My new backpack from Gregory

[JoroAtanasof]

My first Camino in 2018 was a great experience except for one part - the equipment .
I was extremely unlucky with my choice of shoes and backpack
I solved my shoe problem when I bought Keen Newport sandals from the Caminoteca store in Pamplona and walked with them until Finisterra . I wish I had done the same with the backpack ...
By all means I bought a good backpack but it was made for mountaineering from Cordura material and it was heavy and because of the T shape frame- very uncomfortable it weighted almost 2 kg . So in 2019 I bought the Osprey Exos 38 and Stratos 36 . I ended up walking Camino Portugues with the Stratos and it was a really nice experience , I think back then this was one of the most recognizable models on Camino . What i did not like was the weight and the lack of large pockets on the hipbelt. In the beginning of 2020 I found the Mammut Ducan 30L backpack . I have to admit that I was under the influence of a couple long distance youtube channels so i was trying to minimize backpack weight a lot . The Ducan is an extremely lightweight 890g backpack with frame , also they used the same shoulders with pockets like the ones used on trail running vests . The only 2 disadvantages for me are the lack of hip support so in reality all the weight is on the shoulders , the other one is the lack of front mesh pocket and hip belt pockets . Never the less i walked Camino Primitivo and twice Camino Frances and the section from Irun to Santander with this backpack sometimes doing 40 + kms .
This year i plan to walk Del Norte staring from Bilbao but i wanted to try new backpack . I think I found a backpack with all the features that I want and this is Gregory Focal 38L . The weight is 1113 grams, it provides excellent hip support and all the pockets are easily accessible .
So this is my journey with Camino backpacks so far , perhaps someone already tested the Focal and can give me some feedback ?

 

[Antnix1]

I ordered the Gregory Paragon 48 before i even finished my first Camino as my cheap backpack was breaking my heart. I wasnt carrying much but I had to keep tightening the straps. It was awful

Anyway, the Gregory is a decent pack. Not lightweight but it has room for my sleeping bag and second pair of shoes without hanging stuff off it or using straps-disadvantage with the larger bag is it doesn't fit in hand luggage. Also has bottom-opening zip (good for sleeping bag), huge net pouch at the front and pockets to the side, and a side zip (that I haven't found a use for). So, well thought out features.

I'd recommend the 3D hydro reservoir designed for it. Another problem with my old setup was the leaks but i havent had problems with this.

 

[shefollowsshells]

My first Camino in 2018 was a great experience except for one part - the equipment .
I was extremely unlucky with my choice of shoes and backpack
I solved my shoe problem when I bought Keen Newport sandals from the Caminoteca store in Pamplona and walked with them until Finisterra . I wish I had done the same with the backpack ...
By all means I bought a good backpack but it was made for mountaineering from Cordura material and it was heavy and because of the T shape frame- very uncomfortable it weighted almost 2 kg . So in 2019 I bought the Osprey Exos 38 and Stratos 36 . I ended up walking Camino Portugues with the Stratos and it was a really nice experience , I think back then this was one of the most recognizable models on Camino . What i did not like was the weight and the lack of large pockets on the hipbelt. In the beginning of 2020 I found the Mammut Ducan 30L backpack . I have to admit that I was under the influence of a couple long distance youtube channels so i was trying to minimize backpack weight a lot . The Ducan is an extremely lightweight 890g backpack with frame , also they used the same shoulders with pockets like the ones used on trail running vests . The only 2 disadvantages for me are the lack of hip support so in reality all the weight is on the shoulders , the other one is the lack of front mesh pocket and hip belt pockets . Never the less i walked Camino Primitivo and twice Camino Frances and the section from Irun to Santander with this backpack sometimes doing 40 + kms .
This year i plan to walk Del Norte staring from Bilbao but i wanted to try new backpack . I think I found a backpack with all the features that I want and this is Gregory Focal 38L . The weight is 1113 grams, it provides excellent hip support and all the pockets are easily accessible .
So this is my journey with Camino backpacks so far , perhaps someone already tested the Focal and can give me some feedback ?

In 2012 I actually returned my Osprey pack for a Gregory… I loved my Gregory! In 2023 the zippers started breaking but well earned I had done thousands of miles with it.

Gregory is now owned by Samsonite!!!!
Just sharing, I have no idea if that’s good or bad news.

