Hands-On with the 55L Backpacking Bag

Backpacking is well my favourite pastime, whether or not it’s a single night time within the woods or a 2,600 mile thru-hike. It’s the greatest feeling to hold all the things that you must survive in your again then stroll out into the wilderness. Alongside the best way you might be at all times sure to see and expertise some fairly wonderful issues. 

Your backpack is arguably an important piece of substances to think about when making ready on your backpacking journey. It’s your contact level to the remainder of your stuff throughout your total journey. I’ve had the pleasure of attempting quite a few packs and am fairly choosy relating to what I like and don’t like. 

When selecting a pack for backpacking journeys it is very important have all your different gear in thoughts. As soon as what sort of gear you could have, or need to put money into, you’ll understand how a lot area you want, how light-weight you need your pack to be, and what small options will work greatest together with your package.

That is my Gregory Katmai overview. I examined the 55L pack, nevertheless it additionally is available in a 65L common and plus measurement. I’ll begin by saying that the Katmai was a nice shock! Right here’s what I believed.

Gregory Katmai Overview Abstract

Gregory is a family identify relating to backpacks. They attempt to make packs which might be “worn not carried,” they usually do that by way of progressive chassis methods that work together with your physique as you carry the pack versus towards it. 

Gregory, together with a lot of the out of doors gear trade, has begun to put a better emphasis on sustainability. They’ve an in depth pack restore program to assist hold packs from getting thrown away. In case your pack just isn’t repairable on the finish of its life, Gregory recycles or repurposes varied elements of the pack!

The Katmai (males’s) and Kalmia (girls’s) are two of Gregory’s greatest luggage. The Gregory Katmai is a traditional backpacking backpack with prime, backside, and aspect entry factors. It boasts many attachment factors and pockets for gear, in addition to loads of storage on your water.

Since its inception, this bag has turn into a staple for a lot of thru-hikers. It has many thoughtfully-designed options that make it stand out from fundamental packs that fall in the identical worth vary.

This bag overview offers you the entire breakdown of the Gregory Katmai Backpacking Bag!

Gregory Katmai Execs and Cons

Is the Gregory Katmai Proper for You?

The Gregory Katmai is an superior pack for anybody seeking to get into backpacking. Though it weighs fairly a bit for a backpacking pack, it’s nice for those who don’t fairly have all of your gear dialed in but.

The pack has loads of quantity to attempt totally different gear setups and can be utilized as each a journey pack in addition to a trekking pack. 

The FreeFloat 360 suspension system is nice as a result of it lets you carry heavier stuff with out sacrificing consolation. The best way the pack strikes in your again is also nice to assist make a heavy load really feel lighter.

The Katmai pack is particularly made for males’s our bodies, and Gregory’s Kalmia Backpack is the sister pack constructed for girls.

This pack just isn’t nicely fitted to somebody in search of an Ultralight pack. In case your gear is generally light-weight, you’ll in all probability discover that you’ve got loads of additional room on this pack and may look to get a smaller, extra compact bag within the 2 lbs vary. 

Gregory Katmai Options

Backpack Entry Factors

The Gregory Katmai permits entry into the primary compartment from three zippered entry factors.

It’s arrange like a typical top-loading pack with a drawstring closure and a lid pocket. That is fairly commonplace for many backpacking packs. Typically this may be irritating for those who’re attempting to get to a chunk of substances not situated on the prime of the bag, however that’s the place the opposite entry factors come into play (which many different luggage don’t supply)!

It has a zippered backside sleeping bag compartment, which has a detachable nylon divider that provides you the choice to separate the gadgets on the very backside from the remainder of the pack.

Then there’s a nifty side-access zipper that permits you fast and easy accessibility to the within of your pack. This can be a widespread characteristic for digicam backpacks in order that photographers have entry to their gear at a second’s discover, and it’s a welcome boost to a backpacking bag!

A aspect entry pocket means you could have one other methodology of reaching your gear so that you don’t should utterly unload your pack to get to issues deeper down or pressed towards the perimeters (I’ve skilled this subject with previous backpacks I’ve owned and it’s a complete ache)!

