Review: GREGORY BALTORO 65: Updated for the first time in two years. A backpack at the forefront of forward-thinking backpacks

Yasushi Hisatomi

7 years ago

The previous model, released in 2015, swept all the prestigious awards around the world, making the GREGORY BALTORO (hereafter referred to as BALTORO ) (women's model is DEVA), a backpack that has become widely known as the king of large-capacity backpacks, has been updated for the first time in about two years. This time, a minor change from the previous model, the basic features remain the same, but improvements have been made in the finer details.

We have previously introduced the features and appeal of the previous model on this website. For the basics, please refer to our review of the previous model, " Review: Thinking about the usability of backpacks based on the GREGORY BALTORO 75. " This time, we will review the new features that have been added through the small updates, and share our impressions after trying it out.

table of contents

table of contents
What's new in the 2018 GREGORY BALTORO?
Summary: What activities are recommended?
- Here are the highlights (new parts in bold)
- Here are some things that caught my attention (the bolded parts are new to this model):
GREGORY BALTORO's main specifications and ratings

What's new in the 2018 GREGORY BALTORO?
Summary: What activities are recommended?
Test Results & Specifications

What's new in the 2018 GREGORY BALTORO?

Honestly, it looks better

The Baltoro , named after the long glacier that overlooks K2, the world's second highest peak, is a large backpack designed, as its name suggests, for Himalayan trekking and other treks lasting several days to several weeks with heavy loads.

The first thing you notice when looking at the latest model is the change in form due to the change in the specifications of the front pocket. The previous model had a large zippered pocket that opened vertically on the front, which had a slightly bulging design even when empty, but this time it has been replaced with a mesh pocket, which allows the overall form to remain slim. You could say that it has become a little less quirky, but I think it will be more appealing to everyone, and personally I think it just looks cool

Looking at the whole package, there are no other major changes to the appearance, and as a result it looks similar to other mountaineering backpacks from the same brand

How does the bag feel when worn after the back material has been revised and boldly reduced in weight?

The Baltro is characterized by its back system, which is designed to distribute the load optimally, and its fitting function, which is well thought out to make it comfortable to carry for all body types. The back system, which has been praised by hikers around the world for its superb comfort, has not changed, and it can be said to have reached a certain level of perfection.

While the shape of the back frame and padding remains unchanged, the cushion padding has undergone a major overhaul. The material has been changed and the padding has been hollowed out. This improves breathability and reduces the overall weight by approximately 200g (compared to our website)

The latest model has a new material and a hollowed-out back (left)

When I actually wore it, I definitely noticed that heat was less likely to build up on my back, and sweat that had accumulated on my shoulders and hip belt evaporated more easily. The difference became more apparent the hotter the weather

The mesh parts that come into contact with the skin reduce discomfort, and the cut-out areas allow air to flow, improving comfort in the summer

The A3 suspension back system remains as stable as ever, and the weight is evenly distributed across the entire back, from the waist to the shoulders. Not only can you adjust the back length and the size of the shoulder and hip belts to fit your body type, but they also move with your body as you move

Not only can you change the size of the shoulder and hip belts, but you can also adjust their position, allowing for a precise fit

The pack has been designed with great care, including an anti-slip pad to ensure it sits securely on your waist, which is a great feature of a large capacity pack

The waist area is covered with a non-slip surface, making it easy to support weight. The back has removable pads to adjust the fit

However, there was one thing that I found a little disappointing. The material of the pads used in the back, shoulders, and waist has been changed, and the comfortable cushioning that was on par with a memory foam bed that was present in the previous model has been somewhat lost. This is purely a relative matter, but I personally liked the luxurious feel of the previous model, so this is a shame. Personally, I felt that the previous model was more comfortable in seasons such as winter when breathability is not a concern

Storage and attachments are carefully reviewed to keep up with trends

As mentioned in the previous review, what makes Gregory backpacks king is not just their comfortable fitting performance, which is sometimes described as "Rolls Royce." The true essence of this backpack lies in the meticulous storage function, the exquisite use of parts, and the high quality, which I will explain below. The Baltoro has reached even greater heights through a series of subtle improvements to the details, one step at a time.

