All backpacks are extensively tested in both the lab and field. Forget about a large cell phone, a small pair of binoculars or even a good handful handful of beef jerky. This results in reducing the amount of energy required to hike a trail. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. For added versatility, the harness straps and hip belt may be swapped out to accommodate larger or smaller users. You do lose some ankle support when carrying a heavy pack or traversing rocky trails A great pair of hiking pants provides comfort, freedom of movement, the versatility to perform well in a range of environments, and durability over the long haul. Mesh-heavy build and adjustable shoulder straps and hipbelt do a nice job keeping the pack close to the body, which minimizes excess movement and inspires confidence over tricky terrain. Its loaded with features that make it easy to pack and organize your gear, with an innovative frame and suspension system that lets you dial in a custom fit. Just keep in mind the two share suspension designs, so it likely won't have a higher max carry weight. We put some holes in the mesh water bottle pockets of the prior version, but the new model feels tougher and hasnt torn yet. If its discounted its the old model. After testing the pack on multiple backpacking trips in Patagonia, we think the revamp was a success: the Paragon still isnt a standout in any one particular category, but its competitive price, adjustable fit, and good mix of weight and features make it a well-rounded option. GOSSAMER-GEAR: Take 15% Off all Gossamer Gear Backpacks, Tents, Tarps, Trekking Poles and Accessories with Coupon Code "SECTIONHIKER22". Perhaps the closest competitor to the Paragon is The North Faces Banchee. These extra openings can be a real convenience on high-volume packs, so you can access gear without having to unpack it all. In most facets, the Paragon has good durability among lightweight packs. I have the previous iteration of this pack. This pack clocks in almost a pound lighter at 2 pounds 10 ounces and maxes out at 30 pounds, putting it squarely in the fast-and-light category (although we carried 35 pounds on a trip into the Grand Canyon and it did just fine). Its true that the side zip isnt as convenient as an opening along the front, but I quickly adapted and started placing items Id likely need during the day on that side. All Rights Reserved. But uses and budgets vary, and the ideal At $165 for the 65-liter version, Ospreys Rook is their most affordable multi-day offering to date, coming in around $100 cheaper than much of the competition. Its intended for backpackers who need to carry higher volume, heavier loads when hiking with a family group (where dad carries more), for couples, or for extended backpacking trips with infrequent resupply. Free Shipping and Returns. Gone is the removable hydration pocket present on the previous generation Baltoro, which could be used as a day pack. We really liked the original, and they recently updated the design with a mesh-heavy suspension system and side zippered access to the main compartment. The bottom of the pack has a similar zipper that allows main compartment access and storage of a sleeping bag or small tent. Brand: GregoryColor: Sky BlueFeatures: BIOSYNC SUSPENSION: BioSync Suspension technology keeps the pack moving with you for unrestricted motion. What if you dont have an old raincover? When not in use, the water bottle holder may be easily folded away. Theres also a sleeping bag hatch that opens the bottom of the pack. I used the cover a fair amount on the trip as we had multiple days with light rain, and it was also nice when setting the pack down at camp to keep it and items inside protected as we pitched our tents. Read more about us. If you have to carry heavier loads, upwards of 40 lbs, it really does pay to have a beefier hip belt and frame to reduce fatigue and increase your comfort. The new adjustable torso and hip belt provide a level of adjustment that is used by many brands, including Gregorys other backpacks, and is much more familiar for consumers to use. It is supremely comfortable and though pretty heavy, I love it. The long opening runs nearly the entire length of the pack and offers easy entry. Its a clever capability you only find on the best backpacks. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Below we break down the Paragons overall performance. TREAD LABS INSOLES: As good as custom orthotics at a fraction of the price. Available in multiple overlapping sizes (S,M,L), the backpack is also slightly lighter weight, bringing it under 5 lbs in weight. I checked it out at REI in person and it does not come with a rain cover. ), and its a near match to Ospreys Rook 65 (3 lbs. The previous version of the Baltoro has a single specialized waterproof pocket on the hipbelt, but it has been replaced and is no longer included. In truth, both are solid options for the majority of overnight and weekend backpackers, and a final decision should come down to features, durability, and how much you plan to carry. DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Tough canvas exterior, Cordura reinforcements, and genuine US-sourced leather accents. ), but both are ultralight-focused designs that shouldnt exceed 30- to 35-pound loads. It did come with both a rain cover, in the underside pocket of the lid, and the little blatter holder/summit pack. Youll need to pay $80 extra if you want the same pack as before. I just couldnt get over the nearly 5lb weight, however. Theres an optional fabric