 well, unless I am much mistaken Gregory packs have been sold through Pegler's in Arundel for over a year now.
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 Looked at em, never done much for me. Backpacker reviews seem to be based entirely on who advertises with them anyway. They seem to totally ignore all Lowe products for example. Hilleberg got ignored until they started placing ads.
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having said that a lot of people love Gregory packs.
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 I thought this was about Gregory Pecks. Doh!
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 Has anyone used a Gregory pack? I'm interested in getting one because they're so lightweight, but obviously I don't want to lose support for back/hips/shoulders as a result of the weight saving. All thoughts welcome...
Cheers,
Michael.
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 I too have been patiently waiting for the day some of the American packs started appearing over here. Many of their packs appear to have overcome this idea of having to be ‘bomb-proof’, and yet still manage to survive being used on their long distance trails. (I know it depends on what you’re using a pack for – I don’t need a ‘bomb-proof’ pack and would appreciate a choice)
Have looked at Golite, but they’ve taken it to the extreme and although tempting, I can’t quite go that far. I’d also like to see Granite Gear packs, but when I last contacted them they advised they didn’t have retailers in this country and just mentioned USA suppliers who were willing to international ship. There is no way I’d buy a pack that I hadn’t tried on before hand.
I’m with you on this one Michael – I can’t wait for more choice to be made available and look forward to anyone’s comments on such packs from across the pond.
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 GoLite do have some packs that are a bit more than minimalist. The Infinity has a framesheet in the back and a padded hipbelt and is still very light.
The Gregory Z Pack is fine with loads up to 18kg (I used it on the TGO Challenge last year) and the Osprey Aether, which is a little heavier, will handle 20-25kg.
My favourite lightweight pack for loads up to 18kg is the ULA P2, which is only available mail order from the USA. Mind you, it's also only available mail order in the USA. You won't find it in any stores.
My favourite pack for heavy loads - 25kg+ - is the 115 litre Dana Astralplane, which is superbly comfortable. I've had one for 13 years and it's still the best heavy load carrier I've found. However there is no sign of Dana packs becoming available over here.
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I've got a Granite Gear Vapor Trail, which is under 1kg, and I have to say I love it. Have to keep the weight pretty low or it starts to sag, though the way you pack it makes quite a bit of difference. Loads of padding on it. It's lacking a little on features, but when it comes down to it you don't really need all those pockets. The two on the side work well.
With cheap flights and the weakness in the dollar I'd recommend anyone planning on buying lots of gear taking a long weekend or week in the US and hitting a few stores. Or even ordering online with next-day delivery - you can always return it if you don't like it.
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I'll look into a few of these options, it is frustrating to see so many options open to lightweight backpackers on the other side of the pond. I know all the packs mentioned above can be bought mail order, but I agree with John - I'd never buy a pack I hadn't tried on!
PS Chris, I remember you namechecking the Astralplane in your Classic Hill Walks book - glad to hear it's still going strong!
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The Astralplane will probably outlast me!
The GoLite Infinity, Gregory G and Z Rests and Osprey Aether packs are all available in the UK.
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Just had my Gregory G pack delivered from Peglers (their customer service was spot on) - it looks and feels like it will be very supportive, I just need to get up a few hills now with it!
I don't think any UK manufactures apart from Lightwave have any packs similar, may be wrong but I couldn't find any.
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I bought a Gregory Ekko pack, and I have to say I was deeply unimpressed with the quality. The frame looked and felt cheap and plasticky, and their 'ergonomic' shoulder and back pads made me feel as if I'd strapped an ironing board onto my shoulders. All in all, it felt and looked like a Regatta rucksack, rather than something which was supposed to top-notch.
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Hi Crispa after several long trips with the G pack I must confess its the most comfortable pack I have ever owned, some silly points like the waist belt pockets are just stupidly small but apart from that its great.
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 Just thought I'd comment on the thread. ESC Outdoor Ltd are the distributors for Gregory in the UK, we have been supplying the packs into UK retail for 18 months now, so I am especially interested in user comments and views from the UK.
Its interesting that the Ekko and G Pack use exactly the same framesheet, the 3D formed Exo Frame. In the case of the Ekko I am surprised that the pack feels stiff although it is reinforced with a stay which the G Pack hasnt got. This is in order that the pack can ably support loads of up to 12/13 kilos in a multi activity (skiing/ climbing etc..) environment. We had a tremendous review of the Ekko pack in OE magazine some time ago, proving only that choosing and fitting a rucksack is a personal preference. Gregory design their packs according to the anatomical shape of the back, with a curve into the lumbar region that in the vast majority of cases provides an excellent fit.
I know that what is not in doubt is the quality of the packs and the amount of research and development that goes into each model.
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I guess it's a case of chacun a son gout - just that I didn't like the fit of the pack at all, and to my eyes at least, the build quality didn't feel worth the price I was paying. Other people may disagree - that's their privilege.
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Just so as i know where did you buy it from and did the staff member give the right advice?
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Yikes, I can't remember the store...but the staff member was extremely helpful and courteous when it came to ordering the backpack, really great customer service.
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 Partially prompted by this thread I went to have a look at some Gregory Packs at Ellis Brigham in Covent Garden, a couple of days ago. This is the only store that I can remember ever having seen them in. The store assistant said that he'd never seen them before either.
But am I going mad? I'm sure I'd noticed G packs there before?
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Andy,
Snow and Rock have been stocking some of the lightweight packs so you might have seen them there. Itchy Feet in Wardour Street is your best bet.
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Cheers Hugo.
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