Well designed, comfortable and covenient. Gregory has a great suspension system. The Palisade is a great all-around general backpack. It's got enought room for shorter winter trips without being too big. The front pocket and bottle holders are especially convenient. One downside...sidepockets attach to compression straps making complete compression difficult.

Similar Products Used:

Lowe Alpine, Mountainsmith, Dana

I borrowed this pack from my uncle, the '98 model I believe. I loved it. It held all of my gear in balance, and took all the extra junk I crammed into it. The front pocket proved invaluable for stowing away my rain gear but allowing quick access. The only complaint I had about it was how the sternum strap rubbed against me when I was wearing just my base layer. Other than that, It performed excellently. It had bottle holders on the side which provided easy acess to my nalgenes. When all packed up, it cinches down real nicely, making a super-stable package. A great pack overall.

Similar Products Used:

Jack wolfskin, Camp trails

I got this pack back in 94' to replace my old camp trails internal. I have carried various internal and external frame packs and let me tell you that this bag was worth every penny! Their slogan says it all you don't carry a gregory you wear it. I have had it loaded at 85lbs and my hips and shoulders hadn't a clue it was any heavier then when it had 45lbs in it. A highly recommended pack.

For just under a month a caried this pack with about 45 lbs in the Olympic Peninsula last summer. The pack took a little getting used to. The first several days out my hips or lower back would ache by the end of the day. However, after finding an adjustment scheme that worked well with my body (a friend helped me bend the stays) there were no more aches and the pack caried itself. I liked the suspension system. It carried well for the amount of weight I was carrying. Also, the big front pocket was great for things that needed to be quickly accessed. Overal a great pack, I'd recommend.

Customer Service

None yet...

Similar Products Used:

Arc'teryx Bora 70, Gregory Reality, Dana Designs Bridger

This pack is a great no frills pack. Just got back from a 60 mile solo trip on the AT in north Georgia, the pack was great. Avg 13 miles per day could have done 15-18 miles no problem with this pack, very comfortable. Well made, easy to adjust, a great simple pack. Have had this pack for 9 months and have used it for 2-7 days on the trail with no problems. I bought this pack from EMS for $190.00, but would recommend it at regular price to anyone with no problem. A great solid, basic pack to enjoy for years to come. Gregory makes awesome packs!

Customer Service

Have not had to use it.

Similar Products Used:

REI packs

Wow! This pack fits me so well it is amazing. The suspension system on this pack is very well designed. It has enough of space for up to a two week trip. I did have a problem with the mesh fabric covering the back pad ripping when I tightend the compression straps. This is easy enough to fix by just sewing a rienforcement piece on the edges. Great pack for the money. Especially if you can win it through the auction at Mountainzone.com.

Similar Products Used:

North Face, Kelty, Marmot

how much better can it get?!? unless you've got the extra 200 smackers for a Dana (i paid $269 in early 1998), i don't think it does. after working at REI (Mission Viejo, CA) for about a year and having the privelege to fit and try on many a different pack, i chose the Palisade. I did so for reasons of quality, comfort, durability, and overall value. This may not be the Best of the Best, but believe me...it's up there with 'em in every category. I have taken numerous backpacking trips here in Arkansas ranging from 2 to 6 days, and have always been very pleased with this pack. I used to carry only the necessities to lighten my load...that was, when i had a cheap, uncomfortable nylon sack on my back. Now, though? now i am able to carry everything + the kitchen sink. i've had plenty of buddies try it on after hearing me rave about it, only to rave about it themselves. the only bad part about that, is once we've swapped (just to let them get the feel for it only...yeah, right...whatever!) i end up wearing their second-class pack for miles due to them not being willing to take mine off. It's like a glove, y'all, like a glove. i'm tellin' ya, this is a super pack. if you're in the market, then get on down to your local retailer and try it on for size.

Customer Service

in two years i have broken one buckle (left load lifter) and nothing else.

Similar Products Used:

just about everything. trust me.

Simply a fabulous pack. Four sizes of pack, shoulder harness and hip belt guarantee a customized fit. Excellent quality, very comfortable. The top lid pocket converts to a waist pack for light day trips from base camp. The spidrift collar is long enough so that the pack could be used for an unexpected bivy.

I have owned my 98' palisade since december 98 and have hikedd wtih it quite a bit. I have taken it to many hiking destinations in texas and feel for the 240$ that i spent on it was well worth it. So far no seems have blown and the zippers and pockets are still cleanly intact.

Similar Products Used:

i have expierienced with a kelty coyote and a kelty slickrock.

i have just baught the palisade i am very pleased with it it fits my small torso because i am only 14 years of age with a 15.5 inch torso. The pack is very comfortable and halls what i need for mountaineering and some extra, and is massive for just a four day trip back packing. I really like its front pocket that holds tons of gear. I also am pleased with its sleek desing and price for an excelant pack.

Similar Products Used:

None