Reviews > Packs > Internal and External Framed Backpacks > Gregory Deva > Rebecca Sowards-Emmerd > Long Term Report

Gregory Deva 60 Long Term Report October 12, 2004

Contents:      Tester Information      Product Information           Report

Tester Information

Name: Rebecca Sowards-Emmerd Location: Los Altos, CA Age/Sex: 26/Female Height: 5'5" (1.65 m) Weight: 130 lb (59 kg) Email: rebecca@backpackgeartest.org Website: http://www.calipidder.com

I began backpacking in the summer of 2000 after moving to California. It was something I had always wanted to do, but I had only car-camped with my family while growing up in Michigan. My husband (then fiance) and I picked up the hobby together, and the past three years have been a learning experience for us both. Originally, we picked up most of our gear without much knowledge about what was best for what we wanted. I am now in the process of re-evaluating my entire backpacking setup to lower my pack weight, make camp tasks more efficient, and be more comfortable in the outdoors.  In addition to backpacking, we've become avid day hikers, snowshoers, snow campers, and peak-baggers. I spend time outside during weekends year-round in the deserts and mountains of California. Our weekend hikes are often 'spur-of-the-moment', and usually occur in and around Yosemite National Park, Desolation Wilderness (near Lake Tahoe), and Sonora Pass in the Sierra Nevada mountains, as well as Lassen National Park and Mt. Shasta area in the Southern Cascades. I have carried the Deva on this summer's cold weather trips, where I have worn the pack with multiple layers of clothing and carried my warmer sleeping bag and clothing.

Product Information

Name: Deva 60 Manufacturer: Gregory Manufacturer website: www.gregorypacks.com Year of Manufacture: 2004 Listed Weight: 5 lb, 1 oz (2.30 kg) (Small) Measured weight: 5 lb, 3 oz (2.35 kg) (Small w/Large belt)

The Gregory Deva 60 is a female-specific 3500 cubic inch (57 L) pack (for the small size).  Based on Gregory's Escape series, the Deva features a narrower back panel and adjustable waist belt to conform to the shape of a woman's body.  The Deva has a large main compartment which includes a lower sleeping bag compartment.  In addition to the large main storage area there are several outer pockets and straps that enhance the organization capabilities of the pack.

