[pct-l] Re: Gregory Gravity

[Tom Rogers <tfrogers@san.rr.com>]

The Gregory Escape Gravity is a great backpack, but it's not light.  At
4lb13oz, it's weight is comparable to several larger volume packs.  So
if it's light you want, my experience is that Gregory is not the place
to look.  If you want a well built, well fit, but smallish pack that
carries about 35 lb really well then the Gravity works.
I carried my Gravity during 2 100+ mi section hikes on the PCT last year
and was quite satisfied.  This summer I did a 425 mi section in the
Sierras from Kennedy Meadows to Echo Lake Resort.  During work up for
that trip, I decided to carry a Garcia can.  The Gravity just didn't
accomodate the extra volume well.  It was hard to pack and always
overstuffed, not too heavy, just too full.  I moved up to a 5050 cu in
Gregory Palisade and it suited me fine for the trip.  But, at 6lb14oz
it's clearly not light.
My opinion:  Gregory builds high quality packs that carry load well.  A
relatively heavy suspension system accomplishes that goal.  Jardine
argues that if you drive down your packweight, you don't need a heavy
suspension to carry it.  It's a matter of style.
See you on the trail, Tom

* From the Pacific Crest Trail Email List |  http://www.backcountry.net   *

==============================================================================