Gregory z55 pack review

[swoosh]

Wayne gregory made his 1st pack at 14 and began his 1st company, Sunbird, in 1970. he wasn't happy with that company and dissolved it in 1973. in 1977 he began Gregory Mountain Products.

Wayne realized that in the backpack business fit was king, and he pioneered many firsts, including; being the first to build backpacks in different frame, harness and waist belt sizes; the first (and still only) pack manufacturer to develop a waistbelt system that adjusts to fit different hip angles, automatically improving load transfer; and developing the center-locking bar tack, a stitch that ends and locks off on the center of a seam instead of the side for increased strength at major stress points. From the earliest days, Gregory packs were noted for innovative design, ergonomic and comfortable fit, and our obsession with quality. (taken from his website - www.gregorypacks.com)


my review is of the z55, which won an award from National Geographic Adventure "Best of 2007"...

features:
-jetstream suspension
-auto-fit harness system
-dual hydration ports and sleeve
-expandable front bucket pocket
-side compression
-welded, water resistant zippers
-210d HT double box ripstop fabric


specs (for Medium):
3350 cubic inches
3lbs 5oz
18-20 inch torso length
weight comfort zone = 0-45lbs

PDF of how to properly fit a gregory pack (taken from www.gregorypacks.com)

http://www.gregorypacks.com/us/files/fit_guide.pdf

[swoosh]

photobucket taking an hour to upload these pictures! COME ON

[swoosh]

you'll notice a lot of similarities b/t this pack and TNF's terra reviewed by BD and coffeeboy

back panel. padded with venting panels to reduce swampback. notice caribeener through daisy chain on shoulder straps - a useful feature for attaching compass/bandanna/etc...
[img size=350]http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x151/wagz_pics/gregorypack007.jpg[/img]

close up of daisy chain and mesh padding
[img size=350]http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x151/wagz_pics/gregorypack006.jpg[/img]

front pocket zipper. convenient pull tab and welded/water resistant zipper
[img size=350]http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x151/wagz_pics/gregorypack008.jpg[/img]

mesh bucket pocket. located in between main compartment and front pocket. useful for storing stuff you'd rather not be in your pack (water/fuel/rain jacket). the fuller your pack and front pocket, the less room you have in this bucket
[img size=350]http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x151/wagz_pics/gregorypack009.jpg[/img]

drawstring w/ cordlock top, lid pulled back
[img size=350]http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x151/wagz_pics/gregorypack010.jpg[/img]

top closed and front/top compression strap attached...
[img size=350]http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x151/wagz_pics/gregorypack011.jpg[/img]

lid pulled down, also w/ compression straps
[img size=350]http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x151/wagz_pics/gregorypack012.jpg[/img]

top lid opened. useful for storing stuff you want to get to in a hurry. larger than appears
[img size=350]http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x151/wagz_pics/gregorypack013.jpg[/img]

side view of pack. notice 2 different sets of compression straps to snug pack into the frame. important for keeping the pack a part of your body and not swaying all over the place. small zipper above compression straps allows quick access to main compartment w/o having to take off lid and top compression straps...
[img size=350]http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x151/wagz_pics/gregorypack014.jpg[/img]

inside main compartment. hydration bladder sleeve...
[img size=350]http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x151/wagz_pics/gregorypack005.jpg[/img]<br><br>Post edited by: swoosh, at: 2008/12/16 21:39

[swoosh]

it would appear the terra have a little thicker waist belt and shoulder straps than my gregory, but that may be what accounts for the few ounces in weight difference. i have not experienced any discomfort due to the padding not being thick enough. the venting on the back works well in keeping the back RELATIVELY cool in the summertime. i'm confident i can carry all my gear in here for an AT thru, but use it right now for weekenders. i've had no issues hauling all the gear i need in it.

it'll be my go-to pack this may when i'm walking across PA! will give long term field report afterwards...

[KickinWing]

I owned a z55 before moving on to an Osprey Aether 70 Pack. The z55 was extremely lightwieght without many bells and whistles, which exactly what I like. However, being a tall dude of 6'3", I found that it was hard to properly addjust the z55 for a tall torso. This led to many uncomfortable trips because the pack strained my shoulders too much. Besides not having proper back support, I found that the lack of padding on the waist belt became very uncomfortable.

With the Osprey pack, I get a simple, lightwieght desgin, single load compartment and extremely comfortable back and shoulder supports.

You can learn more about the osprey at <a href="http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?categoryId=45566&storeId=1&catalog Id=1&langId=-1&from=SR&feat=sr">llbean.com</a>

Thanks for listening. I'm sure the z55 works for many people, but it just didn't work for me.