Exterior Storage

Subsequent to the aspect entry pocket there’s a stealthy one-hand water bottle holder that may be tucked away when not in use. I touched on this earlier, however one subject I’ve with this design, though I needed to find it irresistible, was that I usually hit my elbow on my water bottle when climbing! I want it was positioned elsewhere so it was extra snug!

On the bag’s different aspect is a stretchy mesh pocket nice for snacks, poles, a rain jacket, or one other water bottle. The entrance exterior of the pack has a stretchy mesh pouch and a small zippered pocket.

On either side of the pack, there are two adjustable buckled straps to connect issues to the aspect of the pack in addition to compress the pack in case you are not carrying as cumbersome of a load.

The underside of the pack additionally has buckled compression straps to connect a tent or sleeping pad. There are additionally two spots on the pack to connect trekking poles or an ice axe for winter adventures. A lot of these straps are important to a great backpacking pack! 

The lid pocket consists of three totally different compartments. The smallest one on the highest holds very small issues like keys, a pockets, and sun shades. The primary pocket within the lid is nice for simple entry to issues like lunch or snacks.

Trying Inside The Pack

If you open the highest, you’ll discover a pocket on the underside on the lid the place Gregory has positioned the bag’s rainfly. I opted to truly transfer this to a different place within the bag and use this pocket as an alternative for my small toiletries.

Within the bag, there’s a sleeve for a hydration bladder with a SpeedClip. Except you already personal one, I usually advocate getting the hydration bladder made by the corporate of the bag you’re utilizing. On this occasion, Gregory’s 3D Hydro 3L Reservoir.

One in every of my favourite comfort options of this pack is the outsized hip belt pockets. Either side can simply match regular-sized iPhones and Android telephones. The opposite pocket is ideal for fast snacks or your headlamp.

I like having massive hip belt pockets in order that I don’t should take my pack off to get snacks or pull out my telephone to take an image whereas on the path.

Harness

The harness of a pack is all the issues that contact your physique whereas carrying it. This contains the shoulder straps, the hip belt, the sternum strap, and the again panel.

That is in all probability one of the best a part of the Katmai. They built-in a FreeFloat 360 system with a suspended mesh again panel and auto-rotating shoulder straps.

The FreeFloat 360 is fairly superior. Most firms sew their shoulder straps proper onto the physique of the pack, however Gregory attaches the straps with rivets that permit them to rotate as your physique strikes aspect to aspect.

I’ve carried loads of packs and was very excited after I had this loaded up for my first hike. It made the pack really feel just a little lighter and the best way it moved together with your physique made it really feel extra like an extension of your physique versus a static object in your again.

The shoulder straps themselves are thick and nicely padded. Gregory made them rounded on the perimeters so that they don’t dig into your shoulders. 

The precise again panel is a suspended mesh panel on an aluminum body with fiberglass horizontal stays. I like mesh again panels as a result of they conform to your again completely versus a standard pack that sits stiff proper up towards your again. It additionally permits air to circulate between the bag and your again, serving to hold you cool and fewer sweaty.

Gregory calls the hip belt their 3D Consolation Cradle. The again panel extends down into the hip belt making a seamless mesh panel that hugs you all the best way round your hips. It’s padded and sits actually properly in your hips.

For backpacking, this model of hip belt is wonderful. It feels safe round your physique and does a great job of taking weight off of your shoulders. Since it’s one mesh panel all the best way down the again there is no such thing as a place the place the pack can pinch you. 

The design of the hip belt makes it so you’ll be able to’t take away it. This may be problematic when taking a pack like this on airplanes, as a result of it doesn’t tuck out of the best way. I’ve tried to place an Osprey Atmos (related hip belt design) into an overhead storage bin for a couple of minutes earlier than I had to surrender and gate-check the bag. 

The final piece of the harness is the chest strap. It strikes up and right down to get the strap in the proper place and has an built-in whistle in case of emergency. 

