User Review: Gregory Palisade

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

Reviewed May 8, 2004 by Megan

Rating:
Design: Top loading internal frame rucksack
Size: Small, 4850ci
Number of Pockets: 3
Max. Load Carried: 65-70
Height of Owner: 5'4", 117 lbs
Price Paid: $275

I used this pack for 4 months in Europe while camping in 14 countries, from July to the end of December. Great pack. I BPed alone and it carried everything I needed, from tent, sleeping bag, clothes, to any extra gear and it fit ALL inside without using external straps when necessary. For the first 2 1/2 months I carried 60-70 pounds, then luckily met some family and handed over some old stuff for lighter winter clothing and went down to 40 pounds or so.

The pack was great even after injuring my knee my first month out. It was very easy to adjust the weight when I needed to take pressure off my left knee. I'm right over the XS size measurements, so the size Small pack took a little time to get used to, but ended up being the best investment I made. BE SURE TO GET THE RIGHT SIZE, it is SO IMPORTANT. Don't just buy any pack out there. I'm glad I didn't.

The only thing I would prefer is a backpack daypack instead of waistpack-- all they have to do is keep the straps hidden underneath where the waist straps are-- but that's another day, another model I suppose. That's my only complaint-- everything else: Superb!