User Review: Gregory Palisade (1998)

Gregory Palisade
Above: The current Palisade, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed August 13, 1998 by Scott Morrison

Rating:
Design: Internal
Size: 5050
Number of Pockets: 2
Max. Load Carried: 35lbs.
Height of Owner: 6'0''
Price Paid: $280

This is an awesome pack! I used it for 35 days in VA and not one seam split or one zipper got stuck. Everthing about this pack rocks!!!!

It has a huge spindrift collar that could be used for an unexpected bivy on the mountains. A huge single pocket on the back. Big enough to carry lunch, sunscreen, first-aid kit, and other small items. It also has a pocket on the lid of the pack that swallows up my raingear and a pair of Marmot Windblock golves. Underneith the lid is a plastic mesh that has a large whole at each end and I use that "pocket" to hold my 2 liter platy.

Some other great features of the pack include a sleeping bag pocket that eats up my 20 degree bag and has an easily removable divider. A pair of straps that work out perfect for lashing you pad to your pack. 2 ice axe loops. 4 compression straps on each side the zig-zag to compress even the biggest loads. And to top it off, the packs lid detaches and becomes a fanny pack complete with 2 web-belt and all.

The size is perfect. In the summer the pack is a bit big, but the compression straps take care of any shifting that might occur. In the winter every thing fits nice and snug.

The best part of the pack is the suspension! It has the patented Adjust-a-Cant shoulder strap that forms to your own bodies shoulder slope, it also has the best waistbelt that I have ever felt. Nice and firm to support weight but not to firm to bruse you hips. It has three different setting depending on you hip slope. I know really technical but well worth the extreme comfort. Like they say 80lbs. in a Gregory fells like 40. I believe they are right. I would never dare carry that much but I did carry 35lbs on a steep 11 mile hike and it felt like 20lbs. I couldn't believe it. The pack almost seems like it is part of you. It is never uncomfortable and it never sways as you walk.

All in all. This is the best pack that I have ever had and will ever have. Don't look for a bargain and buy something cheaper. Believe me it's not worth the extra nickle or two. This pack will out-live you!

Keep it pure!