User Review: Gregory UM21 Backpack

Gregory UM21 Backpack
Above: The current UM21 Backpack, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed November 10, 2007 by Magus

Rating: rated 4.5 of 5 stars
Design: Internal, top loading, with seperate sleeping back compartment
Size: 6000+ cubic inches (big)
Number of Pockets: numerous, easy to add more
Max. Load Carried: 105lbs, wife carries 93lbs
Height of Owner: 6ft
Price Paid: $225

If only it had an integrated hydration provision it would be the best backpack in the world.

I very much love this pack. My wife and I each have one. They are beautifully over-built, super-heavy duty packs, made in the USA.

But the UM-21 packs don't have any provision for hydration and Gregory doesn't make a matching SPEARS/MOLLE2 hydration pouch for the UM-21. And let me tell you, when you communicate with the folks at Gregory and point out this glaring oversight to them, boy do they get pissy!

But regardless the UM-21 is a superb pack, just be ready to address the issue of on-board drinking water, because Gregory will be of zero help I assure you.

We have used our UM-21s as the basis for the making of two, mondo, bugout bags in anticipation of the almost inexorable implementation of martial law come the rapidly approaching fallout from peak oil. With that in mind, the UM-21 will carry a lot of very useful items and will do so with the utmost of comfort. No other pack is even remotely as easy to wear for extended periods as is the UM-21, and to be sure, no other pack will carry as big of a load as will the UM-21 - and still be easy on your shoulders and back.

Ebay sometimes has good deals on the UM-21 packs, just check to make sure that you also get the additional four side packs that come with the UM-21 main pack. They make a lot of difference and are excellent for holding all sorts of goodies. The matching butt pack (also made by Gregory) is a fine piece of equipment as well. Get one if you can.

Stick a Katadyn water filter in your pack, a reliable fire starting solution, some 550 paracord, a Hennessy hammock, a Heatsheets emergency bivy; a fishing kit, a Leatherman Wave, some ultralight cooking gear, Orikaso plates, a good spork, and a high quality survival knife (Ontario or Ka-Bar, for example), some good rain gear, and a Gerber axe combo - and you are basically set for business.

And if you do get yourself a UM-21, please be sure to email Gregory and express your displeasure about the sad fact that the UM-21 does not have any provision for hydration.

Have fun!

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