That being said, is it redundant to use both the Focal and the Flash? Just like Gregory, the osprey also comes in three different sizes per category. There is no bottom compartment, neither is there a pocket at the top. One of the things you realize with the osprey bag is it has a good fit and feel to it. I got a rip clean through the bottom of my Gregory Citro30 daypack on one of the first hikes with it. Want a well-priced, adjustable pack with a good fit and more access and features than these ultralight packs? Its barely noticeable under 30-35 lbs, but the pack gets increasingly ungainly if you try to load it up much heavier. If they all fit you equally wellwhich isnt likely, but speaking hypotheticallythe pack capable of carrying the most weight may be the Flex Capacitor. That way, you have more variety to choose from. For someone that is beginning to the transition into lighter gear but wants a pack for weeklong trips, would you suggest the Altra or Atmos? Whether youre a beginner or seasoned backpacker, youll learn new tricks for making all of your trips go better in my 12 Expert Tips for Planning a Backpacking Trip, A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking, and How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be. With a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read all of those three stories for free; if you dont have a subscription, you can download the e-guide versions of 12 Expert Tips for Planning a Backpacking Trip, the lightweight backpacking guide, and How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.. Like you said, they are really different packs just curious if you think they are both different and versatile enough to have both in the arsenal? Carrying I allow you a degree of comfort as well. I had a Greogory Wind River internal frame pack decades ago and when the metal buckles began to go I sent it back to Gregory at their direction and they replace buckles plus some straps! The shoulder straps and hip belt are covered in mesh with pre-curved padding weather. Hey Aaron, good question. With internal-frame packs, the recommendation is to pack the weight more in the middle of the pack, and the middle of your spine, for better carrying comfort. Well go through the 7 main characteristics/differences between these bags so that you can determine where your money should go. exos talon Your point about external-frame packs having the convenience of storing a large, heavy item like a full canister at the bottom is true, but was also more unique to the design and carry of external-frame packs. I hope thats helpful. I cant believe that no one is jazzed by the fact that you can fit a BV500 into the Focal 58 horizontally!
Consisting of a panel of lightweight, tensioned mesh extending from the top of the back panel to the hipbelt, it fully wraps around your back and hips while delivering ample air movement. It can also be stored under the packs top floating lid which is wide enough to cover the ends of a BV500 so it doesnt slide out sideways. Who is the Gregory Focal 58 for?
For carrying loads of 50 pounds or more, I want a pack thats supportive, comfortable, and tricked out. One of the things everyone wants to know with a camping trip bag is how well they can organize their stuff in it. Save big on Exos/Eja, Atmos/Aura, and Stratos/Sirrus Backpacks.
There is nothing as annoying as carrying a bag in sweltering temperatures and having sweat run down your bag the entire hike. All Rights Reserved. By the way, for a day on the trail, I do carry food I intend to eat during the day elsewhere in my pack and stuff my canister only with food I dont need until dinnertime or later, and fill in any unfilled space in the canister with cooking gear or clothing I wont need during the day. Each pack review in this article links to that packs complete review at The Big Outside. 11 oz.backcountry.com. I dont really think it matter with the weights that youll be carrying with this pack. So while I cant really comment on that brand specifically, I did, for many years, use sizable front packs for carrying camera equipment, which is a setup similar to the way AARN packs distribute weight front and back. It seems like they missed the mark on that as I thought that was one of the purposes of the frame To distribute the weight to the hips. Not a fan of the one sided / single trekking pole attachment. I have an Optic and love it. The only issue with this is the different sizes can only fit certain body types. gear blaze Bear canisters are definitely tough to fit conveniently in packs. So if youre in the market for a backpack, you may be pitting the Gregory Optic vs. Osprey Exos, both of which are fantastic backpacks. Give credit to companies like the good old days Craftsman, or todays Darn Tough.. who would repair or replace a product regardless of how it was damaged or just basically wore out. With its modest weight, abundant features, and good compression, the Banchee 50 may be the only pack you need for outings ranging from weekends to wilderness treks up to about five days (with lightweight, compact gear), as long as you dont routinely load more than about 40 pounds inside. 
I would not buy any of these packs. Interesting that Osprey has apparently listened to customer feedback and is bringing back hip belt pockets on the Exos, hopefully in a reasonable size with better zippers.
The other packs reviewed here have a variety of strengths and are designed for different loads and styles. Lol, not literally is it ok, more specifically do you think the feature set is unique enough for these two packs specifically. Theyre all midweights, supportive enough to carry substantial weight and light enough to not be overkill for a weekend trip. And theyre made with recycled fabrics. And if its regularly under 40 pounds and a reasonable volume, The North Face Banchee 50 is a great pack, and $40 cheaper than the othersbut dont overlook the fact that it has less volume. Where are the lightweight packs made by smaller companies? Features include a U-shaped zipper that opens up the entire main compartment; multiple pockets; widely adjustable compression straps that cross over the pack bag; and a rain cover included. Ive tested and reviewed dozens of backpacks over the past two decades, and Ive liked some ultralight packs; but they may not be as ideal for many users as they are for you, based on my personal experience and the clear demands of consumers. Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Windrider$355, 55L/3,400 c.i., 1 lb. There are additional webbing loops distributed around the front open pocket on the lid as well where you can hang accessories or add on additional cordage. 
