User Review: Gregory Shasta

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

Reviewed November 14, 1996 by j.mccann@...

Rating: rated 4 of 5 stars
Design: Internal
Size: 5700
Number of Pockets: 1
Max. Load Carried: 65 lbs
Height of Owner: 6'3"
Price Paid: about $250 at Campmor

Previously, I used a custom made external by Antelope. Over the years I've watched internals evolve, and I finally made the switch with the Shasta. I'm very happy with it. It fits well and rides very comfortably, without the sag and wobble I've seen in other packs. No annoying rubs, pinches, or chafes from the well padded hipbelt or sculpted shoulder harness were noted. Its fully adjustable, and one you get it right, you don't have to keep messing with it. Also, it has an excellent weight to volume ratio. Its top opening with a good storm collar, and a sleeping bag compartment with large zipper and a removable partition from the main bag above. Side and top compression straps do the job well. This pack has few useless frills. Two mesh water bottle pockets on the lower sides and a rather generous top pocket are the only pockets provided, but you can buy custom add on pockets from Gregory. Construction is durable and well crafted. Get the rain cover, though. Its sized generously to fit over outrigger stuff sacks, etc and keeps things bone dry in a downpour. The floating top pocket is removable and converts to a day pack using the main pack's straps, but this is such a hassle I've never done it. In addition to the side straps, there are two quick release straps for carrying a sleeping pad horizontally accross the lower rear of the pack. Above this, I rigged a grid of bungee cord and a cordlock to serve as a place to stuff jackets, wet tents, whatever, and it works very well. The factory should provide this low cost feature. One tradeoff for simplicity and light weight is the dearth of outer pockets, and that to get inside the pack, I have to undo two quick-releases to move the top pocket out of the way, undo the vertical compression quick release, and open the main and storm collar drawstrings, first. The only other drawdack is that the same grippy fabric on the back-pad that prevents sagging and sliding, although comfortable, also tends to "fuzz up" my coolmax shirt's fabric.

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