TREKKING
Product 2016
Man
The Gregory Baltoro 65 backpack is the Rolls Royce of packs designed for hikers who need to carry heavy loads. Let’s take a look at the many features. A large wide volume, (a winter sleeping bag fits in easily width-ways), access from the bottom unzips easily, a top pocket above the main volume for quick access to needy items, a cleverly designed pocket flap with two upper compartments and one interior, dual waistbelt pockets (one mesh and the other waterproof), the backpack is voluminous, simple and efficient. The drawstring to the main opening is very well designed, efficient for both opening and closing. Waist size adjustments are offered: it is possible to change the waistbelt for a wider model. The back is also modulable, two positions are available so you can easily move the point attachments at the top of the shoulder straps.
If you look carefully you will find a side outside pocket that holds a 1litre bottle relatively easy to access, except when you are wearing the pack. Another clever idea, the water bladder pocket in the main compartment is removable and doted with two straps to transform it into a small backpack once your bivouac is setup. There are straps that are long enough to carry a tent or mattress on the side or under the pack. You do wonder if the straps are strong enough though because they seem thin and fragile in comparison with the size of the pack: need to be tested in the long-term. The back is the most important: for carrying. With this pack everything has been designed for carrying efficiency: comfort, tightening, easy waistbelt and shoulder strap adjustment to carry the weight more on the hips or on the back. The ergonomics of the back of the pack adapt perfectly to the curve of the spine and the materials used are incredibly comfortable. It is even possible to modify the curve near the kidney region as the pack is doted with a small cushion that you can attach with Velcro behind the belt.
We tested it on long treks with 18 kilos of kit: sleeping bag, tent etc. Food for two to three days, pans, camping stove, 3.5 liters of water. In the main compartment: windbreaker and down jacket. In the lower compartment all the necessary bits and bobs and provisions distributed in the two upper pockets, first aid kit in the upper inside pocket. A change of clothes, sleeping bag liner, things that you need to access quickly in the upper pocket of the main compartment. The one-liter water bottle is in the small compartment near the belt. 18 kilos on the scales and the pack is not even full. Despite the weight the Baltoro sits well on your back and is very stable, the shoulder straps are well designed (outline, width, thickness, strength). Carrying is not painful even after several hours of hiking with such a heavy load.
The back is well ventilated and we confirm the comfort. Even whilst hiking it is possible to change the carrying position by tightening or loosening the shoulder straps at the top or at the waist. Weight distributors would have been a plus. The fabric used seems strong and waterproof and you can be “rough” on the pack without damaging it. A rain-cover is also included for bad weather. Just one glitch (there’s always one!) to access the cover you have to empty the top pocket and undo a zip to get it out, it would have been easier if it was in an outside pocket with a Velcro fastening instead of having the removable bottle pocket.
The pack weighs quite heavy empty at 2.5kg but it’s a small price to pay for a well constructed carrying system and so much comfort. A fantastic pack that is ultra-efficient, well conceived, strong and oriented 100% carrying comfort.
We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:
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