Gregory Banshee

Review Date
June 22, 2008

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Reviewed by: Teresa(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $150.00

Summary:
This is a good backpack, however, I have found that (for a female body at least) it became uncomfortable after an hour. I had a Banshee in the Large size. It has less ventilation than newer backpacks and there is very little padding on the should straps. I found that on my left arm, the shoulder strap pushed so hard on my shoulder it was cutting off the circulation and I kept bursting a blood vessel in my left hand every time I hiked. I just bought a new North Face backpack to replace this one because my shoulders hurt too badly. I was bruised all over my collar bone. Also, for my body structure, the backpack rode too low on my hips and I couldn't adjust it enough to fix that. Make sure you analyze the way a backpack fits your specific frame when shopping for one.

Review Date
May 22, 2003

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: _paul_(Unregistered User) ,  Mountaineer , from Marlton, NJ USA

Price Paid:  $115.00 at Campmor

Summary:
I bought this on a close-out. I liked the Reality pack and this is the same pack, just smaller (slightly different suspension due to size.) I use if for summer hut-to-hut hiking and for 1-day winter ski-mountaineering when car and care are VERY far.

Good for multi-day hut hikes, light weekend summer hikes, andlong ski days.

Very durable, super easy access.
Reasonably comfortable (I have never really loaded it.)

Bottom line, if you wand a day-and-a-half pack, this is a good choice. The newer model (slightly smaller) is the sharka (sp?).

Customer Service:
Don't know, never needed YET :-)

Similar Products Used:
Many TNF packs and other in the class.

Review Date
May 29, 2002

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: scott (Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $160.00

Summary:
the banshee is an incredible pack. this is a great lightweight pack that has amazing suspension. this is a scaled down version of the reality pack. its also about 1.0+ lbs lighter as well. i am somewhat of a lightweight hiker.. so i have modified the banshee to some degree. i trimmed down all straps, they seemed to be very long. i also removed the skit tail holders and ice axe loops. in addition i drilled holes down the spine of the single aluminum stay. this saved half a pound.. my pack is a size large and weighs 3 lbs 14 oz. my usual load is between 18-25 lbs, including food + water.. depending on season, etc. the pack is rated to carry 40 lbs, but i never intend on carrying more than the 25. if you'relooking for a good, light-weight pack.. that feels really good, check this one out! (dont be afraid to modify it)