Reviews > Packs > Frameless Backpacks and Day Packs > Gregory Wasatch Pack > Test Report by Michael Wilkie

GREGORY WASATCH PACK
TEST SERIES BY MIKE WILKIE
INITIAL REPORT

INITIAL REPORT - October 17, 2009

TESTER INFORMATION

Hiking for me started at an early age, as I was always an avid camper and as a Scout my backpacking obsession began. Now living in the Catskill Region backpacking has become serious for me over the years. I hike, snowshoe, canoe, snowboard or multi-day backpack through the Catskills or Adirondacks almost every weekend. I use and practice safe lightweight techniques and have greatly reduced my pack weight, adding both comfort and miles to my adventures. As an aspirant of the Catskill-3500 Club and Adirondack-46ers, peak-bagging is my main outdoor activity. My long-term goals are to complete long distance thru-hikes.

INITIAL REPORT

PRODUCT INFORMATION & SPECIFICATIONS

Manufacturer: Gregory Mountain Products
Year of Manufacture: 2009
Manufacturer's Website: http://www.gregorypacks.com
MSRP: US$79

ABOUT THE PRODUCT

The Gregory Wasatch Pack has a design and construction that could satisfy the lightweight guru. Packed with many features, the Wasatch offers plenty versatility to accommodate my short or long mile day hikes.

The Wasatch has two main zipper compartments, a front outer mesh pocket, two mesh side pockets and two zippered mesh waist-belt pockets. To further the versatility, the pack has an outer left and right stabilizer/compression straps and an internal left and right compression system. In addition, the outer mesh pocket contains an elastic shock-cord with two attachment points to add to the packs compression capabilities.

Inside the larger main compartment is a hydration sleeve to accommodate my reservoir and a mesh zippered pocket to stash small items. There are left and right exit points for the reservoir's port tube, which leads to a tube management sleeve to keep the tube in place and at hand. Inside the smaller main zippered compartment are two narrow mesh sleeves for organizing small items.

The large front mesh pocket secures gear in with an elastic shock-cord that attaches to either of the two attachment points for closure and compression. Attached to the sides of this mesh pocket are two ladder locks, where the stabilizer straps clip into to secure and compress the pack load. On the lower front of this pocket is an attachment loop that I hang a carabiner from for easy access.

On the sides of the pack are two mesh pockets with an elastic top to secure items in such as a small water bottle. The two waist-belt pockets can accommodate items such as a GPS unit or camera. However, these pockets are mesh and do not offer any protection from moisture or dirt.

On the left shoulder strap, just below the water tube sleeve is an elastic shock-cord loop that is attached with hook and loop. I am having a hard time figuring out what this could be used for or with. At this point, I am assuming it could be used to attach a running light or maybe a reflector.

The harness system, including the waist-belt, shoulder straps and sternum strap all have a slight elastic stretch that adds to the packs comfort and stability. This stretch helps to keep the pack comfortably hugging the body and firm against the back for stability. Trapped moisture is controlled by Gregory's Aero-Mesh backpanel that is also used behind the shoulder straps and waist-belt.

INITIAL IMPRESSIONS

I was initially impressed by the many compression points offered in various locations. The main compression system is controlled by two (left and right) internal pull loops located near the bottom sides of the pack just behind where the waist-belt is attached. By cinching the pull loops, the pack compresses inward from the sides at the widest most portion. The pull loops stay in place by spring loaded clips and can easily be released by squeezing them in.

TRYING IT OUT

I have had the opportunity to use the Wasatch Pack on two short treks this past week. The pack afforded me with lightweight comfort while on the trail. Although they were short hikes, the lightweight design was easily noticed. Gear was accessed with ease and my load was always stabile and secure on my back. With the small load I carried, I was able to shrink the pack down for a stable load with its various compression points and capabilities.

SUMMARY

Thus far, I can with confidence back-up Gregory's claims of the Wasatch being lightweight. And with this lightweight design, Gregory has packed the Wasatch with many features to add to its versatility and comfort. The Gregory Wasatch seems to be designed with high quality materials and appears to be manufactured with high standards.

The Bio-sync suspension system, the Aero-Mesh backpanel and the internal compression system are only a few of the features that make up this versatile, highly technical lightweight pack. The features of the Wasatch can be appreciated by any user and not just the lightweight enthusiast.

Pros
Internal compression system
Suspension system
Stabilizer straps and other compression points


This concludes my Initial Report on the Gregory Wasatch Pack. The Field Report will be completed and appended here in approximately two months. Please check back then for further information.

Reviews > Packs > Frameless Backpacks and Day Packs > Gregory Wasatch Pack > Test Report by Michael Wilkie