We also think the ability to carry a large canister horizontally inside is a huge win. Read my complete review of The North Face Banchee 50. 
When comparing other packs to the Focal 58, you need to understand how Gregory computes their pack volumes. Some trails, treks, or stretches of globe-trotting can be extremely trying, and if youre not careful, youll end up waving the white towel early or leaving some of your things behind. Even though it has a minimalist build, it does not sacrifice comfort compared to other bags in the market. Floating lids are great because you can scrunch gear under them that is too bulky to hold inside your backpack. I really wish that more packs had the shoulder strap pockets sewn in like Six Moons. How to Protect Your Luggage from Damage and Keep it Looking New! With the Osprey Exos, you get a bag that hugs you when you carry it, giving the entire bag a snug feeling. I like Ospery Aether, Xenith packs they just Carrie much better than the packs you have on your list I have been to EMS stores and REI and many of the packs that you list have a lot of returns but Aether and Xenith packs are the ones they push and I must say I tried the packs you talked about but after days hiking with them I always go back to the Ospery Aether ,Xenith these packs just feel so much better on my back they make the weight disappear and after days of hiking that is the key to enjoying backpacking . I did read that article earlier and figured that putting them on the top would be the way to go. If youre routinely going to carry well over 40-45 pounds, Id say go with the Osprey Atmos AG 65. On a six-day, 94-mile, north-south traverse of Glacier National Park, I found the Exosa classic since its introduction in 2008 and redesigned for 2022still sets standards for ultralight backpacks. Thank You! Theres still plenty of room to pack your gear inside, even with the canister in this position. Which is, in the end, all that matters. The hip belt has two large pockets that can be used to store a smartphone and other trail essentials. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey Michael thanks for your brilliant comparisons and reviews on backpacks. The focal? gregory nalehko When choosing a pack, I always tell people to find a few options that look good and try them on. The only other pack I was able to do it is granite gear blaze 60, and only on the very bottom (instead of quilt). One of my favorite parts of the canyon. Would it be possible to securely attach shoulder pockets, such as gossamer gear pouches, waymark bottle pouch or Justins ultralight? Even though it is not the best in the osprey bag collection, it is still good enough for you, so you do not have to worry about sweating while carrying it. I dont know if you mean young girls or teenage girls, but if you want a pack for young girls, see my links (below the Osprey Exos and Eja review, above) to my reviews of the Gregory Wander 70 (which also fits many smaller women well) and the Osprey Ace packs. While this increases comfort, it limits the frames ability to transfer weight to the hip belt.
New Customer Discount. The sternum strap is rail-based for ease of adjustment with an integrated whistle and large clip that can be used while wearing lightweight gloves. Ps- wasnt thunder springs amazing? A lightweight replacement lid is included if you want to save a few ounces. Some prefer a minimalist pack, others a range of features and access. If you have a question for me or a comment on this review, please make it in the comments section at the bottom of this story. The Exos 58 and Eja 58 have the capacity for weeklong trips and ultralight thru-hiking. Since the rip was not a manufacturing defect, it was not covered. The packs setup is fairly conventional with large hip belt pockets, large side pockets, an expandable front pocket, and a floating lid with two large zippered pockets. Osprey is exceptional in that regard although theyre not as generous as they once were. Would you please list? Since REI no longer carries the Flash 65 backpack, you must have an older model. I was wondering if you might be able to provide some insight on this Gregory pack compared to the REI Flash 55. The Blaze 60 ranks among the top all-purpose backpacks. The comparison chart below offers a quick look at stats and features that distinguish these packs from one another. The ventilation cavity is only about 1.5 deep at its widest, so it isnt very deep and you can pack much closer to your core. Hi Joey, Ive used the REI Flash 45 as a carry-on.
