Purchased a Gregory Reality pack at the advice of friends and salespeople. It is a well-made (but heavy) pack and justifiably deserves all the accolades it has received. Unfortunately I never could get mine to fit right. Had my torso measured, got the right size, followed all the "fit" instructions, etc… but my shoulders still suffered miserably. After two backpacking trips in pain I said "enough". I now own a Mountain Smith Ghost pack and all I can say is at the end of a long day on the trail, I'm all smiles while my buddy with his Reality complains of shoulder/back pain. Lesson learned: no matter how well reviewed or recommended a pack is, make sure you try several brands BEFORE you buy. Regardless, this is still a very good pack, but it would be even better if it went on a diet (and yes, that includes the Reality X as well) and if it had a built-in hydration sleeve.

Customer Service

I haven't had experience with Gregory's customer service, but a buddy had a 6-year old Gregory daypack that was falling apart. He sent it to Gregory and in about 2 weeks, it was returned completely repaired - free or charge! According to him it's better than new. That sounds like good customer service to me.

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Numerous packs from Gregory, The North Face, REI, Kelty, Mountain Smith (my current favorite), etc...

Well, I needed an upgrade from the way-too-big Kelty that I've had for years and years. The Kelty never seemed to fit me quite right despite adjustment after adjustment. Was much more useful as luggage for my trek to Costa Rica than backpacking even a short trip.

Researched thoroughly this time. Started out really wanting an Arc'teryx then came to my senses. I'm a poor graduate student!! After reading reviews on this website, I began to consider Gregory packs. Tried a few on and fell in love. Got the Reality at campmor.com on sale for at least $100 less than the Arc'teryx.

At first I had a tough time getting the pack adjusted to me. I followed directions but without the pack fully weighted, it never felt quite right...despite that I set out for a 4 day hike in Green Ridge State Forest. Within the first 5 minutes of the hike and much tweaking, the pack felt like I'd worn it for years. The back padding was excellently formed to me and the hip belts were the most comfortable I've worn. Uphill, downhill...I was continually amazed. After 10 miles, my friends (including my husband with my old Kelty) flung off their packs in exhaustion and I felt like I could keep going and going. Could just slightly feel the pack in my shoulders.

The pack has now gone with me on several trips and I'm still in love. The access from the middle of the pack is great and I'm glad to shed all the pockets that I had before. I could never find enough little stuff to go inside them! Still find myself looking at the pack when I'm not wearing it and smiling to myself. I'm so proud of it! :)

Was worried when the pack arrived from campmor because it seemed so small! Am used to 5000 cu in packs, but realized how much I had been forced to carry and how easily I could lighten the load. I'll never buy a bigger pack again and never recommend anything but Gregory products.

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Kelty

Cannot re-iterate enough the points made by other reviewers. Quite simply, this is an incredibly comfortable and versitile backpack. Great for backpacking and mountaineering. Nuff said!!

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I love this pack!!! It fits me so perfectly!! I tries on numerous packs before discovering the reality. Since I am just a hair over 5 feet I had a difficult time finding a pack fitting my small structure. I almost went with a kids pack. This pack fits perfect for my size without sacrificing too much storage space like going to a kids pack would have. I love how this pack allows access to the main compartment, and virtually all contents, without undoing the top and taking out all gear to get to something on the bottom. If you are a small framed person, BUY THIS PACK!!

Customer Service

I did have a mfg defect in my pack that required shipping to the mfg for repair. due to the lifetime warranty, they repaired it no problem and it is like new again.

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I love this pack!!! It fits me so perfectly!! I tries on numerous packs before discovering the reality. Since I am just a hair over 5 feet I had a difficult time finding a pack fitting my small structure. I almost went with a kids pack. This pack fits perfect for my size without sacrificing too much storage space like going to a kids pack would have. I love how this pack allows access to the main compartment, and virtually all contents, without undoing the top and taking out all gear to get to something on the bottom. If you are a small framed person, BUY THIS PACK!!

Customer Service

I did have a mfg defect in my pack that required shipping to the mfg for repair. due to the lifetime warranty, they repaired it no problem and it is like new again.

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The Gregory Reality is quite possibly the best backpack I have ever used. I have used it from simple hour hikes to three day ""weekend"" trips. I have carry up to 40 pounds in this pack and found that it is still very comfortable. The outer pocket is a great place to stash extra mittens and your hat, while the gear loops are very handy when carrying hardwear. I especially enjoy this pack in that it compresses down so well and makes carrying bulky loads easy and enjoyable.

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well got this as a climbing/light camping pack...not to mention i am a female with a looong torso and have had many problems fitting packs as a result of this. this pack rocks! comfy as hell and plenty of space for gear. i loaded this puppy to its ears during a trip to georgia and north carolina. gregory makes probably one of the most comfortable packs on the market and very adjustable. i especially like the shoulder straps and waistbelt. the top lid is also roomy. i throw a large gregory water bladder up there along with vittles and other miscellaneous necessities. the pack is tough and withstood many hauls up and down the limestone of southern illinois!

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north face kelty dana designs

I've used this pack for everything from trekking around Europe to week-long lightweight backpacking to cragging, and I have few complaints.
The comfort is great; even with heavy loads, it doesn't feel overbearing. The padding for the back is very comfortable, but it could use some more ventilation channels-- it really gets hot in the sun.
An extra pocket might be nice-- the top one always seems to be full with little things.
The only other minor gripe I have is that the straps used to tighten the waist belt frequently slip off the pads.
The only major gripe is the cost!

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I have had the Reality for about year and a half now, and has become my favorite mid size pack. I use it exclusively for 3 season backpacking, and sometimes during the winter also. I just completed a 5 day 4 night 48 mile trip with this pack, and had more then enough room. I packed my trusty Marmot Eclipse tent(see its review), a 2.5 pd TNF down bag, 6 days food, full raingear, closed cell 3/4 sleeping pad<(lined the inside of the pack like a Golite pack-yes INSIDE), all inside the pack. the outside kitchen sink pockets are great for powerbars, Gu, bladders, etc. I have the Arc Teryex Bora 70 (and a Dana Alpine)which is close to the same capacity, but use it less and less. I use the top horseshoe pocket for all my-on trail duties i.e. water pump, lunch, etc. Good solid pack. Jeff

Customer Service

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Bora 70

When I first started backpacking with my three young children, I carried a Gregory Robeson pack, which is monsterous, because I was carrying most of the gear. Now that they are able to carry their share of the load, and I occasionally get out on my own, the Reality is a terrific pack. The two aspects that I appreciate most are the extraordinary comfort and the light weight of the pack. It is a great choice for long weekend trips.

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