User Review: Gregory Z55

Summary

I used this pack for my 2012 Appalachian Trail hike, and found it to be a good size, good durability, and comfortable. It lasted me all 2,184 miles so I can't complain too much! There were some features I wish it had, like being able to take the lid off to use as a daypack, but it worked well and I'd recommend it.

This was the first item that I researched and purchased when I decided I was going to hike the AT. I spent several hours and multiple trips going into my local REI to try on different packs, talk to different staff members and walk around the store with sandbags in the packs to see how they felt.

It was really between this pack and the Osprey Atmos for me, but in the end I purchased the last year’s model (2010) for only $150 as opposed to spending a little bit more for a pack that felt very similar to me. Plus, I felt like the Gregory had much better lower back support, which was something I was concerned about.

It really lasted pretty well for being thrown around in the woods for six months. The “water-resistant” lining on the inside of the main storage was deteriorating by the end, but…really. There’s no such thing as waterproof. It doesn’t matter.

I met maybe only 2 other hikers with the same pack, which surprised me, but I’d go with this one again any day of the week. There were maybe some features that I would’ve enjoyed that this one didn’t have, such as being able to take off the lid and use as a daypack, but in the end it’s a great all-around pack. I found 55 liters to be the perfect size for me as well.