shelf that you can attach to toggles inside the pack to create a separate sleeping bag compartment, but you get better space utilization if you remove it. So i stuck on some differently colored reflective tape strips. Unfortunately no daisy chain shoulder straps :(. All of the coil zippers on these pockets have burly #5 or #8 YKK sliders and are covered with rain flaps to reduce leaking. Like the shoulder straps, the hip belt has been re-engineered on this new model to adapt to changes in your body position, so that the pack moves with you, enhancing your stability when scrambling or hiking over uneven terrain. The old version did. Stacked up to the Paragon, the Blaze is lighter at 3 pounds even, similarly durable with a mix of 100 and 210D robic nylon, and highly adjustable with moveable shoulder straps (these can be shifted up or down to fit your torso length) and a removable hipbelt. Women's-specific design. On the upper front of the pack is a large zipper for duffle-style packing. For this review, we took the Paragon 58 trekking in Patagonia, and Gregory makes the same pack in 48- and 68-liter capacities. You can really load up the exterior of this pack if you have to go heavy or haul extra gear to a base camp. LOAD BEARING COMFORT & FRONT ZIP ACCESS: Enhanced lumbar foam layering for increased load-bearing comfort. The Baltoro like many of Gregorys recent models includes a Polygiene anti-odor treatment, also commonly used on hunting backpacks, to prevent sweat from making the backpack smell. The front panel flap has three pockets built into it, an open mesh stuff-it pocket, and two long side pockets underneath it. 15% Off New Customer Discount with Coupon Code SECTIONHIKER15. Pricing had large discounts. Brand: GregoryColor: Indigo BlueFeatures: Exterior top pocket: for easy access to the things you need while on the go Activeshield divider: to keep business and adventure separate while you travel Flip guard panels: allows full interior access for easy packing 2019 BACKPACK4LESS.COM All Rights Reserved. Brand: GregoryColor: Chili Pepper RedFeatures: VENTILATED SUSPENSION & INTERNAL FRAME: TrailFlex suspension adjusts to allow the pack to match your body for a perfect fit. I think the comfort and durability are worth it. Users will appreciate having the daypack for peak hikes, short resupply trips, and for acquiring water at suitable streams and other sources. To see how it stacks up, see our article on the best backpacking packs. Additional storage includes a large mesh shove-it pocket along the front of the Paragon, which is very stretchy and a great place to keep items you want handy, as well as separating wet or smelly gear. The most discernible differences are in the packs fit and sizing, with varying torso and waist measurements, along with different colorways (although both models come in blue). Disclosure: Gregory donated a backpack for this review. Along with a tailored backpanel that has a substantial lumbar support, the pack hugs you more than you would expect at this $230 price point. Zippered main compartment with two internal mesh organizer pockets. We still think the Baltoro 65 is a winner and that the new fit system makes it much easier to size properly while eliminating the need to special order replacement components. Any idea how to determine if what the retailer is showing is the new model you reviewed? Depending on the seller, most products ship free in the United States on orders of $50 or more. The suspension system is comprised of a perimeter aluminum wishbone frame, height adjustable auto-canting shoulder harness, ventilated back panel, anti-slip lumbar pad, pre-curved adjustable hip belt and shoulder harness, and a pair of load stabilizers, which when taken together help the pack to react to one's body movement, and keep the center of gravity aligned. YKK ZIPPERS: Indestructible #10 YKK zippers. Craig. Best of all, the daypack has an internal hydration hanger, hose port, and elastic shoulder strap routing for keeping water access close. They no longer include it in the Baltoro line and instead sell it separately as the Nano14 on their website. You can go lighter in the 55- to 65-liter range. OSPREY-PACKS: Backpacking Pack Sale! Lower, front compression straps are removable and can be used for lashing gear to the outside of the pack as well. In testing the Zulu, we especially appreciated the well-ventilated backpanel and U-shaped access to the main compartment, which made finding and grabbing gear quick and easy. Brand: GregoryColor: Dark CharcoalFeatures: VENTILATED SUSPENSION: Updated CrossFlo Suspension. The pivot mechanism also provides an important fit benefit, even when youre not moving, since the shoulder straps adapt to your body shape and curves. Save big on Exos/Eja, Atmos/Aura, and Stratos/Sirrus Backpacks. For people who struggle to use water bottles in normal side pockets, and always use the standard nalgene, and only use one bottle, then it seems great, I guess. Theres also a key clip here, with enough space even with the rain cover inside for stowing items you dont need quick access to (I used it for my passport and a small first aid kit). The pads are heavily padded with wicking mesh covers to provide added comfort and keep you drier. Im stretching a bit here. From short overnights to multi-day trips into the backcountry, every backpacker wants the right tools for the job. Gregory and REI websites dont show it having a rain cover included. Its an innovative way to address individual fit differences across a wide range of different body shapes.