Gregory Pingora – Backpacks: Reviews
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Visible technology may be the buzz at most design shops, but on trip after trip, this pack scored top marks because of what you can’t see: two hinges hidden behind the lumbar pad. Each side of the hipbelt swivels independently, allowing it to conform perfectly to your body shape and movements. A single aluminum stay and top-to-bottom compression deliver plenty of support and stability for up to 50 pounds. The pack bag is old-school in a good way: It includes a large shove-it pocket, gear loops and stretchy water-bottle pockets, and a waterproof, rubberized bottom you can set down in mud or on cactuses with impunity. 5.3 lbs, 3,300 cu in; www.gregorypacks.com
Bonus: Padding on all packs should be this good.
Bummer: Micromanaging the torso length yields little change for the effort.