Gregory Paragon 50

We could’ve had it all…..Rolling in the deep….  Yes we are putting an Adele lyric in a review for a backpack, I know strange but hear me out.  This pack is good, really good almost could have had it all…rolling in the deep woods.  Check out the Pros as there are many and just a few Cons that keep it from being 5 out of 5 great.

  • Pros

    • Fashion - Looking good!

      • The Spark Navy with the orange accents go together perfectly, not overdone.   The different material with unique design work stand out.  A backpack is function over fashion but with this pack you have both.

    • A fit you can dial in

      • The hip belt and shoulder straps can be dialed in specific to your size with strong velcro(hook and loop) on both sections with fine tuning with pull straps.  Still make sure to measure yourself (Torso and Waist) to be able to decide on a SM/MD or MD/LG.  This is very important on any pack purchase.  Once dialed in it fits like and glove and distributes weight perfectly. 

    • Light but sturdy 

      • At 3.3 lbs for the SM/Md and 3.6 lbs this pack is not an ultra light but still very light for a 50 liter 50 lbs carry pack.  

    • Right side “Trail Access Pocket” is awesome!!

      • Can easily access water bottle and put it away without rotator cuff surgery.  You can access and put away items without needing to look back, contort yourself, or take off the pack.

    • Back panel is breathable

      • AirCusion mesh works, this is a breathable back panel that still allows airflow even when the pack is loaded down and dialed in to your fit.  That being what it is this pack is not going to change your DNA.  If you sweat without a pack on hot days you will in this.

    • Water bladder hose clip (SpeedClip) on the shoulder strap is very thoughtful and useful.

    • FreeFloat frame and dynamic hip belt is not a gimmick.  This works with your hips as you move on the trail.  Going over large rocks, steps, etc.  you can feel the hip belt move with you as the pack rides on your hips.  

    • Gear straps work!  

      • Trekking poles felt secure the entire hike.  No worries of anything falling off.

    • It has a carry handle!! 

      • For carrying while not wearing or storage.  Sounds like a small thing but is a must have for me to easily load in the truck or hang when storing. 

    • Clips, draw strings, pull straps, fabrics feel quality 

      • Everything you touch feels like it is of high quality.  Comes with a limited lifetime warranty and built on a quality first mentality.  

  • Con’s

    • Hip belt pockets are not one hand close.  To open or close the hip belt pockets you must have one hand hold the material around the zipper and the other hand work the zipper.  Any pockets that are to be accessible while the pack is on should be one hand open and close.

    • Quick access On-The-Go pocket is cool but cannot fit a cell phone.  I know this is not what it is made for (Garmin inReach) but it is the quick access electronic device all of your customer base owns.  

    • Yes the top brain pocket is removable but we have no weather top guard in its place.  The top of the pack is just closed in place with the draw string.  Along with this no rain cover is included and the rain cover is $40+ to purchase on its own….that price for a rain cover is a non starter for me

So in the end the pack is wonderful but could’ve had it all.  If the hip belts were one hand close it would have had it all for me.  

Wizards Potion (Tip) - If no free rain cover is a deal breaker go on Amazon and buy this one for around $11.