Review: Thinking about the ease of use of backpacks from GREGORY BALTORO 75

Yasushi Hisatomi

8 years ago

This time we will be covering BALTORO (female model: DEVA), a famous backpack from GREGORY.

Yes, I know. The current model, which was born in 2008, has been praised worldwide, and is naturally very popular in Japan, making it a waste of time to review this model, which is no exaggeration to say that it is truly the king of backpacks.

However, recently I have only been intensively trying large backpacks from various brands, including BALTORO, and as I have come across the charm of this pack, I have come to realize that it is a sin to pass by without reviewing it.

In addition, it appears that the current model has already become the "OLD model" at official stores, and the clearance sale has begun. Yes, in fact, this masterpiece will have to wait for some kind of update next spring, so if anyone is unsure about purchasing it, now might actually be your chance.

So, although it's a bit late, I think BALTORO is really easy to use, so I'd like to write about this pack in my own way. When you think of BALTORO or GREGORY, the words "fitting" and "backpacks are something you wear," tend to be highlighted, but I believe that the appeal of BALTORO, which I feel on this website, is the "complete user-oriented thoroughness that comes to mind when you actually use it." Let's talk about this using BALTORO as an example.

We also publish reviews of the 2018 model. Please use the link below↓↓↓.

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

table of contents

The spirit to fit all body types
Carefulness to keep you fit even while you're on the move
The basic design is comfortable to use for any purpose
It's not that there are complaints
summary
GREGORY BALTORO's main specs and ratings

The spirit to fit all body types

Wayne Gregory, founder of GREGORY, is said to have said that it is something you wear, not something you carry with you. This means the importance of a backpack "fitting perfectly with the body with the correct load distribution, just like wearing clothes," but this is not as easy as it says.

First of all, a basic premise is that you need a rear system with a frame structure that distributes the load firmly across the entire back, centering on the waist. In addition, its back must match people of all body types who use it. I am a much thinner person than Westerners, and I have had many experiences when I knew that I had a solid, excellent back frame, but in the end I gave up thinking, "but it didn't suit me."

If it's an average backpack, it's fine to boast enough of the quality if it's an excellent back system that will satisfy a certain amount of people. What makes BALTORO's amazing is that it is well-thought-out to make such an "excellent fit" fit not only "me" but also "anyone, regardless of the situation." This user-oriented attitude is striking.

To look at it specifically, it is worth noting that at the purchase stage, you can first select the torso (S/M/L), shoulder (S/M/L), and hip belt (XS/S/M/L/XL) in detail to suit your body type (only for specialty stores). It makes me cry that at this point, it would be possible to provide detailed fitting that would be difficult to do without a so-called semi-custom-level product, which would take several months from the time of order. If it's a brand that operates globally, I hope it will handle it even if it takes up too much effort.

Carefulness to keep you fit even while you're on the move

The fitting philosophy, which stands in the user's position, is naturally not forgotten not only in the body shape, but also in various situations during action, such as terrain and posture. Let's take a look at our unique rear system, "Response A3 (Automatic Angle Adjust) Suspension." In short, it has an auto-fit function that automatically adjusts the angle to suit your individual body type and situation. For example, the shoulder harness can be not only changed in two levels to match the length of the back, but the angle also changes flexibly, making it fits backs with a variety of shoulder widths, and also allows the shoulders to be properly loaded against the tilt of the body. Furthermore, although the hip belt is fixed to the frame, it moves up and down (and independently from the left and right sides) in accordance with the movement of the hip bones when walking, so despite the belt firmly fixes your hips with the belt, you can walk very comfortably.

The shoulder harness is fixed at one point, so the angle changes flexibly depending on your body shape and movement (left). The hip belt also moves up and down as your hip movements (right).

Other cushions are exquisite like memory foam beds with pads used on the shoulders and hips (photo below),

Removable EVA shim (Lumvert tune, photo below) that adds cushions to the upper tailbone,

And the hospitality for a comfortable transportation experience that spans everything, including the anti-slip "Silicon Grip Overlay" (photo below) on the hip bones is just too good to be treated to.

