Gregory - Paragon 38 - Walking backpack tested

Used this backpack for a year primarily for summer hikes, as gear is both smaller and lighter.
This backpack stood well, even with all the gear and ca 5L of water on the hottest days it was still comfortable to carry - but the limit of "comfort" is around 12-13kg, maybe tad less (so couple of kgs short from stated).
Its volume wouldn't really allow to go past that anyway, but if you end up carrying extra water to the campsite - just know that you won't be able to do so, comfortably, for a prolonged period of time. If I had to pin point why - belt straps. Though rather firm padding on the shoulder straps also doesn't help, as it's not as pleasant under heavier loads.

Overall, good design, useful features, nothing really missing (but would change some existing features), nothing really to add, except maybe a dedicated loop on the strap for carrying something like inReach - the only opportunity was either glass holder (which, btw, I loved!) or water system loops - both of which weren't a comfortable solution if they were used for primary purpose. Similarly an extra loop on the back to hang the backmarker light or external medkit would've been priceless (or a single MOLLE loop).

Mesh pockets are good. Quite stretchy as well - the side ones can fit two smaller bottles (like 0.5 thermos + 0.75 bottle) or a bottle + tent poles. The "easy access" cutouts I found nearly useless, realistically most bottles I own and have seen are rather too long to fit through. Has only worked with one specific 0.5l (cycling) bottle and even then it was a chore to weed your hand with the bottle. I don't mind the cutout, but IMO it's more gimmick, though some might find it more useful. I'd just go and say here that Gregory's "SideWinder" is a way better "bottle quick access" feature.
The front mesh pocket also is quite good, comfortably held jacket with gloves and sit pad without feeling like it's going to fall out.

The access is good, not a lot of dividers or pockets, which I enjoyed, but that's just personal preference. If you fancy more built-in organisers - probably look elsewhere.

The materials seem OK in terms of durability, some scratches here and there from days in the mountains, no tears or punctures so far. On that note - the backpack itself is more to the heavier side and I'd attribute weight it has to the materials. If I had to nitpick, I'd either go for bit more weight and make it more durable or in non-key areas go for lighter ripstop materials to shed weight.


Overall, good backpack, was worth the money (bought it with discount). Would I buy again? Probably yes, unless I'd find a better one from Gregory (as how they fit suits me the most).