Review: GREGORY BALTORO 65 The first update in two years. The front line of backpacks that keep walking forward without arrogance

The previous model, released in 2015, was updated in about two years GREGORY BALTORO (hereinafter referred to as Bartoro ) (Female model DEVA), which has stolen famous awards around the world and has made its name widely known as the king of large-capacity backpacks. This time, a minor change from the previous model, has been made, and while maintaining the basic features, there have been improvements in small details.

We have previously introduced the features and appeal of the previous work on this site. For the basics, please refer to the review of the previous model, " Review: Thinking about the ease of use of backpacks from the GREGORY BALTORO 75 ", and this time I will focus on the new details that have been made due to the detailed update, and write down my impressions when I tried it.

table of contents

• What's changed with the 2018 edition of GREGORY BALTORO?
  • Honestly, your looks have improved
  • How did it feel to carry the bag with the weight reduction due to the redesign of the back material and boldly stripping it down?
  • Storage and attachments can be reviewed in detail according to trends
• Summary: What kind of activities do you recommend?
• Test results & specs

What's changed with the 2018 edition of GREGORY BALTORO?

Honestly, your looks have improved

Bartoro named after a long glacier overlooking the world's second highest peak, K2 peak , is a large backpack that, as its name suggests, is designed for trekking for days to weeks, including Himalayan trekking.

The first thing you can see from the latest work is the change in the form due to the changes in the specifications of the front pocket. The large zippered pocket in the previous model opens vertically in front of the bag, but this time it has become a mesh pocket, so it has now maintained a slim shape. It's hard to say that he's gone a little bit of a habit, but it seems like he'll be even more popular with everyone, and personally I thought he's honestly cool.

Looking at the whole thing, there were no other major changes to the appearance, and in the end it appears to have looked the same as the other mountaineering backpacks of the brand.

How did it feel to carry the bag with the redesigned material on the back and the lighter weight was reduced by boldly cutting it off?

Bartolo , it features a back system that pursues proper load distribution to the fullest, and a fitting function that is carefully designed to be carried comfortably by any body type. It can be said that the ultimate carrying comfort and the back system, which has been praised by hikers around the world, has not changed, and has reached a certain level of completion.

While the shape of the back frame and pads has not changed, the cushion pads have a bold female material. The materials have been changed and the contents have been boldly hollowed out. It has been made even more breathable and the overall weight is approximately 200g (compared to this site).

The latest model has a material change and a hollow back (left)

When you actually carry it on your back, it is definitely less likely to build up heat on your back, and sweat accumulated on your shoulders and hip belts is even more likely to evaporate. The more hot the season, the more it felt.

The mesh parts that come into contact with the skin soften the discomfort, and the hollowed out areas create airflow, improving comfort in the summer.

The rear system with an extremely stable A3 suspension is still unmatched. The load is applied firmly to the entire back, from the waist to the shoulders. Not only can you adjust the length of the back, shoulder and hip belt to suit your body type, they will follow your body movements even while you are active.

Not only can you change the size of the shoulder and hip belt, but you can also adjust the position, making it possible to finely fit.

The unique consideration that can only be achieved with large capacity is really paid attention, such as the anti-slip pads to ensure that the pack is firmly on your waist.

The waist area is non-slip, making it easy to apply loads. The back contains removable pads that adjust the impact.

On the other hand, there is one thing that made me feel a little sad. The material of the pads used on the back, shoulders and waist has been changed, and the cushioning that is as comfortable as the memory foam bed in the previous model has been lost. This is just a relative story, but personally I liked the luxury feel of the previous model, so it's a shame. Personally, I felt that the previous model was more comfortable when it comes to seasons such as winter when breathability isn't a concern.

Storage and attachments can be reviewed in detail according to trends

As mentioned in my previous review, it is not just the comfortable fitting performance that is sometimes described as a "Rolls-Royce" that makes Gregory's backpack king. The true essence of this backpack is the detailed storage function, exquisite use of parts, high quality, and the high level of overall perfection that combine these. Bartolo reached even higher.

One of them is the large storage space on the front, which I touched on in the first half. The vertically open zipper pocket of the previous model has been changed to three pockets, including a mesh stretch pocket and a left and right zipper pocket (left in the photo below).

