Gregory Denali Pro Internal Frame Backpacks
Gregory Denali Pro Internal Frame Backpacks
USER REVIEWS
[Mar 05, 2005]
CharlesG
Climber
This bag is superb. I can load it with as much as 100lbs for training and it does not disturb me. Of course this is heavy, but I don't feel any pressure point or discomfort. I used it mostly on winter trips. I am rough with my equipment and when I compress my gear, I compress my gear. This bag has endure all this without any sign of weakness. It's really built tough. The bag can carry A LOT of gear. Even if you are a desorganised or non packing person, everything will fit in this bag. The mesh pannel on the frontside allows easy acces to your gear at the bottom of this cavernous pack. The top can easily be detached to be used as a good daypack. Mesh sides pockets are very good. It allows the snow to get trought when it's storming. You can easily fit two 1 liter fuel bottle in each. My only little complaint would be about the opening of the sleeping bag compartment. My last pack was an Osprey and the opening was huge. On the Denali pro, fitting a -40 down bag in the sleeping bag compartment is kind of a challenge everytime! The compartment is more big than enough, this is the size of the opening that is too small. There is no way you'll enter an already compressed winter bag by this pannel. Anyway, you'll find your own tricks about that like I did, and after this, this Denali pro will look like a nature wonder! Sure is a bit expensive but well worth it. Customer Service Never needed it Similar Products Used: Osprey crescent 90, Lowe alpine, North Face |
[Feb 08, 2005]
CyBond
Backpacker
By far the best backpack I've had. Bombproof construction, and a perfect hip belt. Could be a little more waterproof, but still mostly waterproff. One complaint- Going uphill almost at a 75 degree angle, the suspension squeeks a little. That was with 45 pounds on a wet day. No other pack even compares to the suspension on the Denali Pro. Customer Service Very helpful and informitive when I had to deal with them. Similar Products Used: N/A |
[Jul 17, 2003]
Bill
Backpacker
I owned a 1999 Denali and found the construction good. However, I also had a problem with noise. I have wide shoulders and a long torso, so the next problem may only pertain to me due to my body. But I found the shoulder straps to be thin and they tended to cut into my neck and shoulder. I would move them out and they would cut into my front shoulder. I was always adjusting them which caused me frustration. The pack did carry the load well and I never found a weight it would not carry. I have sold the pack and purchased a Arc teryx bora 95. I will write a review on that pack in a couple of months. Customer Service Great. They sent me different straps at no charge. However, never could get a fit. Similar Products Used: Golite: Good Ultalight, Gregory Shasta- great fit but shoulder strap problem, Jansport-did not like and will not carry heavy loads, Kelty-OK, Dana Glacier: great fit but heavy load questionable: Dana |
[Dec 11, 2001]
astrocreep
Backpacker
Strength:
None Made many trips with 50 or 60 pounds and had no problems whatsoever. This pack carried everything I needed with room to spare and did so with maximum comfort. Found the top removable bag to be large enough for short dayhikes and comfortable as well. The mobility of the shoulder harness and the hipbelt make it a very versatile and comfortable pack. The materials seem to be extremely rugged, though at the expense of extra weight. Customer Service Haven''t had to deal with it. Similar Products Used: None |
[Oct 13, 2001]
bedaius
Backpacker
Strength:
None
Weakness:
None Some time ago I wrote a very positive review about this pack and still stand behind it. Meanwhile, the pack was used a lot and started to become noisy. Every step I took was accommodated with a squeaking noise. After closer examination it came from the upper part of the back panel. During every step the shoulder straps or load lifters pulled a little bit on the back panel and it made a noise. I might be more sensitive towards noise then others, however I felt during my hikes I do not want to be bothered with noise over the next years. I asked Gregory for advice but they said I am the only one with this problem and could not really help. So I went to REI for advice. I demonstrated the noise and I got immediately the option for a full refund or exchange. REI is wonderful and am therefore very loyal thankful customer. I really love the pack so I wanted an exchange, however all the new packs seemed to have the same tendency toward noise. I decided reluctantly to buy a different back. Another point you want to consider is the weight of the pack, it is heavy. The price is right. Not too expensive, but also not exactly a deal. Due to the noise issue I like to rate the pack lower now. I think overall it is a 4. To even my previous vote out, I''ll rank it here as a 3. Customer Service Judge for yourself. I guess it is o.k. but I did not like the first answer (see below) after I sent in my question. From: Marcie Vasquez [mailto:mvasquez@gregorypacks.com] Sent: Wednesday, Septemb Similar Products Used: Dana Design Terraplan X ArcTeryx Bora 95 |
[Oct 05, 2001]
jasonlivy
Mountaineer
Strength:
None
Weakness:
None My experience with this pack has been very good except for a few nitpics. First the good...this is an incredibly well made pack. There are few out there that are constructed as well. It is a work of art, especially the thermally molded back panel. The materials are first-rate and have a proven track record. However my beefs are, first, an awkward load system. The little hole inside the front pocket is difficult to access. The zippers seem to take a lot of stress when filled to capacity and I had problems zipping the outer zipper around the pocket to close the pack. The inside zipper that zips the mesh panels together was tough as well. I can see some durability issues arising with the zippers wearing out. The hipbelt, while very supportive left me with large bruises on my hips after a long 30 mile trek through the Grand Canyon. I was carrying about 60 lbs and did some serious hauling out of the canyon. Several times I had to remove the pack and rest from the pain on my hips. This became more and more frequent the closer I got to the end of the trail. I have worn other packs with similar loads about the same distances and terrain without the pain and bruising I experienced with this pack. All in all a great pack, but personally not the most comfortable pack out there. Customer Service I recieved the wrong size and they were very prompt, even during the busy Christmas season to get me the right size. Similar Products Used: Granite Gear Cirrus Access 6000 (my favorite), The North Face Prophet. |
[Aug 07, 2001]
Francisco Suero
Backpacker
This is a great pack, I can carry heavy loads and I don't even feel it. Customer Service I had the waistbelt changed on mine and it wasn't a problem, they didn;t charged me anything. Similar Products Used: Wenzel (Don't remember the model) |
[May 07, 2001]
Brian
Backpacker
Unbelievable! Love the pack! It makes carrying 60 pds. not so bad and the suspension is great. The pack gives enough room for anything you'll need and more. The only caution is don't overpack. I did have trouble with the hipbelt once though. I guess I got it to tight and over a full day of hiking in deep snow I ended up with huge goose eggs on my hips. Ouch! Similar Products Used: None |
[Apr 10, 2001]
Monte Rollins
Backpacker
This is by far the best pack i have tried.I have used many other top packs and they just could not be set as comfortable.Put at least 40lbs into one and take the time to set all the adjustments,you will feel what i mean!! Customer Service Never had to deal with them for warranty work. Similar Products Used: Dana,Bora,Northface |
[Mar 24, 2001]
Ralf
Backpacker
Due to a medical issue with my backbone I need an extremely good pack. I have used this pack now for quite a few times and so far I and my back are very happy. My only possible complaint, the pack itself is a little bit heavy. Customer Service I had some contact with their service department concerning a Mirage hydration system. They were quite good but not perfect. Similar Products Used: LOWE Patagonia - the greatest pack at its time (1983), still a good product today. |