Pockets

For me, one of the enjoyable elements of backpacking is tetrising all your gear into your pack. The pockets on any pack are one of the vital issues to think about when shopping for a backpacking bag. 

The Katmai has seven exterior pockets—nicely, seven and a half, for those who depend the tuck-away water bottle holder.

The lid of the pack has two exterior pockets. The smaller one on prime is for gadgets like keys, pockets, and permits. The primary lid pocket is good and roomy, though the rain cowl saved within the pocket beneath the lid form of eats into this area. 

They put a zippered pocket on the very exterior of the pack with a mesh sleeve inside. I like this pocket as a result of it’s very accessible and massive—I ended up placing my camp footwear on this pocket.

On prime of that pocket, Gregory put a small stretchy mesh pouch. I like one of these pocket as a result of they’re so handy to place no matter you need in it and the stretchy mesh holds all the things in.

I already touched on the 2 hip belt pockets however I’ll say once more this stuff are nice! They’re so massive you’ll be able to match every kind of nicknacks in them. 

Group

The Katmai is a giant pack, making group all that extra vital. Gregory does a great job with all the totally different pockets on the skin of the pack that provide help to hold vital gadgets out of the litter of the primary compartment.

The underside entry for the sleeping bag is nice and the zippered aspect entry additionally helps to not should dump the contents of your pack out.

I stay in bear nation and lots of of my favourite locations to go backpacking require me to hold a bear canister. As a lot as I hate attempting to suit it into my pack (they’re heavy and ponderous) the Katmai can match one of many massive measurement canisters simply. You possibly can retailer it in the primary compartment or match it beneath the lid pocket and safe it down.

Gregory Katmai Overview

Supplies: What’s It Made Of?

The Gregory Katmai just isn’t constituted of typical backpacking backpack supplies. The supplies used within the Katmai are a nod to Gregory’s dedication to sustainability.

The primary pack physique is product of a mix of 210D nylon and 420D nylon. Of the 210D nylon, 40 % is recycled nylon. The 410D nylon is 45 % recycled. The liner of the pack is a 135D polyester that’s 45 % post-consumer recycled as nicely.

The body is constituted of aluminum with horizontal fiberglass that stays for anti-barreling. 

The again panel and the straps are made with Polygien Keep Contemporary Expertise, an odor management air mesh remedy that inhibits the expansion of odor inflicting micro organism. Though the mesh helps to maintain you again much less sweaty whereas backpacking, your again nonetheless does sweat and that is wonderful to maintain the again panel of your pack stink-free. 

Gregory topped all of it off with a PFC-free DWR coating. With time, the DWR (sturdy water repellent) coating wears off your bag. Conventional DWR finishes are petroleum-based, and after they rub off on account of rain, they get into the watersheds and might hurt vegetation and animals. 

Nonetheless, the PCF-free coating used on the Katmai don’t comprise environmentally dangerous chemical compounds! 

Consolation: Is It Simple To Put on?

The Katmai is a really snug pack to put on. The suspended mesh again panel conforms to the form of your again, and the auto-rotating shoulder straps hold the pack balanced in your again and assist stabilize you whereas strolling. The hip belt hugs your hips making it really feel like an extension of your physique. 

I’ve been carrying Ultralight packs just like the ULA Circut for the previous few years and I forgot what it was like to hold a totally padded full-suspension backpacking pack! I actually loved it.

Sturdiness

The Gregory Katmai is a strong pack when it comes to workmanship. Gregory used high-quality supplies for all the things on the pack.

The buckles, the straps, and the zippers all appear very sturdy. Gregory paid consideration to the little particulars and put the thicker materials at high-stress factors on the pack.

General I really feel like this pack will final me a very long time!

Model & Aesthetics

The overview wouldn’t be full with out speaking concerning the aesthetics of the pack.

The Gregory Katmai is available in 2 colours: Volcano Black and Blaze Blue. The blue is a brighter, enjoyable choice, whereas the black is sleeker and blends in just a little extra. 

The Katmai appears clear but rugged. The compression straps and the trekking pole and ice axe loops make it seem like a backpacking pack.