My new Gregory , same model is soooo much lighter , but I’m not convinced that it’s not because of being more cheaply made or because of technology…
To be determined…

 

[WisTom]

I did 3 long Caminos (shortest was Camino Francés from SJPP) and the Via Francigena from Turin to Rome with an Osprey Talon 42, which I really liked. I was intrigued by Gregory. I'm now walking from Valencia to Santiago using a Gregory Zulu 40. It's more compact and I'm extremely happy with options for changing weight distribution as I walk, which is critical on some of the 35-40km stages. I'm carrying roughly 9kg/20lb, but a bit more on stages w no services. I'd recommend Gregory.

 

[MesaWalker]

I just bought a Gregory Zulu 40L pack for my next camino - must be the same pack as WisTom. I have a larger Gregory pack that I like, and I had walked my last two-month fall camino in an REI Traverse 35L, which seemed a touch small, is not nearly as well padded as the Gregory, and the torso length wasn't adjustable and probably didn't fit me as well as I'd like.

So far I like the fit of the 40L Gregory a lot. My only beef with Gregory is that I find the water bottle pockets a bit hard to navigate with the pack on. But I can live with that. Otherwise, I like Gregory packs.

 

[Marus99]

Love my Gregory Zulu 35. Done 3 Caminos with it. Super comfortable.

 

[geraldkelly]

I had a Gregory for many years and Caminos. Great backpack.

 

[RuiSimoes]

Meu primeiro Caminho em 2018 foi uma ótima experiência, exceto por uma parte – o equipamento.
Tive muito azar com minha escolha de sapatos e mochila
Resolvi meu problema com os sapatos quando comprei sandálias Keen Newport na loja Caminoteca de Pamplona e caminhei com elas até Finisterra. Queria ter feito o mesmo com a mochila...
Com certeza comprei uma mochila boa, mas era feita para montanhismo em material Cordura e era pesada e por causa da estrutura em formato de T - muito desconfortável pesava quase 2 kg. Então em 2019 comprei o Osprey Exos 38 e o Stratos 36. Acabei percorrendo o Caminho Português com o Stratos e foi uma experiência muito legal, acho que naquela época esse era um dos modelos mais reconhecidos no Caminho. O que não gostei foi do peso e da falta de bolsos grandes no cinto. No início de 2020 encontrei a mochila Mammut Ducan 30L. Tenho que admitir que estava sob a influência de alguns canais de longa distância do YouTube, então estava tentando minimizar muito o peso da mochila. A Ducan é uma mochila extremamente leve de 890g com moldura, além de usar os mesmos ombros com bolsos como os usados nos coletes de corrida de trilha. As únicas duas desvantagens para mim são a falta de apoio para o quadril, então na realidade todo o peso está sobre os ombros, a outra é a falta de bolso frontal de malha e bolsos para cinto. Mesmo assim caminhei o Caminho Primitivo e duas vezes o Caminho Francês e o trecho de Irun a Santander com esta mochila às vezes fazendo mais de 40 kms.
Este ano pretendo caminhar pelo Del Norte a partir de Bilbao, mas queria experimentar uma mochila nova. Acho que encontrei uma mochila com todas as características que desejo e esta é a Gregory Focal 38L. O peso é de 1113 gramas, oferece excelente suporte para o quadril e todos os bolsos são de fácil acesso.
Então essa é minha jornada com as mochilas Camino até agora, talvez alguém já tenha testado a Focal e possa me dar algum feedback?

Hi I'm currently researching the Gregory Focal 38 in size LG. I've seen several different measurements listed on various websites. Can you confirm that the correct dimensions are 69 x 36 x 31 cm?

 

[Goyo]

Love my Gregory Zulu 35. Done 3 Caminos with it. Super comfortable.

Very glad to hear you like your Zulu 35. I recently got a great deal online from REI (I’d previously done an in-store fitting) and the pack is anxiously waiting for me at my sister’s. I’m looking forward to test packing it and doing some walkarounds in anticipation of my first Camino sometime this year,

 

[CWBuff]

I am totally in love with my Zulu 35L as well and recently got my wife Jade 28L in anticipation of the upcoming TMB we shall undertake in July

 

[Goyo]

I am totally in love with my Zulu 35L as well and recently got my wife Jade 28L in anticipation of the upcoming TMB we shall undertake in July

Another happy camper, uh, pilgrim ¡Buen camino en Julio!