The front storage, which was previously one large zipper pocket (right), is now available in mesh pockets + left and right zipper pockets (left).

The new stretch mesh front pocket can hold a vast range of gear, from relatively bulky items such as maps and rainwear to voluminous tools such as food and bottles. It has a strong stretch, so it is difficult for luggage to sway and has a fixed strength, making it easy to put in and take out.

The zipper has been converted to a buckle, making it easier to access.

Furthermore, the left and right zipper pockets can also store sandals, air mats, ground seats, and gear that will be the last one in the packing order, such as tarps and shelters. The large-capacity front pocket of the previous model itself was not easy to use, so this update was a surprise and impressive experience.

The pockets on both sides of the front are vertical, allowing you to store ground seats, sandals, etc.

But it's not like it's evolved in all respects. The nylon ripstop fabric up to the previous model was relatively more durable, so although the mesh pockets this time are also quite durable, it should be pointed out that if you rub it too hard on the ground, it will likely break (photo below). This is true of all the front mesh stretch pockets, which have become popular recently, including other brands.

The mesh pockets are soft and easy to snag, so be careful not to crack.

Also, the side pockets that I personally pointed out in my previous review that I didn't feel necessary (photo below). It is likely that the pockets on the sides have been moved to the front, but this time it is definitely more user-friendly.

The side zipper pockets (top) from the previous model were omitted in the latest model (bottom).

In addition, the top lid, which is easy to organize and take out, has been added with loops to allow straps to pass through the four corners. This was also pointed out in my previous review, and it seems that the voice was understood. I'm just so happy that you can choose where you can install the tent mat or other mat, whether it's top, bottom, or side.

A loop has been added to the four corners of the top lid to allow the strap to pass through (○ enlarging part).

As always, as ever, the variety of attachments that make it easier to store gears, and storage, which is extremely easy to pack and take them out, are still in good condition. The photo below shows a wide U-shaped front zipper that opens wide, allowing you to access the luggage inside without opening the canopy.

With large-capacity packs with lots of luggage, if you can open and close them this boldly, packing and access will be easier on each level. However, of course, the weight will increase.

The side pockets are asymmetrical, just like the previous model. The shape is convenient for storing water bottles on the right and long items such as poles on the left. The hip belt pocket is waterproof on the right and mesh on the left. The waterproof pockets are no longer the size that can fit a large smartphone these days, but the update has been carried over to the next installment.

This sub pack is placed inside the main storage as a hydration pocket, and when taken out, it can also be used as an attack backpack. There have also been no particular changes from the previous work.

Summary: What kind of activities do you recommend?

This is the ◎ (The bold type is the new part of the current model)

• Adjustable to fit a wide range of body types
• Calculated load variance that is stable even in motion
• Improved breathability and quick drying, making it comfortable for midsummer trekking
• In addition, it has a wide range of storage functions with attention to detail, and is stress-free and easy to access.

This is what caught my eye (the bold type is a new part of the model now)

• The plenty of pads around the waist keep the excellent cushioning, but it's slightly stiffer than the previous model.
• The mesh pocket on the front is somewhat uneasy about durability.
• The hip belt pocket can't fit a large screen smartphone these days

Needless to say, Bartolo (Diva) was a highly refined backpack that was thoroughly thought out from the user's perspective, as ever, about the comfort and ease of use required to carry large luggage and walk for long periods of time. It's no surprise that many backpack brands make it a benchmark.

This update, which can be said to have been further eliminated throughout, has incorporated many recent trends, such as the hollowed-out back and mesh pockets, giving the impression that it has become more refined. On the other hand, for fans who were struggling with the good old Bartoro, who boasted the ultimate comfort of carrying something that almost sounds like "this is what comfort is," and their unique, easy-to-use storage, it seems a bit more trendy. Although it is undoubtedly high quality, I feel like the uniqueness has been a bit backwards.

In any case, it can accommodate a wide range of activities, from hiking to trekking, long-term traverses, backpacking trips, snow sports, and from modern outdoor activities to classic mountain climbing, you'll be sure to enjoy the ultimate outdoor life for the next five years.

BALTORO 75

GREGORY

2,400g (M shoulder/M hip belt size measured, rain cover included)

DEVA 70

GREGORY

2,404g (Official announcement of S size)

GREGORY BALTORO's main specs and ratings

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