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Gregory Baltoro 75
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Our Conclusion
With a self-proclaimed emphasis on wearing a pack instead of carrying it, the Gregory Baltoro 75 is a comfortable, functional, and versatile backpack.
While it is on the heavier side, the A3 suspension and adjustability work well to lighten the load. This is a great option for multi-day hikes. It even includes a removable LumbarTune insert that provides extra support for your lower back.
There are many other features that will make your adventure through the national parks pleasurable. Keep reading to learn more about how this pack works with your body and keeps you happy and energized on the trail.
While it is on the heavier side, the A3 suspension and adjustability work well to lighten the load. This is a great option for multi-day hikes. It even includes a removable LumbarTune insert that provides extra support for your lower back.
There are many other features that will make your adventure through the national parks pleasurable. Keep reading to learn more about how this pack works with your body and keeps you happy and energized on the trail.
Where to Buy
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Pros & Cons
Pros
Surprisingly comfortable
Durable
Great organization
Included daypack/hydration reservoir
Removable lower pack padding
Rain cover included
Response A3 suspension
Cons
Waterproof hip belt pocket is not very spacious
Heavy
Key Features
Key Features
Portability
One of the greatest downfalls to this pack is also what makes it so great. It is heavy. However, this heaviness lends a hand to its durability and features.
The medium version weighs 5.31 pounds. It can hold a maximum of 55 pounds of gear and a recommended minimum of 35 pounds. Its packed size is 31.5” by 19” by 14.5”.
If you need to reduce the weight, you can choose to leave a few of the features at home. For example, the raincover, sleeping bag compartment divider, and the daypack.
Comfort
If you have ever owned or tried on a Gregory pack before, you know that comfort is one of the brand’s main concerns. The new version of the Baltoro is a great example of this. The straps and hip belt are pre-curved to avoid hot spots.
The response A3 suspension makes the weight on your back and shoulders feel minimal. There is an internal 7075 aluminum wishbone frame that maintains flexibility while transferring the load comfortably.
Even though this pack sits close to your back, you don’t need to worry about overheating. The LifeSpan foam and mesh lining on the back panel provides great ventilation.
One unique feature is the LumbarTune insert. This is a 10mm removable pad that provides relief to your lower back and holds the pack closer to your body. It is a great feature for anyone who tends to suffer from lower back pain. And if you don’t - simply remove it.
Speaking of the lumbar area, there is also a silicon zone here that is grippy and keeps the pack in place as you walk.
Size
The Baltoro is highly adjustable and is available in three different sizes, depending on the length of your torso. This hiking backpack will work for men with a torso between 16 and 22 inches and a hip width of 27 to 50 inches. Keep in mind, the hip belt is interchangeable.
Additionally, the different sizes have different capacities. The small holds 71 liters, the medium holds 75 liters, and the large holds 79 liters.
Features
The Baltoro is compatible with a hydration sleeve and includes a daypack - actually, these two things are one in the same! The sleeve can fit up to three liters of water. When it is removed, you have a 12 liter capacity daypack that weighs 4.2 ounces.
If needed, the bottom compression straps of the pack can double as a hip belt for the daypack. It has a drawstring closure and a zippered pocket.
There are a substantial amount of pockets that give you the opportunity to organize this pack to your liking. In total, there are nine external pockets. The main compartment has a U-shaped zipper that allows full access to the contents.
On the lid, there are two divided pockets on the exterior and one security pocket under the lid. There are also two spacious side pockets. The sleeping bag compartment is at the bottom of the bag and has a removable internal divider.
There are two places that you can carry a water bottle, if you wish. One is a mesh side pocket that can be snapped back into place. Or, you can use the stretch pocket on the other side of the pack. Additionally, there are trekking pole or ice ax attachment points.
One of the best features is the TPU coated hip belt pocket with an AquaGurad YKK zipper. This little microclimate will keep its contents dry in a rainstorm, and even through a river crossing if properly closed. However, it is not big enough for large smartphones and cameras (think iPhone + models).
In terms of color and style, this is a nice-looking option. From the retailer itself, you can choose from three colors: Shadow Black, Spark Red, and Navy Blue. REI offers this pack in Ferrous Orange and Dusk Blue.
Durability
The Baltoro is made from nylon with varying denier ratings. The body is made from 210 denier with reinforcements of 300 denier panels. The bottom of the pack is made from 630 denier. The lining is made from polyester with a 200 denier rating. As you can see, these materials are quite strong.
There is no doubt that this pack will survive a fall or a tangle through branches. It is possible that something very sharp could snag the fabric, but the bag will still be in good condition.
The nylon material is inherently water-resistant. It will keep your items dry in a light, short rain. For anything more, you would be wise to whip out the included raincover. It easily and conveniently stores in its own zippered pocket.
One of the greatest downfalls to this pack is also what makes it so great. It is heavy. However, this heaviness lends a hand to its durability and features.
The medium version weighs 5.31 pounds. It can hold a maximum of 55 pounds of gear and a recommended minimum of 35 pounds. Its packed size is 31.5” by 19” by 14.5”.
If you need to reduce the weight, you can choose to leave a few of the features at home. For example, the raincover, sleeping bag compartment divider, and the daypack.
Comfort
If you have ever owned or tried on a Gregory pack before, you know that comfort is one of the brand’s main concerns. The new version of the Baltoro is a great example of this. The straps and hip belt are pre-curved to avoid hot spots.
The response A3 suspension makes the weight on your back and shoulders feel minimal. There is an internal 7075 aluminum wishbone frame that maintains flexibility while transferring the load comfortably.
Even though this pack sits close to your back, you don’t need to worry about overheating. The LifeSpan foam and mesh lining on the back panel provides great ventilation.