 

[KiwiJohn]

My first Camino in 2018 was a great experience except for one part - the equipment .
I was extremely unlucky with my choice of shoes and backpack
I solved my shoe problem when I bought Keen Newport sandals from the Caminoteca store in Pamplona and walked with them until Finisterra . I wish I had done the same with the backpack ...
By all means I bought a good backpack but it was made for mountaineering from Cordura material and it was heavy and because of the T shape frame- very uncomfortable it weighted almost 2 kg . So in 2019 I bought the Osprey Exos 38 and Stratos 36 . I ended up walking Camino Portugues with the Stratos and it was a really nice experience , I think back then this was one of the most recognizable models on Camino . What i did not like was the weight and the lack of large pockets on the hipbelt. In the beginning of 2020 I found the Mammut Ducan 30L backpack . I have to admit that I was under the influence of a couple long distance youtube channels so i was trying to minimize backpack weight a lot . The Ducan is an extremely lightweight 890g backpack with frame , also they used the same shoulders with pockets like the ones used on trail running vests . The only 2 disadvantages for me are the lack of hip support so in reality all the weight is on the shoulders , the other one is the lack of front mesh pocket and hip belt pockets . Never the less i walked Camino Primitivo and twice Camino Frances and the section from Irun to Santander with this backpack sometimes doing 40 + kms .
This year i plan to walk Del Norte staring from Bilbao but i wanted to try new backpack . I think I found a backpack with all the features that I want and this is Gregory Focal 38L . The weight is 1113 grams, it provides excellent hip support and all the pockets are easily accessible .
So this is my journey with Camino backpacks so far , perhaps someone already tested the Focal and can give me some feedback ?

Stratos 36L for me!

 

[Goyo]

Another happy camper, uh, pilgrim ¡Buen camino en Julio!

BTW, there were some concerns raised in the REI comments section about the Zulu 35 maybe being too big for an aircraft’s overhead compartment, depending, of course, on how stuffed you stuff it. And I refer here to a long-haul, trans-Atlantic size plane, not smaller aircraft common for flights within Europe. Your thoughts, experience?

 

[CWBuff]

IMHO it is too big by overall dimensions (my wife's Jade 28 is a tad large as well but I feel we'll be able to get it through)
That Said I was checking mine in anyways because of the poles.

 

[Goyo]

IMHO it is too big by overall dimensions (my wife's Jade 28 is a tad large as well but I feel we'll be able to get it through)
That Said I was checking mine in anyways because of the poles.

Yeah, thought so. Thank you for your response. Buen Camino!

 

[JoroAtanasof]

So little update, Gregory’s suspension system is superb . Even with 5 to 6 kg of load I am doing 25 kms per day and I have no issues. I brought rain gear and puffy jacket and everything fits well in the backpack . Plenty of pockets . I was prepared to offload some of the gear if I feel that the backpack is too heavy but there is no need . Highly recommended it .

 

[Goyo]

So little update, Gregory’s suspension system is superb . Even with 5 to 6 kg of load I am doing 25 kms per day and I have no issues. I brought rain gear and puffy jacket and everything fits well in the backpack . Plenty of pockets . I was prepared to offload some of the gear if I feel that the backpack is too heavy but there is no need . Highly recommended it .

Thank you kindly for the details I’ve been practice packing and walking with an older REI Traverse 30L with @4.5-5kg of weight, not including water, some snackies, meds and toiletry stuff, and have felt pretty good afterwards. And there is still room for the things I didn’t include. However, as it is an older pack (2012?) I’d think that the suspension system is not up to today’s standards. So, I’m excited to give the Gregory a whirl come May! Gracias de antemano y buen camino.

 

[jdbro60]

BTW, there were some concerns raised in the REI comments section about the Zulu 35 maybe being too big for an aircraft’s overhead compartment, depending, of course, on how stuffed you stuff it. And I refer here to a long-haul, trans-Atlantic size plane, not smaller aircraft common for flights within Europe. Your thoughts, experience?

I recently measured the Gregory Zulu 45. The frame is 22 inches long which meets the overhead bin size requirements. As long as you don't overpack the top pouch there should be no problem taking this as a carry on. Still possible you may have to gate check it on flights within Europe.

