is the harness. The Baltoro 65 has a heavy load capacity. This separate pack is designed to be taken on a summit push or day-hike from camp but is just as suitable for use around town. Even beyond its load-hauling prowess, our testers loved its well-designed feature set, complete with fantastic pockets and a top-notch access zipper, ensuring gear is easily accessible and as organized as possible. The shape of the shoulder straps is very ergonomic, and every one of our testers enjoyed using it. I got excited to hit the trail in Glacier National Park during one of my stretches of days off from the foundation. Our mission is to empower all walks of life to be ambassadors of the outdoors. The Baltoro 65 offers plenty of room for a long weekend, and if you're gear savvy, enough space for an extra day or two. The classic, award-winning Gregory Baltoro 65 internal frame backpack boasts a wealth of access points, an array of trail-worthy features and an innovative suspension system that combine to make this 3720+ cubic inch pack a backcountry workhorse. I’m definitely one to check five times before mile one to make sure I have my Danielle Steel novel and an extra packet of peanut butter at hand. I particularly love the design of the pack’s lid. Baltoro 65l Doesn’t include normal wear and tear, but Gregory will repair basic issues for a fee. This pocket can also help hold items like a tripod or tent poles. Gregory Baltoro 65 Review. When moving downhill extremely quickly on rocky terrain, most packs would bounce and shift, creating imbalance and discomfort. These are the smallest of the available sizes, so if you like what you see in this pack but need some more space, there is a Gregory for you! The 3D hip-belt pockets are easy to open and keep your compass and ProBar close at hand. Gregory Baltoro 65 Backpack Review: The Gregory Baltoro 65 backpack is built for comfort and for carrying a heavy load. The benefit of this subtle feature is even more noticeable when negotiating rough terrain with heavier loads. If we knew we had to carry a heavy load there are few packs we'd rather do it with than this one. That said, it’s quite heavy, so anyone concerned with weight should steer clear. I found the SideKick critical for hauling water filtered at streams and lakes a short distance from camp and it was perfect for minimalist day hikes while backpacking or at basecamp. Our testers agree that it's a valuable addition. These pockets keep you organized and keep essential items accessible. This backpack’s secret sauce combines trail-dominating Response A3 suspension technology with 65 liters of capacity, giving it dynamic load balancing in tough terrain plus a trim design that feels perfectly sized for long winter weekends, warm-weather multi-stagers, and … Gear Review: Gregory Baltoro 65 and Deva 60 Backpacks. Having avoided soiling myself and making it safely to camp, this was the moment I knew the Baltoro 65 was up for even the grizzliest of trips. The forward-facing pocket makes your water bottle relatively easy to remove. It has a decent amount of stiffness (for support with heavier loads) and still remains cushy enough to feel comfortable. For some reason, I knew I’d find company here. From overnight trips in your local mountains to multi-day excursions anywhere your feet can take you, the Baltoro has the features and comfort to take you there. There wasn't much about it that we found to be outstanding, but there was no metric in which we found it to be lacking when compared to other packs in its class. All of these are excellent, fit differently, and have their own merits and downfalls. The Baltoro includes a functional rain cover (also commonly called a pack cover). TreeLineBackpacker The Gregory Baltoro is a rugged 65 liter weekend warrior’s delight. You can purchase a separate hip belt size than your pack size, which allows for excellent customization. Backpack Gregory Baltoro 65 and Deva 60 $300, 65L/3,966 c.i. The Baltoro 65 comes with a fairly functional hydration pack that doubles as a bladder sleeve inside the pack. One of the sweetest features of the suspension system is that the shoulder straps and the waist belt can automatically pivot into the ideal angle to maximize load distribution and increase comfort. It is engineered specifically for women, including the hip belt, shoulder straps, and method of carry. Right on cue a grizzly bear came around the corner, walking towards me on the trail only 15 yards ahead. Backpacks Adjustable shoulder straps also give users about an inch of play when finding the best torso length. Customer service from Gregory is outstanding. The Gregory Zulu 65 is designed to be a backpack that's usable year round. Proudly hosted by WP Engine. Their favorite trek was a thru-hike of the Big SEKI Loop in Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park, and they are planning a thru-hike of the Pacific Northwest Trail in 2021. Let us know! From camping, to hiking, to climbing, to backpacking. This bonus rain-cover is a nice perk. Peek on their Instagram to see where their latest adventures are taking them! The Gregory Baltoro 65 is a highly configurable, high-volume backpack designed for carrying heavy loads. It took me a while to figure this out and I ended up with some discomfort in my shoulders as a