One unique feature is the LumbarTune insert. This is a 10mm removable pad that provides relief to your lower back and holds the pack closer to your body. It is a great feature for anyone who tends to suffer from lower back pain. And if you don’t - simply remove it.
Speaking of the lumbar area, there is also a silicon zone here that is grippy and keeps the pack in place as you walk.
Size
The Baltoro is highly adjustable and is available in three different sizes, depending on the length of your torso. This hiking backpack will work for men with a torso between 16 and 22 inches and a hip width of 27 to 50 inches. Keep in mind, the hip belt is interchangeable.
Additionally, the different sizes have different capacities. The small holds 71 liters, the medium holds 75 liters, and the large holds 79 liters.
Features
The Baltoro is compatible with a hydration sleeve and includes a daypack - actually, these two things are one in the same! The sleeve can fit up to three liters of water. When it is removed, you have a 12 liter capacity daypack that weighs 4.2 ounces.
If needed, the bottom compression straps of the pack can double as a hip belt for the daypack. It has a drawstring closure and a zippered pocket.
There are a substantial amount of pockets that give you the opportunity to organize this pack to your liking. In total, there are nine external pockets. The main compartment has a U-shaped zipper that allows full access to the contents.
On the lid, there are two divided pockets on the exterior and one security pocket under the lid. There are also two spacious side pockets. The sleeping bag compartment is at the bottom of the bag and has a removable internal divider.
There are two places that you can carry a water bottle, if you wish. One is a mesh side pocket that can be snapped back into place. Or, you can use the stretch pocket on the other side of the pack. Additionally, there are trekking pole or ice ax attachment points.
One of the best features is the TPU coated hip belt pocket with an AquaGurad YKK zipper. This little microclimate will keep its contents dry in a rainstorm, and even through a river crossing if properly closed. However, it is not big enough for large smartphones and cameras (think iPhone + models).
In terms of color and style, this is a nice-looking option. From the retailer itself, you can choose from three colors: Shadow Black, Spark Red, and Navy Blue. REI offers this pack in Ferrous Orange and Dusk Blue.
Durability
The Baltoro is made from nylon with varying denier ratings. The body is made from 210 denier with reinforcements of 300 denier panels. The bottom of the pack is made from 630 denier. The lining is made from polyester with a 200 denier rating. As you can see, these materials are quite strong.
There is no doubt that this pack will survive a fall or a tangle through branches. It is possible that something very sharp could snag the fabric, but the bag will still be in good condition.
The nylon material is inherently water-resistant. It will keep your items dry in a light, short rain. For anything more, you would be wise to whip out the included raincover. It easily and conveniently stores in its own zippered pocket.
Comparison to Similar Hiking Backpacks
The Osprey Aether Plus 70 is one of the most talked-about hiking backpacks. It weighs slightly more than the Baltoro and is available in two sizes- S/M or M/L. This pack is made from 210 denier high-tenacity nylon that is Bluesign approved and finished with a DWR treatment.
A rain cover is also included with this option and the lid becomes a detachable daypack. The airscape back panel provides a close fit and great breathability. Overall, it has many similar features to the Baltoro, including nine external pockets, but is organized differently. If a DWR finish is important to you, the Aether would be a better choice.
The Deuter Aircontact Pro 70 is another force to be reckoned with. This pack is the heaviest of the bunch, weighing in at 6.9 pounds. With a heavier weight, you can also expect more durable materials. The Aircontact is made from 330 denier polyamide 6.6 ripstop and 600 denier polyester with a polyurethane coating, all with a DWR finish.
The Vari Flex System pivots and moves with you. It has a flexible V frame that comfortably transfers weight. While it has fewer exterior pockets (only three in total) than the other options I have mentioned, it does have well-thought-out interior spaces.
For example, there is an elastic pocket inside that is ideal for wet clothes or shoes. Additionally, the base can be removed from the pack and a daypack is included.
A rain cover is also included with this option and the lid becomes a detachable daypack. The airscape back panel provides a close fit and great breathability. Overall, it has many similar features to the Baltoro, including nine external pockets, but is organized differently. If a DWR finish is important to you, the Aether would be a better choice.
The Deuter Aircontact Pro 70 is another force to be reckoned with. This pack is the heaviest of the bunch, weighing in at 6.9 pounds. With a heavier weight, you can also expect more durable materials. The Aircontact is made from 330 denier polyamide 6.6 ripstop and 600 denier polyester with a polyurethane coating, all with a DWR finish.
The Vari Flex System pivots and moves with you. It has a flexible V frame that comfortably transfers weight. While it has fewer exterior pockets (only three in total) than the other options I have mentioned, it does have well-thought-out interior spaces.
For example, there is an elastic pocket inside that is ideal for wet clothes or shoes. Additionally, the base can be removed from the pack and a daypack is included.
Verdict
The Gregory Baltoro 75 gives you a lot of bang for your buck. The materials used to make it are of high and strong quality. I admire all of the pockets and different ways to organize your items. The U-shaped main compartment zipper makes it simple to find exactly what you need quickly, without needing to unpack your entire bag or stuff your arm into the abyss.
While it is an expensive backpack, it seems to be on par with similar options. Gregory really focuses on comfort and this bag doesn’t disappoint. If you can get past the weight and having to dig out the rain cover when a storm comes in, I think you’ll be very pleased with this product.
While it is an expensive backpack, it seems to be on par with similar options. Gregory really focuses on comfort and this bag doesn’t disappoint. If you can get past the weight and having to dig out the rain cover when a storm comes in, I think you’ll be very pleased with this product.
Where to Buy
See Deal
Where to buy
Best offer on: Dec. 18. 2024