The basic design is comfortable to use for any purpose

GREGORY BALTORO tends to focus on the fittings, but what I really find really impressive is the detailed choices in terms of usability, such as storage and attachments, which would be hard to imagine if they weren't based on the user-centricity.

The balance of "general storage" and "storage specialized for a certain purpose" is well-balanced, and all of them are carefully crafted, making BALTORO incredibly versatile, allowing it to be used widely not only for travel and long trails but also for some technical climbing. Here we will discuss the appeal of the usual reviews, introducing some of the parts that are too detailed and difficult to cover.

Side pockets with different functions on the left and right

The left side has a typical mesh pocket, and the right side has an obliquely open pocket for bottles and accessories.

On the right side there is a pocket for storing bottles and accessories that open diagonally for easy removal, and on the left side there is a mesh pocket with a highly elastic and fixed force with an opening facing upward. The bottle pockets in particular can be stored when not in use, and are made with a mouth strap to prevent them from falling off. This will satisfy both people who put bottles on the sides and those who want to wear long items such as tent poles and mats, and since there are two straps on both sides, it can also be used for skis. It takes a bit of courage to have the left and right side attachments separate, but for now there is no inconvenience at all, and I can only be impressed with those who made this decision.

Stress-free access!

The larger the backpack, the more appreciated it is the zipper entrance that allows you to access the main storage without opening the top lid. There are various ways to do this, but for now, the easiest way to use is to open and close the inverted U-shaped shape.

As for the top lid, which has two large compartments that open and close vertically, the mouth facing upwards makes it easy to find and take out small items.

The waterproof hip belt pocket with TPU coating is perfect for storing digital gadgets. However, my iPhone SE has been installed, but it seems that it will soon need to update the size.

Sidekick pack completion level

This side kick pack is usually inside the main storage and functions as a hydration pocket, and can be quickly pulled out and transformed into a sub pack if necessary. This is a highly refined, with the ease of waste from storage to use, and the functionality you can use when carrying it on your back.

It is comfortable to use, down to small parts that do not appear on the outside.

It is often said that "God resides in the details," and you can see this when you try using BALTORO. I felt that a user-oriented philosophy was at its peak, from cord locks to buckles, and the fine parts are extremely comfortable to use. It is truly GREGORY's flagship that gives you a sense of quality in every detail.

The main access shock cord has a silicon tube on the pulling part for easy grip

Easy to attach and detachable shock cord for pole axes

Easy to put your fingers on and easy to loosen

It's not that there are complaints

Although there is no dissatisfaction with the usability itself, there are still many areas where we want them to improve in order to achieve even higher levels. First of all, the question is that even a full range of features can be made a little simpler. In particular, the thin zipper pockets on both sides are quite difficult to use when surrounded by such functional storage. I don't think it's necessary to access the main storage in the bottom part as the U-shaped zipper reaches the bottom. Both are traditional storage spaces, so it takes a lot of decisions to cut them, but they are features that I think will soon disappear sooner or later.

On the other hand, I wanted a loop for the top lid that lets the sling through it, such as a daisy chain. I was able to emphasize versatility up to this point, and I didn't know why I was trying to cut it down.

summary

As I wrote at the beginning, I mainly write about the characteristics that I personally find interesting, rather than reviewing them, so there may be some people who are helpful or not. Before that, I wrote about this time because so many people were rating it, so I deliberately avoiding other people's impressions and reviews as much as possible so I may be writing something quite a bit off.

As I have written so far, carrying a GREGORY pack is never a flimsy thing to be satisfied with the person you carry on. It's also different from just buying a high-quality sofa. In addition to the comfort of the fitting, the numerous functionalities that are thoroughly created from the user's perspective make it possible to create a high level of perfection as a "tool that carries things", which leads to the joy of outdoor satisfaction, as it uses good tools.

Luxury cars are suitable for almost any long-distance outdoor activity, from spring to winter, from travel to traverse, and offer an exquisite ride for anyone, even in any era. If you're an outdoor enthusiast, why not take this opportunity to try it out at least once?

BALTORO 75

GREGORY

2,690g (Shoulder M/S hip belt size measured, rain cover included)

DEVA 70