desired If youre looking for the right bag thatll fit your travels and adventures, youve found the right rundown. Gregory told me they do NOT repair mesh, even for a fee. Of the three big packs for big loads on this list, the Sphinx 60 stands out for its full-length front zipper that completely fillets the pack bag open and coming in four sizes in mens and womens packs, along with substantial adjustability to dial in the fit. The material is strong, yet lightweight and the buckles look good as well. Its on sale in the outlet on the Gregory website. One of the things you will notice about The optic is, it comes in three categories. Youre asking *me* if its ok to have multiple backpacks? Its an internal frame backpack with a 360-degree wire perimeter frame, a floating top lid, load lifters, side water bottle pockets, an open front stretch pocket, with a pair of large hip belt pockets. Want an ultralight pack with more total capacity than the 3400 Windrider and seven external pockets, that weighs and costs less? From the specs, you get to see that the Gregory bag is made from 100-denier nylon. Other than the fact that the Optic has been killed off by Gregory, which is why its less expensive, it doesnt have a seamless backpanel/hip belt and it comes with a rain cover. You need to be careful with it, so it doesnt tear as you are using it. They sport six external pockets, including two on the hipbelt and a large, stretch-mesh front pocket, and useful features like good compression and attachments for trekking poles or an ice axe. There are two side mesh pockets that can be used to hold water bottles. Bought the Focal 58 to replace my Atmos 65. https://www.gossamergear.com/collections/accessories/products/shoulder-strap-pockets, https://www.gossamergear.com/collections/accessories/products/bottle-rocket, https://sectionhiker.com/gregory-packs-optic-58-backpack-review/, https://sectionhiker.com/how-attach-snowshoes-to-backpack/, Hyperlite Mountain Gear Backpacks: How to Choose, How to Reduce Your Backpacking Water Weight, Magnetic Compass Accuracy, Sighting, and Triangulation, Backpacking and Fly Fishing the Dry River, How to Stop Your Superfeet Insoles from Squeaking, Bare Boxer Contender Review: A Small 2-3 Day Bear Canister, Nitecore 10000 mAh USB Power Bank (5.9 oz), Feathered Friends Flicker 40 Quilt Sleeping Bag, Weighed (size Med): 2 lbs 11.1 oz / 1222g with floating lid (minus speed lid), Type: Internal frame, Perimeter Wire with Anti-barrelling Stay, Hydration compatible: Yes (internal elasticated pocket), Sizes: S (Torso: 16-18, Hip: 27-45), M(Torso: 18-20, Hip: 28-48), L (Torso: 20-22, Hip: 30-53). Thats a big selling point for me, just ordered one. I thought the same thing! TREAD LABS INSOLES: As good as custom orthotics at a fraction of the price. If comfort was top priority ( i know thye are different packs ) what would you say feels better on a trip for sheer comfort. Materials: 100D and 210D High-Density Nylon with 45% Recycled Content and DWR; the bottom of the pack has 2 x 210D HD Nylon layers. Both Gregory and Osprey sell other ventilated, suspended mesh backpacks, but with the exception of Zpacks ventilated backpacks, including the Arc Haul 62, your options for lightweight (sub-3lb) ventilated backpacks with suspended mesh frames in a 60L size are quite limited. osprey itemvsitem stratos Yes, there is some ventilation but the Flash does not have a large ventilation cavity like the Focal/Facet (or Exos) and is therefore not as good in that respect. Read my complete review of the Gregory Focal 58 and Facet 55. desired The external nylon fabric is sufficiently durable for trail use, but you can expect to snag and wear holes through the side mesh pockets eventually. For what its worth the new Exos 58 hip belt coming out next month doesnt attach to the frame either. If you love backpacking, youve probably heard of two of the best bags: Gregory Optic vs. Osprey Exos. You can also slide it back in, and re-orient it vertically. The frame has a horizontal back-stay to prevent anti-barrelling so that the back panel doesnt round when the pack is overstuffed, and you dont feel hard objects like a bear canister poking you in the back. If its going to be more like around 35-40 pounds, but occasionally a bit more, Id choose the Granite Gear Blaze 60. The Arcteryx Altra is no longer available, but the Osprey Atmos AG is very comfortable with 45+ pounds, and thats what its made for. If the canister is standing up in my pack, its easier to access anything inside it.
The more you carry in it, the more uncomfortable you get. Thanks for the compliment and the good question. Theres also the Baltoro 75 and Deva 70 (both $350). That said, the pack becomes noticeably top-heavy and harder to control if a bear canister is packed under the lid. Much preferred to vertical. Ive never particularly liked side pockets that have a side opening like this, but they work well, you adapt to them quickly, and bottles dont fall out of them when the pack tips over. I used and liked the previous version of the Flash 45, too, which is very similar to the pack you have if you have the same generation of that pack series. The Focal 58 has a floating top lid with two zippered pockets, one on the top and one on the underside of the lid. That works, but its not an easy fit. optic
Gregorys attention to comfort in its ultralight backpack is evident in the aluminum perimeter wire frame with a fiberglass cross-stay and an HDPE framesheet that lend the pack substantial rigidity, distributing most of the load across the hips. Users have also admitted that it did not hold everything together without the user feeling the bags weight. They seem like they are similar but different enough but was just curious your thoughts. Granite Gears Perimeter series packs feature adjustability for both torso length and shoulder width, easily accomplished by resetting the position of a clip behind each shoulder strap. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. 15% Off New Customer Discount with Coupon Code SECTIONHIKER15. That seems like a bonus for a backpack with a customizable fit and high functionality that carries a modest weight and price. The weight makes it perfect for a multiday trip since you can carry it around without feeling fatigued very fast.
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