Gregory Reality

Review Date
June 21, 2004

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Visitors rate this review
1.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: hikerchap ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $230.00 at Backwoods

Summary:
Had the thing for over two years, been on 7 backpacking trips w/ it. It does have a comfortable carry usually, although on my last trip my hips got sore for some reason. In CO on a three-day, it was utterly comfortable and carried everything magnificently. It is not gaudy; every feature is useful. Favorite is the HUGE mesh side pockets. I used one for my Camelbak and the other as a LNT trashcan for all my wrappers. Double spindrift collars are nice. Not particularly light, but it is tough. Zippers are not dinky. Could use a hydration sleeve, but side pocket works fine. Gregory stuff is always bomber. It is, IMHO, the perfect pack for one- to four-night trips. Also: I bought this particular Gregory b/c it does not have a sleeping bag compartment, and I had a synthetic bag that wouldn't fit into the Forester's compartment. So this pack works especially well if you've a huge bag. (But do yourself a favor and buy a good down bag. Saves a lot of money and shivering in the end.) The Gregory Reality is an excellent pack for not too much money.

Customer Service:
Never used it, but the pack is wicked tough.

Similar Products Used:
Museum-quality blue Kelty (hipbelt refused to stay buckled), torture-rack Madden.

Review Date
December 8, 2003

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: DangerousDave(Unregistered User) ,  Paddler

Price Paid:  $100.00 at Pro-deal

Summary:
Very comfortable pack. I carried it full of gear 18 miles in the rain on a hiking trip in May and was completely happy with it. It has plenty of volume for a 3 day trip and didn't get too hot against the back. It's an excellent pack for its intended use. I strongly recommend Gregory products.

Customer Service:
N/A

Similar Products Used:
REI Newstar, piece of junk external frame

Review Date
November 4, 2003

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: Peter(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $220.00 at Campmore

Summary:
I was looking for a pack that I could use on weekend to weeklong trips, and this is the perfect pack. It fits like a glove and is by far the most comfortable pack I've ever worn (although I have only used a few). I have heard great things about Gregory packs, so hopefully this will live up to its reputation.

Customer Service:
The guys at Campmor were great, they helped me pick out a number of packs in my price range, loaded them up with weights and let me walk around the store with them untill I could find the one I liked best. They were full of helpful information for me, and more then willing to answer any of my questions.

Similar Products Used:
L.L. Bean, Eureka, Lowe Alpine

Review Date
September 3, 2003

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
1.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: DJ (Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Michigan

Price Paid:  $179.00 at REI

Summary:
This is the first backpack I've owned and was glad that it was available in Xtra Small. (Probably why I got such a great price on it!) This is a real plus for petite women! It has plenty of room and my gear is easily accessible. It's easy to adjust, despite being a little "strap happy", and is a good looking pack. The waterproof bottom is a great plus but, Gregory could improve it by making the top compartment removable and adding a hydration sleeve. Overall, it's comfortable, fits very well and feels balanced while hiking up or downhill. May perhaps be considered heavy for its capacity by more experienced hikers, but I've packed 25 - 30 lbs in it without feeling overloaded. Have used it for several trips, 2-3 days straight, over both easy and rough terrain, sun, snow and rain and haven't experienced any shoulder or back pain at the end of the day. I'm anxious to test it over longer durations and tougher conditions. The Gregory Reality is a pleasant introduction to backpacks for the novice hiker. If ever I decide to get a larger pack, I'll definitely look to Gregory first.

Customer Service:
Haven't had to contact.

Review Date
December 24, 2002

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Visitors rate this review
3.00 of 5, 2 votes

Reviewed by: Jane (Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $173.00 at Mountain Gear

Summary:
I went backpacking last year with an external frame and I hated it. This year, I am going on a trip and I wanted to buy an internal frame. Everyone told me to buy a gregory. I went to my local EMS, and tried on a few packs. The Reality fit perfectly, had great features for what i need and is a good price. Although, I probably should have gotten the Forrester because it has a sleeping bag compartment, which now I wish I had gotten.