Gregory Mountain Products Z 65 Backpack

I recently did some comparison shopping for a backpacking trip to the Grand Canyon. I am not a highly experienced hiker, so I relied on a lot of magazine reviews and online articles. I looked at several options, including much more expensive bags from other manufacturers. The main reasons that I chose the Gregory Z65 were a good blend of capacity (65l), weight (just over 4 pounds unpacked) and options. I love the suspension system and certain things like hiking pole areas, a rain cover that allows storage and multiple access points.

I recently loaded her up with 25 pounds of equipment and did a 10 mile hike close to home. I made quite a few adjustments to the waist belt and shoulder straps, but once everything was adjusted the pack was very comfortable.

The compression straps really help to keep your gear from moving around and the shape of the pack really works when going through small areas like caves. The padding on the straps is sturdy while also being comfortable.

I did a month worth of research before purchasing this one. I looked at Deuters, Acer'ytyx (or something like that) and North Face and found this to be the best blend of what I am seeking. I don't expect to be using this pack every weekend, so for a two or three times a year this is perfect for me.

For someone who does more outside, I would recommend the Gregory Baltoro in a similar size. I really liked the Baltoro, but couldn't justify the additional $100-$150 for that upgrade. However, most of my research indicates that it is money well spent.

The reasons I chose the Z65 versus the Baltoro were cost (about 2/3 of the cost of the Baltoro with similar options) and weight and capacity. I could have bought a larger pack, but then you have the associated increase in weight.

BTWI was able to purchase my Z65 from an online auction site, brand-new in the bag with the $230 retail tags still on it, for $120....I would have been in for $250-$300 for a similar Baltoro...

I used this for a 4 day Virginia section hike of the A/T and had no mechanical issues with it.

The material, seams, and connections are very solid. The is an extremely well made pack I expect to eventually pass down to my son.

The lack of a rain cover was not surprising, but still a little disappointing to have to make an additional purchase for such a simple item.

The lack of zippered pockets for small items was a problem. No safe place to put keys, wallet, phone, etc. Though there is a hanging clip for a key, it did not work for my type of key, so had to have a friend stow my valuables.

The side pouch, where I kept my Nalgene was too far back for me. I could barely get the anything out of the pocket and had to have a friend put it back in place.

The zippered pouches in the front waist strap were just right for a small camera and sunglasses.

Even with the minor issues, it is clear that this pack is a cut above the store brand packs, so was well worth the small extra cost.

One other note on this pack: It was cheaper in blue than in the other colors, which I assume is because the blue does not look as good in the pictures. I felt the same way about the color, though bought it anyway. In reality, the blue looks fine.

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I bought this pack for a once-in-a-lifetime hike/camp across the Grand Canyon and it worked beautifully. It held everything I needed for the 4 day trip. Food, cloths, tent, sleeping bag and all the hiking/camping accessories one would require. I tried many different packs and found this one to be very price competitive, durable and comfortable (as 50 pounds on your back could be :) It was easy to wear and remove at the end of the day. I'm 6'1" and choose the medium size, because it was on sale, held what I needed and I'm at the upper limit of its recomended torso size. If you're an avid hiker/camper I highly recommend it.

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Have taken this on a couple of trips, and I'm very pleased with the purchase. Found out about it from a backpacking blog site and bought it last year. I've tried several backpacking packs and none of them have been as comfortable and rugged as this one, plus the gold color looks really unique and cool. People will think you know what you're doing when they see you rocking the gold color, even if you've never backpacked before.

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This backpack was great. My husband headed out with it the next weekend and it held all he needed including the bear canister.