One of these is the large front compartment, which we mentioned earlier. The vertical zipper pocket of the previous model has been replaced with a mesh stretch pocket and two zipper pockets on the left and right, for a total of three pockets (see the left side of the photo below)

The front storage, which previously consisted of one large zipper pocket (right), has now been expanded to include a mesh pocket and two zipper pockets (left)

The new stretch mesh front pocket can hold a wide range of gear, from relatively light items like maps and rainwear to bulkier gear like snacks and bottles. The stretchy material keeps your belongings in place and makes them easy to access

Access has been made easier by changing from a zipper to a buckle

The left and right zippered pockets can also hold gear that usually ends up being the last thing you pack, like sandals, an air mattress, a ground sheet, or even a tarp or shelter. The large-capacity front pocket on the previous model was already quite convenient, so this update was a surprise, and it's impressive

The vertical pockets on both sides of the front can hold items such as ground sheets and sandals

However, this doesn't mean that the new model has evolved in every aspect. The nylon ripstop fabric used in the previous model was relatively more durable, and the mesh pockets in this model are also reasonably durable, but it should be noted that they are prone to tearing if rubbed too hard against the ground (see photo below). This is true of all the front mesh stretch pockets that have become popular recently, including those from other brands

The mesh pocket is made of soft fabric that easily snags, so be careful not to tear it

Also, the side pockets, which I pointed out in my previous review as not being necessary, are gone (see photo below). In essence, the pockets that were on the sides have been moved to the front, but it's safe to say that the new bag is definitely more user-friendly

The side zipper pocket (top) that was present in the previous model has been omitted in the latest model (bottom)

Additionally, the top lid, which makes organizing and accessing things easier, now has loops on all four corners for passing straps through. I pointed this out in my previous review, and it seems my feedback was heard. It's a nice touch to be able to choose where to place things like the tent mat: on the top, bottom, or side

Loops for passing straps have been added to the four corners of the top lid (enlarged area circled)

As with the previous model, it still has a variety of attachments that make it easier to store gear, and storage that is extremely easy to pack and take out. The photo below shows the large U-shaped front zipper that allows you to access the contents without opening the canopy

For a large-capacity pack with lots of luggage, this kind of bold opening and closing makes packing and accessing the contents much easier, but of course it also adds weight

The side pockets are asymmetrical, just like the previous model. The right pocket is designed for a water bottle, while the left pocket is ideal for storing long items like poles. The hip belt pockets are also waterproof on the right and mesh on the left. The waterproof pocket is no longer large enough to fit modern smartphones, but that update has been postponed until the next model

The sub-pack is located inside the main compartment as a hydration pocket and can be removed to become an attack pack. This has not changed from the previous model

Summary: What activities are recommended?

Here are the highlights (new parts in bold)

Adjustable to fit a wide range of body types
Calculated load distribution for stability during movement
Improved breathability and quick drying make it comfortable for trekking in midsummer
Furthermore, it has a variety of storage functions with attention to detail and stress-free accessibility

Here are some things that caught my attention (the bolded parts are new to this model):

The generous padding around the waist still provides excellent cushioning, but it's slightly harder than the previous model
The front mesh pocket is a bit unreliable in terms of durability
The hip belt pocket cannot fit the latest large-screen smartphones

Needless to say, the Baltoro (Diva) was a backpack with a high level of perfection, as always, thoroughly thought out from the user's perspective regarding the comfort and ease of use needed for walking for long periods of time with a large load on your back. It's no wonder that many backpack brands use it as a benchmark.

This latest update is more refined than ever, incorporating many of the latest trends like a hollowed-out back and mesh pockets, giving it a more refined feel. On the other hand, for fans of the classic Baltoro, which boasted the ultimate comfort and unique, easy-to-use storage that made it seem like "this is what comfort is all about," it feels a bit like it's pandering to the latest trends. While the quality is undeniable, it feels like it's lost some of its originality

In any case, this bag is suitable for a wide range of activities, from hiking and trekking to long-term mountain climbing, backpacking trips, and snow sports, and is sure to allow you to enjoy the ultimate outdoor lifestyle for the next five years, from modern outdoor activities to classic mountain climbing

BALTORO 75

GREGORY

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

DEVA 70