Description The Forester, which is 400 cubic inches larger and has a separate sleeping bag opening. Like the Reality, it features our extremely comfortable Flo•Form II backpanel, Stealth shoulder harness
and wai...
Summary: This is a really comfortable pack. I use it heavily and it's serving me well- the heavy fabric on the bottom is nice, no worries about wear and tear. It's meant for 40-50 lb, I usually carry at least 60 (until I get a bigger pack) and I'm still comfortable enough- it expands beautifully without feeling top-heavy. At 40-50 lb, I can hardly tell I'm wearing it. I usually carry a filled 2 liter Platypus plus my need-to-reach items like chapstick and headlamp in the brain.
Overall, it's a great pack for minimalists on long trips, or anyone on a 3-4 day trip.
Customer Service: I haven't used it yet
Would you like to Comment? Join OutDoorReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.
Summary: An excellent pack for the 3 day hike. I found that it was very comfortable and easy to adjust. Even my friend of a similar build, 5 ft. 10 in. remarked about its comfort. Also, it is user friendly with the different access pockets. Only thing lacking is bungy mesh on the back.
Customer Service: I hear that Gregory has excellent customer service. I plan to keep this pack for a long time.
Would you like to Comment? Join OutDoorReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.
Summary: The two things you should never skimp on are your pack and your boots. I really like the Gregory packs because of their quality and fit. I gave my old Palisades to my son and bought this one to save a little weight. Although it is a heavier than other packs I looked at, it fits so well that it carries heavy loads with more comfort and support than lighter packs. There are also more organizational features which helps, especially when you need to get into you pack without having to unpack the whole thing. I did remove the Ice Axe strap and the little plastic tube loops under the mesh pockets because I can't find a use for them. Gregory rates this pack for 45 pound loads, but I have had 50 pounds in it with no real loss of support. This is a great pack, well designed, well made and lightened up enough to make a difference but not to cause problems. A note of caution is that pack fit is a very personal thing. Make sure any pack you buy is fitted by someone who know's what their doing. If doesn't feel right, don't buy it.
Customer Service: Never had to deal with them. However, a friend had a problem with a hydration pack and they took care of it quickly with no hassle.
Similar Products Used: Gregory Palasades, Kelty Haiku, Some REI Pack that I can't remember the name of and the Go-Lite Speed.
Would you like to Comment? Join OutDoorReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.
Reviewed by: Joel Horie(Unregistered User)
,
Backpacker
, from Coalville, UT
Price Paid:
$237.00
at REI
Summary: Light and well thoughtout. It's my wifes pack(medium). I tried it on a trip to Kings Peak, UT. I really enjoyed the weight savings over my Palisades(large). I'm right on the margin between a Gregory medium and large; 19 3/4" torso. I like my Palisdes, but I think the weight savings is worth the loss of a few bells and whistles. Carried 48 lbs from the trailhead to Dollar lake;no sore spots. On the day hike to the peak, I carried the Forester with just water, snacks and rain gear. Palisades bottle holder(right) is much easier to use than the mesh pockets on the Forester. Forester lid has a clear bottom. Easy to find snacks, hat etc. You can lay a topo map against the cleat plastic and it will stay relatively dry in the rain. Lid won't turn into a fanny pack. If you've never owned a Gregory before, go to a knowledgeable store to get fitted. REI has fitting templates to make sure you get the right size. Or.. spend some time on the Gregory web site to under stand fit and adjustment.
Similar Products Used: None
Would you like to Comment? Join OutDoorReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.
Reviewed by: Ed Born(Unregistered User)
,
Backpacker
, from Pittsburgh, PA
Price Paid:
$240.00
Summary: I had a Shasta. A good pack, but too heavy for my tastes. Found an outfitter that gave me full price on a trade-in for the Forester, which weighs 5 lbs 3 ounces--two pounds less than the Shasta. At 4900 cubic inches (for the medium), it holds 40 pounds comfortably. It easily holds a week's worth of food and all your gear for three-season backpacking.
Similar Products Used: Gregory Shasta Kelty Tioga (a great winter pack)
Would you like to Comment? Join OutDoorReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.
5 of 5
4 of 5
4 of 5
5 of 5