result. (men’s small, without the rain cover) Sizes: men’s Baltoro S-L, women’s Deva XS-M The Baltoro 65 is geared toward heavier loads, which its slightly stiffer-than-average foam suggests. We tested the men’s Gregory Baltoro 65 in a medium with a medium hipbelt. The Baltoro is built with comfort and load hauling prowess in mind. Four sets of adjustable compression straps adorn the outside of the pack, and one internal belt keeps the pack bag and contents from sagging backward. What really makes this feature stand out is that the plastic attachment point automatically pivots to the optimum position for the wearer. The Zulu 65 is built around a lightweight,… This competitor is available in three torso lengths and offers interchangeable hip belts and shoulder straps that are in between sizes. The Baltoro's shoulder straps are connected to the pack via a metal buckle, which slides through a plastic hole. Required fields are marked *. It’s a deluxe harness, and one of the features Gregory is most well-known for. It's robust and stable enough for heavy winter loads, yet well enough ventilated and protected for fast and light summer trips. At 6'1'' I weigh 175 lbs, hoping for 185 in the spring..Is the 75 too big or should I eat the $100 and stick with the 65? Update: Gregory released an updated version of the Baltoro 65 in Spring 2018. With gear in the pack, mine weighed 42lbs. The Baltoro is heavy! Due to its adjustability, durable materials, organization, and trail-proven track record, we’ve awarded the Baltoro 65 our Premium Pick for the Wilderness Backpacker. This model also sports decently wide shoulder straps. This is the classic pack from Gregory, but the Baltoro is also offered in larger 75 and 85 liter capacities. I never needed the included raincover, but the peace of mind and easy-to-find location in the outside slash pocket were reassuring in the ever-changing weather of the mountain zone. The hipbelt is pre-curved, but I experienced some discomfort and marks on my hips from the hipbelt on the first three-day trip with the Baltoro. We love this pack's dual front zippered pockets. It's slightly lighter than packs with similarly robust suspensions. The generous padding and highly-adjustable harness made for a comfortable, lightning-fast descent into my campground. It’s loaded with features that make it easy to pack and organize your gear, with an innovative frame and suspension system that lets you dial in a custom fit. I recently purchased this pack and finally had the chance to test it out and boy did it exceed expectations. This is a load-hauler for a backpack of this size. Here we show a shell jacket and 70 oz Platypus bladder for size reference. For the weight, this contender has a host of useful features and a top-notch suspension system. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. The Gregory Baltoro 65 and Osprey Atmos 65 are two of the best selling hiking backpacks. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Gregory Baltoro 65 Technical Pack, Moss Green, Small at Amazon.com. It added to the pack's overall comfort, particularly with heavy loads and long days. The women’s version of this pack is the Gregory Deva 60. GearLab is reader-supported. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Gregory Baltoro 65 is 25.2″ x 15.0″ x 9.5″ Osprey Atmos 65 AG is 34″ x 15″ x 16″ Suspension system Finally, a small gripe: the water bottle pocket. Gregory Baltoro (image belongs to Baltoro 65), in my opinion, is absolutely the best alternative to Osprey's Aether AG and Xenith Series. Men’s Backpack – Gregory Baltoro 65 – Review. The Baltoro features two straps that run over the sleeping bag compartment. The Baltoro is an internal frame backpack with incredible suspension. Our testers enjoyed the two zippered pockets on the top of the lid. The Baltoro's hydration bladder-holder is a functional pack on its own that weighs very little. After looking at the new version, we feel the Baltoro 65 has been improved, and think it’s better overall. This gives tall, slim folk and short, stout folk alike the best fit for them with all the same features. This is still the standard size for backpacking backpacks. The Gregory Baltoro 65 is a classic trekking backpack that’s proved itself season after season, update after update, as a top-of-the-line model. These pockets are big enough to easily fit a 1-liter Nalgene bottle and help keep track of easily lost items or pieces of gear. Features and Colors Both models are … All trademarks property of their respective owners …. In every respect, from the suspension to the feature set, the men’s Baltoro and women’s Deva packs fill … We find the 65 and 60 liter versions of these packs to be the best for most people. Lifetime warranty for the original purchaser against defects in materials or workmanship issues. However, to make these features overall more versatile Gregory designed each side to be slightly different. These are affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and other retailers and brands. The Gregory Deva 60 is the women’s version of this pack, and equal in comfort and features. The most comparable quality packs to the Baltoro 65 are the Osprey Aether AG 70 and Ariel AG 65 series and the Arc’teryx Bora AR 63 and Bora AR 61. I plan on starting the AT in GA