I had the Volcano Black shade for this overview, and I actually just like the crimson inside! It form of made the bag pop just a little extra when the pockets have been opened up.

Gregory Katmai Equipment

There are just a few equipment that you simply would possibly need to purchase alongside the Katmai. I at all times advocate getting equipment from the identical model as your pack if potential, so listed here are my prime picks from Gregory!

Gregory 3D Hydro 3L Reservoir

The Katmai comes with a SpeedClip and a compartment for a water bladder. This Gregory branded bladder suits completely into the pack but additionally comes with Gregory’s fast connection methodology. If you will be utilizing a water bladder whereas backpacking, the Gergory branded ones offers you one of the best match within the Gregory pack.

Gregory Nano 14

The Katmai comes geared up with NANO join, a system of inside toggles that lets you connect the Gregory Nano 14 to the within of the pack.

The Gregory Nano is a small easy drawstring closure pack that’s good as a small day pack. Whether or not you’re strolling round a brand new metropolis or bagging a fast peak out of your campsite, it’s at all times good to have a smaller bag so that you don’t have to hold your 55L pack round for a shorter journey. 

Gregory Katmai Alternate options

Listed below are just a few product choices which might be just like the Gregory Katmai 55L, and the way they form up as compared.

Mountain {Hardware} PCT 55L Backpack

This heavy responsibility backpacking bag is one other nice 55L pack. Roughly the identical weight and measurement, this pack serves related capabilities to the Gregory Katmai, however provides a bit totally different group.

I like that this backpack has two massive similar aspect pockets which might be good for water bottles. They’ve a prime and aspect entry choice, which is extraordinarily handy for sliding out your water bottle.

A full trampoline backpanel gives help and air flow, and the hip belt offers additional stabilization to your pack.

This pack has a very distinctive entrance compartment that’s virtually like a mini pack on prime of the backpack. I like this concept as a result of you’ll be able to put all the belongings you want through the day on this entrance compartment so that you don’t should root round the primary compartment to search out these necessities.

It additionally has a backside entry level and sleeping bag storage space, however doesn’t have a aspect entry level just like the Katmai does, which is a bummer.

General it is a fairly related different to the Katmai with some design variations which might be as much as desire!

Deuter Aircontact Core 50 + 10 SL Pack

The Deuter Aircontact (males’s and girls’s) is a modern but purposeful bag that gives loads of nice options for a backpacking bag.

This can be a base 50L bag that may go as much as 60L with its expandable collar on the primary compartment. It has a number of exterior straps to connect gear like trekking poles and a sleeping pad, and options elastic mesh aspect pockets for water bottles.

A entrance stretch pocket and prime zip pocket present extra group on your gadgets, nevertheless this one does present total much less pockets and group than the Katmai or PCT packs.

All the straps are adjustable and constituted of snug padded supplies, and over 50% of the pack’s materials is recycled!

General it is a nice newbie bag whereas determining your favourite gear, as you’ll be able to develop it to suit extra for those who want and connect issues to the skin of the bag.

Gregory Katmai FAQ

It’s a great, not nice guarantee. It basically covers you if the workmanship or the supplies are faulty if you get your pack. In comparison with the All-Mighty assure (they may substitute or restore and pack for any purpose from any period) that Osprey provides on their packs, this isn’t a terrific guarantee.

Gregory Katmai Overview Abstract: Closing Ideas

The Gregory Katmai was a really nice shock. The pack is nicely thought out and ideal for those who’re in search of a pack that you can simply as simply tackle a backcountry journey as they may on a tour of Europe.

The FreeFloat 360 is the true better part for me. The consolation on the again and the best way it strikes together with your physique are superior and I beloved climbing with it!

In case you are in search of an Ultralight pack or one thing to tackle a thru-hike, I might look elsewhere. The Katmai is just a bit too heavy—nevertheless it’s nice for shorter backpacking journeys.

General I appreciated this pack. The Katmai is a good choice for folks simply beginning on their backpacking and touring journeys. So have enjoyable, and keep in mind to at all times depart it higher than you discovered it!