 

[Goyo]

I recently measured the Gregory Zulu 45. The frame is 22 inches long which meets the overhead bin size requirements. As long as you don't overpack the top pouch there should be no problem taking this as a carry on. Still possible you may have to gate check it on flights within Europe.

Hmm. Interesting. Did you actually measure the pack? Just the frame? Or, like me, take the pack measurements from the REI site? According to the site, the small Zulu 45L measures out at 23.2 x 13.8 x 9.1 inches = 46.1. My small Zulu 35L measures 24 x 12.25 x 9.5 inches = 45.75. I think like you that as long as I don’t over stuff it, I will be ok, at least getting across the pond. And flights within Europe are not in my plans, but we know how plans can change. So, I’m all ears on your take on this. Thanks!

 

[CWBuff]

I recently measured the Gregory Zulu 45. The frame is 22 inches long which meets the overhead bin size requirements.

From Gregory website:
Gregory Zulu 35 - 24 x 12.25 x 9.5 inches = 45.75 inches (as per below)
Gregory Zulu 45 - 24.4 x 13.8 x 9.1 inches = 47.3 inches

Most US airlines - 22 x 14 x 9 inches high including wheels and handles. All three measurements shouldn't add up to more than 45 inches

so... close enough but obviously over. again up to the individual if one wants to risk it or not. Yes there is a possibility of the gate-checking however it is also my understanding that lately airlines began to impose fines in addition to check-in fee if your luggage does not meet their requirements. And speaking of - IMHO it maters not what these numbers are; there is that little contraption by the gate and the only thing matters if your piece will fit into that. If it wont - good luck trying to argue the point however right you may be.
Just sayin'

 

[Goyo]

Totally agree. I worked for an airline for a number of years, so I’m familiar with how things work, or don’t, and all kinds of contraptions, the mood of the gate keepers, the alignment of the sun, moon and other celestial objects, etc.. I thought that I’d missed something with the dimensions of the packs on the REI site and what you measured. All good. Thanks, and buen camino…

 

[jdbro60]

Hmm. Interesting. Did you actually measure the pack? Just the frame? Or, like me, take the pack measurements from the REI site? According to the site, the small Zulu 45L measures out at 23.2 x 13.8 x 9.1 inches = 46.1. My small Zulu 35L measures 24 x 12.25 x 9.5 inches = 45.75. I think like you that as long as I don’t over stuff it, I will be ok, at least getting across the pond. And flights within Europe are not in my plans, but we know how plans can change. So, I’m all ears on your take on this. Thanks!

Tape measure in hand. I spent an hour looking at backpacks trying to find the best that would work as a carry on. Its best to go to an outfitting store and tear into them. This one had the most features that I liked. I think as long as the rigid frame fits, the rest will squish. As mentioned by others, the long haul flights have plenty of overhead space.

 

[Goyo]

Tape measure in hand. I spent an hour looking at backpacks trying to find the best that would work as a carry on. Its best to go to an outfitting store and tear into them. This one had the most features that I liked. I think as long as the rigid frame fits, the rest will squish. As mentioned by others, the long haul flights have plenty of overhead space.

I feel the same about the 35. Went to REI, was the size I wanted, ditto with the accoutrements, played with it, liked it, but wanted to check out some other brands, too. Later, it went on sale, end of story. Thanks for your feedback. Much appreciated.

 

[C clearly]

Or, like me, take the pack measurements from the REI site?

The manufacturer's dimensions reflect the fully stuffed pack. The airline cares about the actual dimensions - i.e. does it fit in the measuring contraption.

 

[Goyo]

The manufacturer's dimensions reflect the fully stuffed pack. The airline cares about the actual dimensions - i.e. does it fit in the measuring contraption.

Gotcha. I don’t foresee my pack being anywhere near fully stuffed. It’s those unexpected and uncontrollable “piedra en mi camino” that tend to trip me up. Oh, well. Damn the contraptions! Full speed ahead. Thank you.

 

[Marus99]

BTW, there were some concerns raised in the REI comments section about the Zulu 35 maybe being too big for an aircraft’s overhead compartment, depending, of course, on how stuffed you stuff it. And I refer here to a long-haul, trans-Atlantic size plane, not smaller aircraft common for flights within Europe. Your thoughts, experience?

Never had a problem with it being accepted as carry-on. Not even on Ryanair.