mid March so I'll be carrying sufficient winter gear for the 1st couple of months (hopefully around or under 40lbs total). The Gregory Baltoro 65 has excellent suspension, features, and solid comfort, earning it a top spot in our review. Gregory Living out of your backpack is a big deal! All rights reserved. Though it is pricier than the average pack when it comes to comfort and suspension, this model doesn't give up anything, which we feel makes it an exceptional value overall. There are few packs we'd rather haul with a heavy load. This is perhaps the best 1-liter bottle storage pocket I have tested on a backpack to date. Outdoor Gear You help support OutdoorGearLab's product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); © 2020 Backpackers.com. Not detachable. He then made a slow right turn and disappeared in the brush, leaving only the sounds of his paws and body pushing aside the branches. With its rock-solid suspension and plush padding, this pack makes big weight feel manageable. If it's not your thing, it is removable; however, we feel that this reduces the overall comfort of the pack. We want to make it easy for you to find the right pack for... the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, Light-weight, comfortable with heavy loads, perfect pocket combination, Light-weight, comfortable, supportive, functional feature set, Light-weight, comfortable, easily personalized, inexpensive, lacks durabillity, not made for heavy loads, Poor support under heavy loads, fixed torso and waist belt, If you tend to pack a heavy pack, this bag and its burly suspension system are your ticket to trail happiness, This super-light pack caries loads like a pro and has just about every feature you could ever want, This comfortable yet supportive pack has an extremely functional set of features and is one of the lightest in our test, The Features on the Flash 55 are some of the best and most versatile of all the packs in our test, This lightweight pack performs really well unless it gets overloaded with too much weight, Top + front U-shaped access zipper + sleeping bag compartment, 210D Honeycomb Cryptorip HD / 210D High Tenacity Nylon, Main Body: 100d High Tenacity Nylon Bottom: 210D High Tenacity Nylon. The Gregory Baltoro 65 backpacking backpack is a beast. They both offer about 65 liters of space, ensuring that you have enough room for all of your gear. It is also ideal for any trip or adventure. As a bonus, it even includes a smaller pack hidden inside for basecamp hiking. Did someone say compression? These offer stability and support where the weight really meets your skeletal structure. Rhythmic clapping and yelling — as the rangers advised — still didn’t give this bear enough alert to avoid my path. The stretchy mesh beavertail-style pocket is excellent for drying socks, storing a rain shell, or fitting oddly-shaped things like flip-flops. Foam in the hip-belt started out stiff and did dig in a bit causing some discomfort. The straps underneath and around the sleeping bag compartment are long enough to fit over a closed-cell foam pad. The Gregory Baltoro 65 backpacking backpack is a beast. Our Verdict The Gregory Stout 65 is a well designed pack with a limited feature set that can get you out on the trails with no problem. For folks that like a lot of pack access and who might use this model for traveling, there is a large upside-down U-shaped opening that allows access to nearly all of the contents. Note that this is most useful for backpackers who spend a few days in one main location, rather than hike daily. The fabric on the inside of the shoulder straps is certainly above average. Compare Gregory Baltoro 65 and Deva 60 prices below. For this review, we are focusing on the Gregory Baltoro 65 and the Deva 60. There's plenty of room to pack a weeks worth of gear and clothes in the Baltoro 65. One water bottle pocket is traditionally shaped with the opening on top. I love the design of the water bottle pocket. After putting on some serious miles with the Gregory Baltoro 65 in Utah’s Canyon Country, we can attest to its high level of comfort. If you’ve ever been in a sporting goods store, then … It's perfect for storing hard-to-pack items like flip-flops or a fuel bottle. Backpackers.com is a small, independent team that writes unsponsored reviews and outdoor guides. Supreme comfort and advanced performance make the Baltoro 65 ideal for weekend warriors and demanding users alike. Organization is the Baltoro’s strong suit. November 11, 2020 August 22, 2018 by Michael Lanza. The air was hazy from the growing number of wildfires in the area, but I wasn’t going to be stopped from exploring this jewel of a place. It has proved to be not only comfortable but also very durable. Some people like simple tube-style top-loaders with no pockets to allow for stuff sacks and lighter weights. After a few days of trekking, though, the foam contoured to my hip bones and felt custom-made. If we knew we had to carry a heavy load there are … Because the pockets are well segregated, arranging items at the car and finding them quickly on the windy pass was a huge reassurance. The top lid (or brain) in this pack is excellent. All of our testers like the wider shoulder straps and felt they were one of the reasons this pack felt so comfortable.