Gregory Whitney

Review Date
November 2, 2003

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: Tom T(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $250.00 at Backcountry Experien

Summary:
I have used this pack for about 2 yrs and have been very happy with it. I bought it mostly for a trip to Philmont Scout Ranch, replacing a Gregory Palisade. I loved the fit and suspension of the Palisade as well, but wanted something with a little more room and more than just top access and the Whitney fit the bill. It has the same suspension as the Palisade, so I knew it would fit me and be comfortable, which it has been. It is a little heavy at about 8 lbs. (later models have shed about a pound) but worth it. I carried 50+ lbs. at Philmont and never had any discomfort from the pack.It can definitely handle the heavy loads. It has plenty of room for a 10-14 day trip and aside from being a little dirty, shows no wear, no quality problems. Overall a great pack and I've seen 2003 models online recently (Oct.2003) for as little as $179.00, a real steal at that price! Value would be 5 stars a this price, 4 stars at retail.

Customer Service:
Haven't had to use

Similar Products Used:
Gregory Palisade, a very good pack as well

Review Date
February 19, 2003

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: BabyKaizer(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Eugene, OR

Price Paid:  $250.00 at REI

Summary:
I bought this back last summer @ REI with a $100 gift certificate. I used it on a two week adventure in Yosemite and then again in the Olympic National Park. It proved to be a really great investment. I had over 50lbs in it and I swear that I couldn't feel anything. Going to Zion & Grand canyon this summmer for a month, so I'll update the status of this report then.

Customer Service:
REI

Similar Products Used:
LOWE Alpine

Review Date
July 11, 2002

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Andrew P(Unregistered User) ,  Mountaineer , from Oceanside Ca

Price Paid:  $340.00 at On-line

Summary:
I bought my Gregory Whitney 02 a few months ago after an exhausting search for a great pack. There are so many great manufacturers to chose from. Being used to military backpacks, the pockets on the Whitney 02 provided the convenience I was accustomed to.
I ordered the backpack on-line, then right out of the box I threw 50 lbs in it and hiked up San Jacinto (Southern Cal) for a test run. I came back off the mountain with a couple of hot spots on my hips.
Dave at Sports Chalet in Temecula, Ca. customed adjusted the pack to fit my structure. What a difference adjusting the waist belt (for both length and cant) and shoulder brackets made! Now it rides great!
Since then, I have been on the Pacific Crest trail, up White Mt (14,242'), etc. The backpack rides great and I have not had any hot spots from wearing the pack, even weighted to 60 lbs.
I recommend Gregory to anyone looking for a serious and great riding pack.
However, you really need to be properly sized and the customed fitted when buying a back pack. If you don't get customed fitted, the absolute best top of the line back pack will be the most miserable fitting back pack, and you will lose motivation to get on the trail.

Similar Products Used:
Military

Review Date
June 18, 2002

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: tborek(Unregistered User) ,  Climber

Price Paid:  $280.00 at REI

Summary:
Bought this pack the day before going to Bolivia when I realized my Lowe wouldn't hold everything. Seemed like a good "buy well, buy once" kind of investment, really great design features throughout. Plus it had those cool one-hand clips on the straps, and was called "Whitney", which I'll be going up in Oct, and had at attractively ugly color. How could I refuse?

Like the big volume and all the pockets which are great for keeping organized. Side pockets really are doors into main compartment so if that's stuffed full you won't fit much in them - at least you know where stuff is though. Ditto for the top compartment, which on other packs is where you stash a lot of stuff, here it likes to lie flatter when the pack is full, so you can't fit too much there.

Plan to use this for BC fishing & climbing trips and capacity is definitely there for a rope, harness & alpine rack (or breakdown rod) plus a few days' typical gear. Especially if you make use of the daisys & other clip-on points.

Minor gripe with the fit of the shoulder straps which I couldn't get to lay flat, though this is supposed to be my size. May need to tweak the adjustments a bit more, I am at the edge of the size range. Waist belt is v. comfortable.

The right-side 1L bottle holder works great, can grab water without looking at it, and the strap keeps it in place. Seems you could put a camelback in side or back pocket too.

As for price - used a 20% off coupon, timing was good, during an REI sale. Seems to be about $350 everywhere right now.

Customer Service:
Haven't used. Good manual though.

Similar Products Used:
Lowe Contour III.

Review Date
May 14, 2002

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 2 votes

Reviewed by: Northy(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from NYC, New York

Price Paid:  $350.00 at Campmor

Summary:
Review is for the "new" 2002 Whitney model. In a nutshell, this pack is awesome!

The 2002 Whitney improves the only 2 flaws of the 2001 rig. It's now 1 pound lighter and the bottle holder is canted (sideways). Other changes are minor. New pack fabric is tough. Straps and buckles have been scaled down, but work well.

I've used this pack on Mt.Washington, NH, and Canyonlands N'tl Park, Utah this spring. Had at least 50 lbs of gear inside and barely felt the weight. Fit's great. My back is happy. Gregory's suspension is top notch. Easy organization with all the access zippers. Holds lots of gear. Zoinks, you could cram your girlfriend in there if she's gets to cranky...

The only things I could find wrong are: The side-pocket straps are a little difficult to use; no special hydration hose port (used the side pocket); the new "retro" color/style is merely OK. I paid $50 more for the 2002. Only nitpicks, though!

Overall, the 2002 Whitney is even better, super-comfy, an organizer's dream, and bombproof. I will be using my Whitney on many mountains and years to come!

Customer Service:
Campmor is great! Bought the 2001 model on sale :)(did not use it) and exchanged for 2002 Whitney 9 months after I bought it. I paid full price:($350; but worth every penny.

Similar Products Used:
None. Gregory's solid reputation and great fit sold me! You get what you pay for.