Review: GREGORY STAUT 35 The "New Gregory" look at the complete renewal
Written by Yasushi Hisatomi
The Stout series, one of the company's most simple and versatile backpacks, suitable for a wide range of activities from hiking and backpacking to weekend trips to the city, underwent a major redesign in 2017. This site praised the previous model for its high level of perfection, describing it "a pack with a presence that makes you want to put it on and head outside right away." Nearly two years later, this latest redesign has surprised us in many ways. We've tried out this pack for a variety of activities, from spring hikes to winter mountain climbing and snowshoeing, so we'd like to share our review right away.
table of contents
Detailed review
Item appearance
GREGORY STAUT 35 / Women's model: AMBER 34
Front
Back
side
Main Specifications and ratings
| item | Specifications and ratings |
|---|---|
| material |
|
| color |
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| Size/Length of the back |
|
| capacity |
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| weight |
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| Variations |
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| Models for women |
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| Main Access | Top/Bottom |
| Hydration compatible | ◯ |
| Rain cover | ◯ |
| Pocket attachment |
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| others | Integrated rain cover that doubles as a storage compartment |
| Comfort | ★★★★☆ |
| Stability | ★★★☆☆ |
| Storageability | ★★★★☆ |
| Ease of use | ★★★★☆ |
| Durability | ★★★★☆ |
| weight | ★★★★★ |
| Overall score | ★★★★☆ |
What's changed? Major changes from the previous model
This renewal has been redesigned to have a number of significant differences in character from the previous model, so we'll start by giving a rough outline of the overall changes
| item | New Model | Old model |
|---|---|---|
| Back length adjustment | Possible | impossible |
| Size variations | One size | 2 sizes |
| weight | 1.13kg | 1.41kg (medium size) |
| Materials used | Lightweight and highly durable material | Highly durable material |
| Back panel | Lightweight panel material | Hard material with metal frame |
| Front pocket | stretch fabric | Non-stretch fabric |
| Side pockets | Stretchable mesh fabric at the entrance | Non-stretch fabric? |
| Attachments | Almost no daisy chaining | Numerous daisy chains on the top front |
This is amazing
Shift from "luxury" to "lightness"
The biggest feature of this new model, which has undergone a major update from its predecessor, is its lightness. At a medium size of 35 liters and weighing approximately 1 kg, this is the level of specs that would have been commonly seen in ultralight backpacks in the past. If you compare it with models from other brands on the shelves in stores, you'll be amazed at how incredibly light it is. While the previous model may have been a bit heavy, its greatest features were its thick fabric, ample cushioning, and tough, luxurious comfort. In a sense, it was a product that could be said to be "quintessentially Gregory," so this change in direction came as a complete surprise
However, just because it's lighter (thinner) doesn't mean it loses any of its strengths, and as you'd expect from Gregory, the new high-density polyester material is thin and flexible, yet still durable enough. It's not particularly difficult to use in light winter mountains
Adjustable back panel
Another major change in this model is undoubtedly the complete revision of the back panel. The base, like the previous model, is constructed with a rigid wire that surrounds the back to transfer the pack's weight to the waist, and the appropriate curve ensures a comfortable fit to the back. The biggest change is in the quality and quantity of the material (padding) in the areas that come into contact with the back and waist. The previous model was made with thick urethane for high cushioning, but the new model has been changed to a lighter, more breathable model with fine bumps and mesh, making it feel completely different to wear. While the new model has lost the rigidity and cushioning of the back, or the so-called luxurious feel, it is certainly lighter, has a better fit to the entire back, and is less prone to back stuffiness
The newly added torso length adjustment feature might be unnecessary for a standard model, but it's a different story for Gregory. It's a long-awaited feature for Gregory devotees who strive for the perfect fit, and it's the biggest step forward in this renewal. Simply remove the Velcro on the back and adjust the harness to your preferred position, allowing anyone to get the exact torso length they need. The 65/75L model (60L for the amber) also features an adjustable hip belt
Packed with the latest practical storage features
Many changes have also been made to the storage functions, such as pockets and attachments. First of all, the large mesh pocket on the front has a sleeker design than the thick, non-stretchy pocket on the previous model, and it can be said that it is also easier to use
The non-elastic pockets on the sides have also been replaced with mesh pockets with elastic openings, while still remaining easy to use
There is one generously sized pocket on each hip belt
The canopy now has a larger capacity and a larger, easier-to-use pocket opening
The main compartment is accessed with a drawcord, a system that is easy to open and close, similar to other Gregory bags. Simply pull the left and right ends of the bag (as shown in the photo below) to open it smoothly
As for attachments, there aren't any particularly clever ones, but the impression is that they are easy to use and have the basics covered. As shown in the photo below, the familiar pole loops located on the left and right sides of the front have two types: a small loop (green) that makes it easy to hook the tip of a pole, and a large loop (blue) that makes it easy to tie an axe, so it's easy to use without having to think about how to attach it
The hole for passing the tube from the internal hydration holder is located in the center of the back of the pack, allowing the tube to be passed through on either the left or right side
At the bottom of the pack, there are straps with buckles that are long enough to accommodate a sleeping pad, as shown in the photo below
This is not good
Hip belt is weaker and less stable
This may be a matter of personal preference, but the thing I'm most dissatisfied with in this renewal is the new hip belt. While I appreciate the attempt to reduce weight and improve breathability without sacrificing comfort as much as possible, the hip belt on the 35L model feels weak, making it difficult to properly place the load on your hips. Furthermore, in exchange for lightness and breathability, the cushioning has also been reduced, so it no longer has the traditional structure for carrying a heavy load that felt like "supporting the weight on your hips." The heavier the load, the more I miss the luxurious hip belt of the previous model
Reduced canopy and front daisy chain
Daisy chains, which are used to attach carabiners and straps to the outside of a backpack, are a convenient attachment for attaching various gear, and previously even the 35L class had daisy chains for attaching solar panels. However, this time, the 35L size has been completely stripped away, perhaps in an effort to simplify and lighten the load
Summary: What kind of activities do you recommend?
As we've explained so far, this backpack does not embody the traditional Gregory style, unlike the previous model, which was robust, luxuriously cushioned, and stable under heavy loads. To be honest, there will be mixed opinions about this. This drastic shift in style could be seen as a reflection of the company's determination and struggle to meet the needs of new users while preserving its past traditions. However, what we see now is the most all-around outdoor backpack in Gregory's lineup, with versatility and flexibility that makes it suitable for anyone and can be easily taken on a wider variety of modern activities, from travel to long trails. We hope that its perfection will continue to improve in the future
By the way, inexperienced hikers may be confused as to which to choose between this and the Zulu 40, which at first glance have similar features. Both are highly versatile models with features that make them easy to use for beginner hikers, but the Zulu has a mesh trampoline structure on the back panel, making it particularly suitable for summer mountain hiking, while the Stout is more suitable for winter mountain hiking and other activities such as stream hiking
The wide range of capacities available, from 30 to 75L, also speaks to the versatility of this model. If you're mainly planning on day trips or overnight stays in huts, we recommend the 35L model, but if you'll be bringing a tent for more than one night, a 45L or larger model would be better, and if you're staying for three nights or more, a 60L or larger model would be better
GREGORY STAUT 35
GREGORY AMBER 34
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