Long Term Report

Three things have become very evident over the Long Term Test phase. The first is that the Deva is a very comfortable pack with the ability to fit a wide range of sizes and clothes bulk. The second is that this is a pack that is best intended for cold-weather use. The third is that this pack is incredibly durable and of high-quality construction. Fit Since this test began I have lost approximately 20-25 lbs (9-11 kg). A lot of this was in my upper body and waist, so the fit of many of my packs has changed significantly over this time. The only thing that didn't change was the length of my torso. Upon being selected for this test I chose a small frame pack for my 16.5 in (42 cm) torso, and a large belt. My hip measurement fell right in the middle of the medium and large belt size range. The pack fit great at the beginning and the hip belt padding fell exactly where it should have. I have lost several inches and now fall within the upper small belt range. The large belt is definitely huge now, but interestingly enough it is still very comfortable. When the belt is tightened to a comfortable amount the pads wrap almost entirely around me and nearly touch at the front. The weight still rests at the same place on my hips and I have no discomfort from wearing a large belt. It basically means that I have extra padding all the way around my waist. If my waist were much smaller, however, the pads would touch in the front and I wouldn't be able to tighten the belt any further. I'm not planning on losing any more inches though, so I am perfectly happy with the large belt. I had planned on exchanging the belt as soon as I noticed a change in how the pack carried, but so far this hasn't happened. This also means I have flexibility with layers. If I put on a bulky fleece the pack still fits. If I tie a shirt around my waist while hiking, the pack still fits. When hiking recently in near-freezing temperatures in Yosemite I had a few bottom layers on which added several inches to my hips. The pack still felt great. I am very happy with the comfort of this pack regardless of the amount of bulky layers I am wearing. Anyways, it is best that this pack fit most comfortably when I am wearing winter layers for the reasons I discuss in the next section. Packing As I stated in my Field Report, Gregory described the Deva as a great weekend pack. This is definitely true for me...in winter conditions. For summer backpacking the Deva is just too much of a good thing. It is too spacious and too heavy for my typical summer loads. The Deva packs my winter load wonderfully. Including food and water, a winter weekend load for me is appoximately 30 lbs (14 kg), including the pack. The Deva makes up approximately 17% of the weight on my back. The main pack compartment is the perfect size for my winter sleeping bag, self-inflating mattress, extra clothing layers and jackets, a Therm-a-rest pillow (one luxury I always allow myself to carry), bivy, and cook gear. The numerous side pockets provide just the amount of organization I like for all of my small items - headlamp, toiletry kit, snacks, etc. When the Deva is packed for a winter weekend outing it is at its finest. The volume is just right, the pockets are wonderful, and most importantly, the pack carries the weight extremely comfortably. For more details on the great packing features of the Deva, see my Field Report. Unfortunately I encountered some troubles strapping some winter gear (ice axe, shovel) to the exterior of the pack, which is the only damper to this being an excellent winter pack. If I change to my summer gear, the Deva becomes a cumbersome monster that is over-engineered for what I need. Including food and water, my summer load carried in the Deva is approximately 20 lbs (9 kg). Since the Deva weighs a fraction over 5 lbs (2.3 kg), the pack makes up over 25% of the weight on my back! To me, this ratio is too big. Since my summer gear is lightweight and compact, I much prefer to carry it in a lighter weight pack, saving 3 lbs (1.4 kg) over the weight of the Deva. With the lightweight load I do not need the super suspension and padding on the Deva - it is not bad, it is just overkill. Also, I only have to use about half the volume of the pack, so I am inefficiently carrying around a bunch of unused space. So, Gregory's generalization of the Deva as a great weekend pack may be true for some, but only applies to me in the winter. The lesson to be learned is that one pack cannot necessarily fit all niches in my regular outdoor activities. Although I expect to carry it for many winters to come, I don't expect to ever carry it in the summer again as there are better choices for my needs. This doesn't mean there is anything wrong with the Deva, it is simply a matter of personal preference. Durability I have not been kind to this pack during the test period. It's been thrown around, shoved in closets, overpacked, hauled over sharp rocky ground, and used as a break in a windy dust storm. It's still got some dust in the nook and crannies, but otherwise it looks none the worse for wear. I am very confident in the ability of the Deva to survive just about anything I could throw its way. Whenever I plan on hiking in any tough conditions, or off-trail, this will be the pack to bring. I have no doubt it would handle it well. To summarize the likes and dislikes discussed in both the Field Report and this Long Term Report: Likes Fit - this pack is extremely comfortable and carries the load very well. Pockets - numerous pockets make packing organized and efficient. Water bottle holster - makes it very easy to grab a water bottle while on the move. Durability - this pack will probably live longer than I do. Dislikes Top lid - I wish the top lid converted into a hipsack. In addition, it would be nice to have a small pocket in it to stash some emergency cash and my id in when hiking. Buckles - the buckles are kind of 'mushy' and don't snap into and out of place smoothly. External gear attachment - attaching an ice axe or other typical winter gear can be tricky (see Field Report) Overall, the Deva is a wonderful pack and the positives far outweigh any negatives I found. During this test I learned a little more about myself and my personal style. Namely, I don't mind carrying a heavy pack when my load is heavy because it carries the weight comfortably. A few extra pounds is absolutely worth it. However, I do mind carrying a heavy pack when I have a lightweight load doesn't require the suspension and space. For my heavier packing needs the Deva fits the bill, and I look forward to many hikes with it in the future. Given how durable it seems, I expect it to still be around long after I can't hike any more!

Reviews > Packs > Internal and External Framed Backpacks > Gregory Deva > Rebecca Sowards-Emmerd > Long Term Report