User Review: Gregory Palisade

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

Reviewed July 5, 2006 by Todd

Rating:
Design: Top loading internal
Size: 5500 cu
Number of Pockets: 2
Max. Load Carried: 60lbs
Height of Owner: 6'2"
Price Paid: $230

I love this pack and have owned two. I bought my first in 1996 and just recently bought my second and have used it on one four-day trip. Most of my trips are four days or less but I tend to carry a lot of camera gear (MF camera, 3-4 lenses, film, etc) which weighs between 10 and 12 pounds. The Gregory is up to the task and I never have to make shoulder adjustments because of their unique cam that rotates to fit your shoulders. The waist strap is bomb proof and comfortable.

Favorite features: 1) Top pouch can be used as a fanny pack (I use it all the time for morning/evening camera shoots)
2) shoulder cam.
3) outer pouch compatible with most bladders including my 100oz camelback
4) sturdy straps and clips that haven't broken on me in 10 years of use.

Improvements since my 1996 model:
1) they rotated the water bottle holder 90 degrees so that it is 100x easier to get to your nalgene.
2) the outer pouch that holds your water bladder has a pass through zipper to get into the body of your pack.
3) uses new lighter materials.
4) zipper on top pouch makes items in it much easier to access.

BTW, I couldn't possibly disagree with "Melissa" more (she is reviewing the men's pack?). I've been backpacking in Colorado for 20 years so I'm no beginner; I purchased this pack. And I pack exclusively between the months of May and October. Some of us like a few creature comforts out there (i.e. camp shoes, camp chair, real tent, etc.) and camp in colder climates where it can be 80F during the day and 20F at night. Could I use a smaller and lighter pack? Sure. Would I? No.