Review: GREGORY STAUT 35 The "New Gregory" look at the complete renewal

The Stout series, one of the simplest and all-around backpacks in the company's lineup, is a major model change in 2017, that is suitable for a wide range of activities, from hiking and backpacking to weekend trips to the city. On this site, we have even described the previous model a "presence that makes you want to jump out with this pack on your back," and praised its high level of perfection, but about two years have since then, this renewal has also surprised us in many ways. I've tried out a variety of things with this pack, from spring hiking to winter mountain climbing and snowshoeing, so I'd like to review it right away.

Detailed review

Item appearance

GREGORY STAUT 35 / Model for women: AMBER 34

STAUT 35

Gregory

21,600 yen

1,130g

Front

Back

side

Main Specifications and ratings

What's changed? Main changes from previous model

With this renewal, there will be a large difference in personality from the previous model in various parts due to the concept being revised. For this reason, I will first roughly organize how the overall changes have changed.

This is amazing

Shift change from "luxury" to "light"

The biggest feature of the new model, which has been significantly updated since the previous model, is that it is "light." A medium size of 35 liters, weighing approximately 1kg is the level of specs that were common in ultra-light backpacks a few years ago. If you compare the models from other brands that are lined up in the store, you will be surprised at how light it is. The biggest feature of the previous model was its thick, thick fabric, plenty of cushioning, and a tough, luxurious feel to carry. In a sense, the design was designed to be "Gregory," so I was completely surprised by the change in route.

However, the lighter (thinner) has completely lost its strengths to date, as expected from Gregory, and the new high-density polyester material is thin and flexible, yet secured to sufficient durability. It was not particularly difficult to use in light winter mountains.

Adjustable back panel

Another major change this time is the complete revision of the rear panel. Like the old model, the base part is structured to convey the load of the pack to the waist, with hard wires placed around the back, and the appropriate curve makes it comfortable to fit your back. The major changes were the quality and quantity of the material (filling) on ​​the back and waist, and from the old model, which was highly cushioned with thick urethane, to a new model that was lighter and breathable thanks to fine unevenness and mesh, making it completely different to the comfort of carrying. The new model has lost the rigidity and cushioning on the back, which is what we call luxurious, but it is certainly improved in terms of weight reduction, fit to the entire back, and ease of stuffiness on the back.

Furthermore, the newly added rear length adjustment function is probably not necessary for an average model, but it's a different story when it comes to Gregory. This feature has been a long-awaited feature for Gregory followers who aim to achieve a perfect fit, and is the biggest step forward in this renewal. Simply peel off the Velcro on the back and move the harness to a position that suits you, and anyone can fit the back length accurately. The 65/75L model (amber is 60L) also has an adjustable length of the hip belt.

Packed with the latest practical storage features

There has also been a lot of reviews on storage functions such as pockets and attachments. First of all, the large mesh pocket located on the front has a cleaner design than the thick, non-stretchable pocket that was found in the previous model, making it easier to use.

The non-stretchable pockets on the side have also been changed to mesh pockets that have a stretchable entrance while still maintaining ease of use.

There are one pocket large enough to spare on the left and right hip belts.

The canopy has a larger capacity and a larger entrance and an easy-to-use pocket.

The main storage uses a drawcord that is easy to open and close, which is used for other Gregory's releases. You can open your mouth smoothly by simply pulling on both the left and right ends in the photo below.

As for attachments, although there are no particularly clever items, I get the impression that they are easy to use while keeping the basics in mind. As shown in the photo below, the familiar pole loops are placed on the left and right sides of the front, with two types: a small loop (green) that makes it easy to hook up the tip of the pole, and a large loop (blue) that makes it easy to use without worrying about how to install it.

The hole for passing the tube through the hydration holder inside is located in the center of the back of the pack, allowing the tube to flow to either the left or right side.

At the bottom of the pack is a strap with a buckle that is long enough to fit even when sleeping pads are attached, as shown in the photo below.

This is not good

Hip belt with reduced strength and stability

There may be some personal preferences, but what I was most unhappy about this renewal was the new hip belt. Although we have accepted the challenge of achieving lightweight and breathability without compromising the comfort of carrying it as much as possible, I feel that the hip belt is weaker and it is difficult to properly place the load on the waist. In addition, cushioning has also decreased in exchange for lightness and breathability, so it is no longer the traditional structure that allows you to carry the burden of "receiving the load with your waist" that was previously felt. As for this lightness, the more heavier the burden it becomes, the more fondly I remember the luxurious waistline of the previous model.

Reduced canopy and front daisy chain

Daisy chains for passing carabiners and straps on the outside of the backpack are a handy attachment for attaching various gears, and in the past, daisy chains that can be attached to solar panels were also included in the 35L class. However, this time, the 35L size has been easily stripped down, perhaps because it has been simplified and lightweight.

Summary: What kind of activities do you recommend?

As we've mentioned so far, there's no backpack here that embodies Gregory's traditional sense of style, like its predecessor, which has robust, luxurious cushioning and heavy load stability. Honestly, there are mixed opinions about this. With this drastic shift change, it can be said that the company's determination and suffering to meet new users while maintaining past traditions is oozing out. However, what you can see in front of you is the most all-around outdoor backpack from Gregory's lineup, with versatility and flexibility that can be easily taken out to more diverse and modern activities, from travel to long trails, regardless of who you use it. I hope that the level of perfection will increase further in the future.

By the way, users with little experience may be confused about whether to choose the Zulu 40, a brand that has similar characteristics at first glance, or this one. Both are versatile models with features that are easy to use for beginner hiking, but the Zulu has a mesh trampoline structure with the back panel, making it suitable for mountain hiking in the summer, while Stout is more suitable for activities other than hiking, such as winter mountains and streams.

The wide range of capacity ranges from 30 to 75L also shows the high versatility of this model. If you are planning to go on a day trip or stay in a hut, this 35L is recommended, but if you are bringing a tent for more than one night, a model with a 45L or more is better, and if you are staying at least three nights, a model with a 60L or more is better.

GREGORY STAUT 35

STAUT 35

Gregory

21,600 yen

1,130g

GREGORY AMBER 34

AMBER 34

Gregory

21,600 yen

1,080g

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