Reviews > Packs > Internal and External Framed Backpacks > Gregory Tega > Shandra Hunt > Initial Report

Gregory Tega Backpack - Initial Report

Name: Shandra Hunt

Age: 26

Gender: Female

Height: 5' 3"(1.6 m)

Weight: 145 lb (66 kg)

Location: Ben Lomond,California

Email: jns170@yahoo.com

Date: 11/21/04

Biography:

Growing up in the Santa Cruz mountains, I have always been an avid hiker and camper. I evolved into a backpacker about three years ago. Since then I have done many trips throughout California and the Southwest. I spent five days packing in Grand Canyon, which fueled my love for the sport even more. I try to backpack as often as possible, I think I may be addicted. The more I backpack, the more lightweight and efficient I try to make my setup.

Product Information:

URL: http://www.gregorypacks.com

Manufacturer: Gregory Mountain products

Measured weight: 3 lb 3 oz (1.5 kg) (medium)

Listed weight: 3 lb 3 oz (1.5 kg)

Shipping Weight: 5 lb (2.3 kg)

Capacity: 2900cu in (48L) (medium)

MSRP: $179.00 U.S.

Year of Manufacter: 2004

Fabric: 140 D Dyneema

Sizes Available: Extra small, small and medium

Colors Available: Dusty blue and desert rose

Initial Description:

I received the Gregory Tega pack via UPS ground on 11/18/04. The pack came in a large rectangular cardboard box that was sent from Temecula, CA and had a shipping weight of 5 lb (2.3 kg). The pack was in a plastic bag with no other shipping packaging. The Tega came with a great little book that contained all of the information about the pack. This little book includes information and drawings about the Gregory company, how to choose one of their packs, how to fit and adjust your pack, how to take care of it, and the Gregory warranty information.

There are a lot of features on the Gregory Tega. This pack is designed specifically for women as part of Gregory's light and fast weekend series packs. The Tega is designed to carry between 25 lb (11.3 kg) and 35 lb (15.9 kg). The female specific design of this pack features a contoured harness shape, a narrow backpanel that is 1 in (2.5 cm) narrower than a standard pack, and a gullwing plus waistbelt that is contoured to fit a women's form. The Tega has a top access only, which is about 16in (41 cm) wide. The main compartment of this pack is 32 in (81 cm) deep. This compartment features a hydration sleeve inside which measures 14 in (36 cm) long and 10 in (25 cm) wide with an elastic rim along the top, that is designed to fit any size reservoir. The reservoir pouch looks like it is removable but I cannot figure out how it detaches. This pack has several pockets. There are two low profile, fabric, zippered side pockets that are 11 in (28 cm) deep and about 6 in (15 cm) wide. There is another small, mesh, open top pocket on one side of the pack below the previously mentioned pockets. There is a mesh, foldaway water bottle holster on the opposite side that fits a standard Nalgene container. On most packs I have seen that have a bottle holster, the holster is upright. On the Tega pack, the holster is sideways for easier access to the bottle. The top cap of the pack has a large, double zippered pocket that measures about 12 in (30 cm) wide by10 in (25 cm) long and is 2 in (5 cm) deep. The top cap of the Tega is removable by undoing three attachments on the back of the pack and two buckles on the front. There is a large mesh pocket on the front of the pack that is 13 in (33 cm) deep and about 8 in (20 cm) wide. This pocket has several loops on the front, a detachable ice axe loop, and an elastic top with a small clip closure.

When I first examined the Tega pack, I was somewhat intimidated by the amount of straps that it has. There are about fourteen adjustable straps on this pack! The Tega features a V-pull compression system which gives it a wide compression range with each of the straps serving a specific function for leveling the load and adjusting the fit. There are three 3/4 in (2 cm), adjustable straps attached from the back of the top cap to the back of the pack. The front of the top cap has two 1 in (2.5 cm) wide by 2in (5 cm) long buckles that attach to 3/4 in (2 cm) wide by 21 in (53 cm)long straps to close it over the main pack body. There is another 3/4 in (2 cm) wide by 22 in (56 cm) long strap that closes the main compartment of the pack with a small clip. This strap is also connected to the clip that closes the mesh pocket on the front of the pack.

