I bought the Gregory Baltoro 65 a few years ago to use while backpacking, hunting, and everywhere in between. So far, it hasn’t let me down. If you’re in a hurry, skip down to the “Applications” and “What I Like” sections.
Design
The shape of this pack follows the contour of an athletic male body: gently tapered from the shoulder area to the hips. The main bag has three access points: the draw-string opening at the top, the horseshoe zipper around the bag, and the zipped sleeping bag compartment at the bottom. The bag is crowned with a detachable floating top pocket, or “brain.” On the back of the main bag are two long, verticle pockets, and over these pockets lies a mesh pouch. The hip belt and shoulder straps are well-padded and the back panel is constructed of foam and mesh. The bag is completed with a variety of compression straps, additional pockets, and two ice axe loops.
Price and Value
At full MSRP, the Baltoro 65 falls in the upper-mid price range for backpacking packs. The price point is derived from the abundant convenience features and comfortable design. For some, the multitude of pockets, straps, and zippers is a real selling point: it makes the pack adaptable and easy to organize. Others may find these attributes extraneous.
I think the pack’s original price of around $330 is too high. A quick Google search shows this pack now being sold for closer to $250. That’s much more reasonable. You could likely find a used Baltoro 65 in good shape for even less.
Comfort and Fit
The Gregory Baltoro is designed for comfort. The harness and waist belt feel generous and forgiving. The shoulder straps rotate to create a perfect fit and help you maintain your center of gravity. The mesh back panel promotes airflow and prevents overheating. Finally, the lumbar area is textured with a web of grippy rubber, resulting in firm, controlled contact with the lower back.
The best way to determine if a pack is comfortable is, of course, to load it up and try it on. Some stores such as REI keep sandbags on hand for this very purpose. If you’re are at home, load the pack like you’re hiking, or throw a couple bags of rice in there. If you don’t have the opportunity to try on multiple packs, let me assure you: this pack is comfy. Follow the sizing guidelines and you’ll be good to go.
Durability
After two years of moderate use, my pack shows little wear. The nylon fabric is highly resistant to tearing and sheds dirt exceptionally well. The pack might get muddy, but it dusts off once it dries. I haven’t noticed any fraying of the straps, and the zippers run good-as-new. Overall, I’ve been impressed with the pack’s durability and potential longevity.
A note regarding carry weight: The max recommended load is 50lb, but I’ve packed up to 70lb with no ill effects. I’m not sure you would want to go much heavier than 70lb, though. The internal aluminum frame is slightly flexible and could bend. I’d also be concerned about popping the zipper on the sleeping bag compartment.
Applications
The Gregory Baltoro 65 will serve you well in various backpacking scenarios. It would be perfect if you want a little extra capacity for weekend trip where you’re carrying extra gear for your wife and kids. Or, you could take this pack on a weeklong summer excursion where you’ll be carrying food and water for multiple days. This pack would also be excellent for mountaineering attempts in the two-to-five day range.
The bag’s 65-liter volume is plenty of capacity for front-country hunting as well. I can easily fit a quartered-out whitetail deer in this pack, and I think it would work fine for an elk quarter in a pinch. If you’re an avid backpacker who hunts occasionally, this pack will fit the bill.
What I Like
The quality suspension and ventilation systems make this pack a joy to carry, even under heavy loads. I like also enjoy the pack’s versatility: with the Baltoro 65, I’m ready to embark on all but the most extreme adventures. Lastly, this pack is outfitted with handy features that make organization and access a dream. My favorite “extra” feature is the mesh pouch on the outside of the bag. I use it frequently to stuff layers into when I’m hiking.
What I Don’t Like
This pack is relatively heavy (compared to other, similarly priced backpacking packs), which is the downside of having all the extra zippers and pockets. It’s definitely not for minimalists. It’s also noisy, especially under load. The noises range from soft rustling to squeaky groans. Another downside is that this bag doesn’t have a load shelf, which limits its crossover use as a hunting pack. Finally, the haul loop is somehow perfectly positioned to tickle the back of my neck when I’m hiking. It’s not a deal breaker, but it’s annoying.
Questions? Feel free to ask in the comments below.
Persistence Outdoors 