Small enough for an overhead luggage compartment on an airplane yet large enough for all my worldly belongings, this 55L backpack is the perfect size for backpacking travel. I’m able to load everything into the pack without feeling like its going to explode. On average I carry about 15kg in the bag without a weight problem or achy shoulders.
Having a large, outside mesh pocket to stuff wet clothes or nearly forgotten items is one of its best innovations. Although it is showing its wear after a year of use, giving its light-weight no frills design, I am more than pleased with is durability and fully expect it to last a long time. (Update: As of June 2011 we’ve had to have some of the straps reinforced, but that’s it. Gregory had excellent customer service- even when we were on a tight time frame to get it back)
Newer models have a curved back side to allow for airflow between the back and the pack. This not only results in a poor fit (on my body) but makes packing much more difficult and impossible to store flat objects such as a large book or a laptop computer.
If you’re looking for a women’s specific backpack, check out our review of the Gregory Jade 55. If you’re looking for more travel gear reviews, check out what else is in my pack.
Packing your backpack is probably the most important thing you can do to improve the comfort. We put together a short video with tips on how to protect your items and pack your bag for maximum comfort.
Mark Kennet says
I bought one of the updated models you refer to with the curved back. I use it with my backpack all the time – the curved rails are not only for improved airflow, but also serve as a suspension for when the bag is really full. My laptop is VERY heavy – it is a 17-inch Dell XPS with all the bells and whistles and it has a huge power converter/charger, and the regular Targus laptop backpack was giving me shoulder pains when I would use it. With the Gregory’s extra suspension, the weight is distributed over both shoulders AND hips, and the problem went away – the heavier your load, the more weight gets distributed downward.
I can see, though, if you have back issues that it might not work.
Danny says
Glad its working out for you. My biggest gripe is the intrusion the arch makes into the pack itself. Most people prefer the new style but I suppose I’m a touch old fashioned.