Everything they say about this pack is true. Very comfortable, perfect size, and functional. I think the 3850 cubic inch rating is underestimated. With a sleeping pad lashed outside (to pad-specific loops) I get 4 or 5 days worth of gear in it. For longer distances, you'll need something bigger. Outstanding pack!

This is one comfortable pack. With the combinations of frame sheet, hip belt, and harness sizes I found a perfect fit. The pack hugs my body like a glove keeping me in balance, yet allows a bit of flex when doing tricky manouvers. The combination top and panel loading design makes packing and accessing gear a breeze.

We needed mid-sized packs to hut-to-hut backpacking in the Polish Tatra Mountains. My Gregory Robson was way overkill, as was Bo's Petit Dru. Bo bought the Reality, I an Osprey that seemed to fit perfectly in the store. We loaded them up with real stuff and when out for a weekend. At the end of the weekend, Bo was enchanted with the way her Reality worked, and I was certain that Osprey and I weren't going to be long-term friends. On the way back through San Antonio we stopped at the Whole Earth Provision Co. Bo had bought the pack from, and I tried the Reality. I compared it to a Lowe Alpine, to a Dana Designs, and was really intrigued by the alike sized Arc'Teryx (my favorite outdoor clothing company). But, the first two either didn't fit right or didn't carry the weight as well, and the Arc'Teryx was just too expensive for me ($325 compared to the Reality's $225). I would have paid the extra $100 for the Arc'Teryx but for one thing: Bo was right, the Gregory just plain fit like it was supposed to. I hiked up impossibly steep trails, climbing both freehand as well as fixed chains, carrying up to 30 pounds of weight/pack, and the Reality was stable, comfortable, just the way a pack's supposed to be. A wonderful tool.

Customer Service

After reading my review about my Robson, Gregory's Customer Service contacted me and helped me get my pack to fit the way it was supposed to. It took new shoulder harnesses, but, once installed it fit like it was custom-made for me. I suppose other outdoor equipment makers might peruse these pages and write to help out reviewers with problems, but I've never heard of it before. Big good words for the folks at Gregory.

Gregory Reality has been an amazing pack. Purchased about a year ago for a 4 Day backpacking trip into the Grand Canyon. With a load of between 45lbs to 50lbs the performed to a peak. I wouldnt recommend pack much more than that. Its top panel access quick access to gear, clothes, food. Front Panel pocket is an ideal place to put your camelbak. its a great pack, i recommend it to anyone.

Similar Products Used:

Kelty, Lowe Alpine, The North Face

Gregory Mountain Products obviously spent a lot of time and effort designing and making this pack. It is very comfortable with light to moderate loads. Although fit and comfort are relative to torso length and type. The pack bag is very easy to access and very durable. There is probably not a 2 to 4 day pack availible. Highly recommend.

Customer Service

Very helpful when contacted for information with regards to fitting packs.

Similar Products Used:

Osprey, Wilderness Experiance, Dana Designs, North face

BOught the 1999 version of this bag and it is the best one I could find. I shopped several different brands around this size, and bought the Gregory based on fit and features, as well as their sterling reputation. I won't have to buy another 2-3 day bag for at least 15 yrs. The bag is heavy duty cordura, reinforced at the bottom. The front pocket / mesh idea is awesome. Finally can getinto my top loader from the front and get things out from the bottom. The fit is incredible. Like a glove. It took a little tweaking, but I got it right and it's so comfortable. I almost bought the Dana Bomb, but the fit wasn't as comfortable. The Shovit on the Bomb Pack is a great idea, though. The Reality has great pockets on the side for stuff, but the compression straps cut right across them - wonder who thought that one up. Regardless, the pack is great - I know I made the right choice the minute I slipped on with a full load. Highly recommended.

Gregory packs are the best fitting packs I can find, especially in the "made for women" category. Very comfortable countour fit on the shoulder straps unlike other packs I've tried. The outer backside pocket makes getting in and out of the pack a breeze without having to totally open it up - a definite plus. Great for everything from day hikes to a short climb (though I really had to cram to fit everything for climbing). Now I'm looking into a larger pack for climbing, and after trying on almost everything on the market, I'm still going to get a Gregory. Would recommend them to anyone, especially woman.

In concurrence with everyone else, the Reality is an outstanding pack. Even with my long torso and tiny waist, the Reality is a superb fit carrying everything from the typical overnighter necessities to a 40lb load. I'm looking forward to many many years of good use from this pack.

Similar Products Used:

Lowe Alpine Orphir, REI New Star, Osprey Kestrel

I found this pack on sale for $189 and believe me it has been one of the best pieces of gear I have ever purchased! It is the PERFECT size for weekenders, and I have used this pack twice a month for most of the year. The fit of this pack outranks several pricier packs I have previously tested. MAKE SURE you get the right fit on this pack (I had to go with the larger belt), but that should be with any pack. Take this pack over Dana & Osprey, and save the extra $$$$

Similar Products Used:

Tested Dana Bomb Pack and the Reality just gives you more room, and a better fit

I bought this pack for weekend use. It certainly held up it's end of the bargain. It has more than enough room fro a tent, sleeping bag, clothes, food, and other supplies. At a little over $200 you can't beat the value. I witnessed its durability first hand after I was forced to pack up camp quickly and run down a moutain in a severe thunderstorm. It's a great pack overall.

Similar Products Used:

Kelty, Northface