Gregory Lassen

Review Date
July 22, 2003

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
4.20 of 5, 5 votes

Reviewed by: markj1(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $300.00 at Adventure16

Summary:
This is an awesome pack. The capacity is very generous for weekend backpacking trips, even when carrying a bear-proof cannister inside the pack. The suspension is very very solid. I carried a bit over 40 lbs in the pack on a recent 22 mile weekend backpacking trip in the mountains, and noted absolutely no sag in the frame at any point during the trip.

The fit for this or any pack is a personal matter, but the Lassen has a few unique features that make it possible to tune the pack closely. Multiple settings are available for the tilt of the waisbelt, to adjust for flatter or more curved hips. Adjustable shoulder strap pads are attached to the shoulder strap with velcro, and can be positioned to fit wider or narrower shoulders. The sternum strap can be moved to any position along the shoulder straps. The pack also includes the usual load lifter straps on the shoulder straps and the load stabilizer straps on the hip belt. One simple but effective feature is the use of the rubbery "gription" mesh material on the lumbar region of the pack, which keeps the pack from slipping down during the hike.

The pack is well designed for keeping gear balanced, organized, and accessible. The main compartment holds most of the gear in a narrow centered profile with a separate sleeping bag compartment. This center compartment is accessible from both the top and the front of the pack. A separated pocket within the main compartment holds gear that might need to be accessed quickly. A half mesh panel on the outside of the pack provides more storage for easy to access gear. The Lassen has no side pockets to throw off balance. Twin ice axe loops (with straps higher on the pack to secure the axe shaft) are included, as well as a mesh wand pocket and a water bottle pocket that is pointed forward to allow access to a water bottle without taking off the pack. Compression straps on the sides and bottom of the pack provide load stability and attachment points for extra gear.

The pack handles hydration bladders differently than some others. Rather than securing the bladder in a sleeve in the main compartment, the bladder is intended to be placed under the mesh material under the lid. This is a good idea because it allows easier access to the bladder, and it frees up main compartment space, and it protects the bladder from items in the main compartment. The bladder is not in a very well balanced position here, though (too high), and the space provided is not the correct size to optimally house larger (3+ liter) reservoirs. The bladder can go "naked" inside the main compartment, but there is no exit hole for the drinking tube, so some other exit would need to be improvised.

PROS: Load handling, balance, tuneable fit, organization, comfort. Streamlined profile is probably best for tall narrow framed people rather than shorter stouter types.

DRAWBACKS: Hydration setup is not optimal. I would prefer another wand pocket over a water bottle pocket.

Customer Service:
Gregory: N/A Adventure16: Exemplary. I drive an extra distance (past REI) just to go here. It's worth it.

Similar Products Used:
Arc'Teryx Bora 80 (sexy pack, too bad it sagged under a moderate load)
Kelty Pacifc Crest (external frame)

Review Date
June 21, 2002

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: Dale (Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $240.00 at Northern Mountain

Summary:
With packs, the three most important features are FIT, FIT and FIT...with load-handling a close fourth, and volume-to-weight ratio taking up the fifth position. The Lassen scores aces on 1 thru 4, which allows me to forgive its so-so performance on #5.

I have a decidedly non-backpacker build -- 5'10", 250 lb, equal parts muscle and fat. Autocant shoulder harness to the rescue. Also, the configurability of the pack parts is a plus. I got the medium pack with the large shoulder and waist, and the thing feels custom.

I've only had loads to 40 lb or so, but the weight distributes on the hips so well that the 40 could have been 20.

Two gripes, both kind of minor. First, pack weight as mentioned. But hey, if I want to drop trail weight, I'll stop eating Twinkies the week before the trip. Second, lots of straps dangling about, but every one has a utility that I wouldn't want to lose.

Customer Service:
Called Gregory to inquire about configurability. Received a detailed and friendly primer on the finer points of pack sizing. They saved me from buying a Large pack, which would have been a huge mistak

Similar Products Used:
Various external frame entry level packs.

Review Date
May 25, 2002

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: giants33059(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $225.00 at looking glass outfit

Summary:
after trying on dozens of packs,the gregory lasson won hands down.even though the pack is heavy(7lbs)by itself.when it loaded with 30 to 40 lbs,you just dont feel the weight.an incredible pack.

Review Date
August 13, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 2 votes

Reviewed by: Clevor(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Yokosuka, Japan

Price Paid:  $180.00 at Northern Mountain Supply

Summary:
I did extensive research before I selected my backpack. Money was no object - I just wanted the best medium-sized pack I could buy. It came down to the Jack Wolfskin Trailhead II (due to good reviews in Backpacker Magazine), and the Gregory Lassen.

I finally got to see both packs and try them on in a store. Verdict? No contest: the Gregory Lassen! Reasons are below:

1. Just visit Gregory's website. You can see the technology and experience they put into their packs, with features such as AutoCant shoulder harness, Adjust-A-Cant waistbelt, and high tech padding and support materials. The Lassen model has virtually all the features as the top-of-the-line Denali Pro.

2.Fit: I tried on the Wolfskin pack, and while it fit better than other packs, it didn't fit as well as the Gregory. To me it was an imitation of the Gregory design. "Oft imitated but never equaled". I also didn't feel it could carry heavy loads as effortlessly as the Gregory.

3. I want elastic pouches on both sides of the bag. The Gregory comes close, with a deep water bottle holder on the right side and a roomy mesh pouch on the left. One improvement would be to put a compression strap on the mesh pouch like the Wolfskin, but no big deal. The BIG problem with the Wolfskin is the side pouches are too small and triangular-shaped, so you'd have to use the compression straps, and even then, you'd probably lose a water bottle.

4. I like the V-shaped compression straps top and bottom on the Gregory. They strap loads down better than a single strap. The Wolfskin has a triangular flap pulled by the strap, but it still doesn't tie down as well as V-straps.

5. I also like the Kangaroo mesh pouch on the outside of the front panel. It's great for drying clothes or storing stuff you need quick access to. The Lassen is one of the few, if any, packs on the market that has this. I would prefer dual daisy chains, but that would not be possible with the pouch.

For me, the Gregory is Prime Time. I was also lucky to get an incredible price on the Lassen. NMS was nice enough to credit me $59 when the price of the Lassen dropped from $239 to $180 two days after it shipped out!

My advice? Get a Gregory, preferably the Adventure or Pro series. Nothing on the market can touch it!

Similar Products Used:
None

Review Date
July 2, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Matt Tomei(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Seekonk, MA, USA

Price Paid:  $300.00 at online

Summary:
This is an excellent pack! I took it over to Europe for a month and never had a problem. The top entrance is a great feature to the pack. A very durable pack. It was definitely roughed up on the trip and came back with no rips or tears. Also, the suspension system is great. While all my other friends were complaining about their backs and shoulders I was comfortable the entire trip. I will be using this pack for a long time and I highly recommend it.

Similar Products Used:
None