I bought a Gregory Massif in 1997 as I wouold be the family pack mule untill my kids got big enough to carry thier own gear. It's a bit on the heavy side, but always comfortable, and BIG, so big I could carry myself in it ! My son, who is 20 now, uses it. Two generations, one backpack.

Outstanding pack and worth every penny. Very comfortable, and a good load handler. On my last trip to the Cascades, my pack took a header off a one-hundred-foot cliff (I was swatting a bee and knocked it off of the boulder it was sitting on). The pack went zero to sixty in under four seconds, then disappeared over the edge. My camera gear was all inside, and we were thirty miles out at the time. Climbing back down the cliff, we found the pack in the brush -- in great shape! The camera gear inside was a little scratched, but still worked fine. You get what you pay for, and a pack is for life. I heartily recommend the Gregory Massif, and it's unfortunate that Gregory has disconinued this line.

Similar Products Used:

Kelty Tioga, several brand-name rental packs

I own a 1994 Massif that has been a loyal trail companion. This is a big, somwhat heavy, but very dependable pack. Its hipbelt/harness system is wonderful. I always end up wanting my Gregory back after I swap packs with friends on the trail.

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This is the best big pack I have used. It holds nearly 7000ci and supports the load very well. The shoulder straps are very comfortable, and the hipbelt is actually bolted to the framesheet, so there is absolutely no sagging with big loads. I have carried 70+ pounds and it is more comfortable than carrying much less with some other packs. The sleeping bag compartment is large with a built in divider so your load stays organized. Lots of other useful features too, like two external pockets, rope strap, extendible top, etc.
I would not hesitate to buy this pack again. I can't imagine that the more expensive expeditions series packs carry much better than this.

Similar Products Used:

Mountainsmith Frostfire-doesn't carry big loads well at all.

I also own a five year old Massif. I used to be the packmule for family backpacking trips. Rarely did I carry less that 65 pounds and that for an entire trip as the kids gear was transferred to my pack as the week wore on. Throughout the pack remained comfortable and stable. I don't need all the room it provides now as the kids carry all their own gear but the Gregory pack is still comfortable with 40 pounds. All-in-all, this is a huge pack that makes a heavy load easy.

Customer Service

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This pack is a great for its price. It is excellent at carrying heavy loads. I feel comfortable carrying 50-65 lbs. in my pack, and I only weigh 120 lbs. Carrying gear and supplies for a long weekend is a breeze. A few of my friends have bought Gregory packs after trying mine. The pack materials have proven to be very durable, but don't be too careless with the plastic in the hipbelt, it might snap someday. My biggest complaint- the hipbelt is very hard. My hips always get a little bruised regardless, but others may feel different. However, the extra stiffness seems to help keep the load stable.

Similar Products Used:

Dana Designs Astralplane, Mountainsmith Frostfire, Lowe Contour 3.