Gregory Pack Would Fill Mountain Needs

Sun., May 16, 1999

Dear Gear Guy: Planning my first trip up mounts Baker and Rainier in July of 2000, and needing your best recommendations for backpacks for spending three to five days doing alpine climbing on those mountains.

I really want a pack with outside zipper access to the sleeping bag compartment. Other than that, something with head room, one or two extra places for ropes or crampon storage and my ice axe. I’m guessing I need around 5,000 cubic inches. I have been told to get one with decent head room and solid, comfortable suspension system.

I’ve been looking at the Gregory Palisade but am told it limits head room. I am 5-foot-9. Your serious consideration is appreciated. I’m looking to spend up to $350 suggested retail, but something less is always nice, too.

Randy Byers, Sheldon, Iowa

Gear Guy: I think by “head room” what you mean is that the pack shouldn’t crowd the back of your head too much. That make sense, although most big packs tend to constrain your neck-craning a little, particularly when they’re stuffed full. I think the Palisade would work just fine.

I’ve used several Gregory packs over the years, and have never had a problem with head room. Sure, fill it full and put on a helmet and you might find you can’t look straight up quite as well.

But so what? I mean, maybe it’s a problem if you’re climbing steep ice, but otherwise, no. Still, you might compare it to something like a Lowe Alpine Crossbow 70+15 ($299). Lowe packs tend to be very “technical” in nature, and you might find they offer a good mix of price and performance. But really, my first choice would be to go ahead and get the Gregory pack.

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