On each side of the Tega pack there are "V" shaped, 3/4 in (2 cm) wide straps that clip over the side pockets, which can be adjusted for the width of the pack. There are two adjustable 3/4 in (2 cm) wide compression straps that extend from the bottom of the pack to the bottom of the mesh pocket on the front. These straps are 24 in (61 cm) long and have an attached slide that allows for two small items to be attached here on the outside of the pack or the straps can be used for one larger item.

The tapered shoulder straps of the Tega pack are about 2 in (5 cm) wide, extend able up to 39 in (99 cm) long, and 1/2 in (1.3 cm) thick. The shoulder straps feature stabilizer straps and a 3/4 in (1.9 cm) wide, snap attach sternum strap that is adjustable up to 10 in (25 cm). The padded waistbelt on the Tega is thinner than on the pack I have been using, it is only about 1/4 in (.6 cm) thick. The waistbelt is tapered from 5 in (13 cm) to 3in (8 cm) wide and has a buckle that measures 3 in (8 cm) long by 1 3/4 in (4.5 cm) wide.

The Gregory Tega has a chimney ventilated backpanel that is designed to circulate air for cooler hiking conditions. There are two removable pieces of the Tega pack. The single, hollow 1 in (2.5 cm) aluminum stay can be removed, as well as the foam-x hourglass framesheet, which provides lightweight support. By removing both of these pieces, 1.4 oz (40 g) can be taken off the overall pack weight.

The body fabric of the Tega pack is 140 D Dyneema, which is supposed to provide a balance of strength and weight.. This fabric looks to be very water resistant.. The color I chose was dusty blue, which I would liken to periwinkle, and it has a white lined square pattern. The main body of the pack is dusty blue, while the rest of the pack; the straps, the front pocket, and the back are black.

Initial Impression:

This pack is not only what I had expected after I reviewed it on the Gregory website, it is even better. The Tega is lighter than my usual pack, which alone is a benefit, but it is also slightly smaller. I have been trying to lighten and compact my setup and I think this is just the pack to help. The Tega fabric and stitching looks durable, as do the clips, straps and buckles. My usual pack has minimal pockets and I like that the Tega has several different pocket options. I was impressed by how comfortable the Tega is when I first tried it on, and I will be interested to see how comfortable it is with some weight in it.

I am concerned by how thin the shoulder straps and waistbelt are. My usual pack has at least twice the thickness of the Tega padding. The hourglass shaped frame is very comfortable, it did not impinge movement during my initial try on.

Test Plan:

I plan to use the Gregory Tega pack as my main pack during the test period. I will be using the Tega when I travel over the upcoming holidays as my suitcase. I will be backpacking on an overnight trip to Big Basin State Park in two weeks. This will be my first test of the Tega during backpacking. Most of my backpacking trips are one or two nights, but I take several longer trips each year.

I will be testing the Tega pack for several important features. The most important thing, for me, is whether this pack is comfortable. I am concerned about how the waistbelt will fit, and if it rubs on my hipbone. I am also concerned that the shoulder straps will rub on my collarbone. I will be testing this pack for it's stability, comfort, and durability when it is packed to its' maximum capacity and weight. This pack is slightly smaller than my usual pack so I will be testing the capacity of this pack to see if it will hold all of my gear. I will test the Tega to see how accessible it is and whether or not I can locate and get to what I need. It is important that this pack is easily adjustable and fits me well. I like to have the option of carrying my pack weight either on my shoulders or on my hips, so having different available adjustments will be important.

The durability of the Tega pack will be something that I concentrate on during the test period. I will be testing the stitching, zippers, and fabric durabliity of the Tega. I want to see if the fabric can hold up during repeated exposure to rough terrain. I will be testing the zippers, clips, buckles, straps and pulls repeatedly to see if they wear or function differently over time. An important concern I have for any pack that I use, is if it is weatherproof and if the seams are well sealed to prevent leaks.

I expect to have several good opportunities to test the Gregory Tega under various conditions. I like that the Tega has many adjustment option, is lightweight, and that it is compact. I like the style of this pack and the various pockets that it has. I look forward to using the Tega because it is smaller, lighter, and more compact than my usual pack.

Reviews > Packs > Internal and External Framed Backpacks > Gregory Tega > Shandra Hunt > Initial Report