I just recently got back into backing. So I headed off to the nearest REI to start getting fitted. Then came the tedious process of trying on different backpacks. The pack that seemed to fit and carry the best was the Gregory Shasta. But I did not stop there I tried on Kelty, REI store brand, Arei teryx, and even the Dana model which fit good but I felt like I was strapped to a reclining chair. I kept going back to the Gregory Shasta and each time it felt better and better. The shoulder straps fit nicely, the waist belt felt very comfortable and carried the weight extremely well. Eventually I wore the Gregory Shasta for about an hour in the store trying to decide if there were and other ones that I liked as much, but the Gregory Shasta came working the best for me. Finally after 2 hours in the store I settled on buying the Gregory Shasta. The following day I loaded my pack to a hefty 55 lbs. according to the scale after subtracting my weight from the total. The first few hours I spent making some adjustment but after that the pack carried like a dream. I put in a 12 mile hike that day. But my shoulders and lower back felt pretty good, my legs on the other hand got a very good workout. I was very pleased with the way this backpack handled for me. I would recommend it highly.

Customer Service

The salesmen at REI was very patient with me in my selection process he even made sure that the shoulder straps and waist belt were the proper size for my built.

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When I first started backpacking this past year, I was borrowing old packs from friends, mostly external framed pieces of crap. This pack is heaven compared to those packs. It rides so well, sometimes I forget that it is there. The adjustability of these packs is absolutely wonderful. You can adjust the shoulder straps up and down, the diameter of the hip belt and the angle of the shoulder stabilizers for a perfect custom fit. My first trip with it gave me some shoulder pain, but I think I had it adjusted wrong because I have been on several trips since then with no pain in my shoulders at all. I do get a little bruised on my hips from the hip belt, but it goes away once I have the pack on for a little while. The pad is a little hard, but that helps make the pack very stable and rigid. The compression and stabilizer straps practically cause this pack to become an extension of your body. The back pads are contoured to fit the shape of the back great. The piece that rests on the small of your back has a very grippy surface to it that just grabs on to you. If you stand up totally straight, the whole pack lifts up slightly, releasing all weight from your shoulders, which feels great when stopping for a breather, a drink or a view.

Plenty of space, lots of attachment points, sleeping bag compartment devider that can be removed and a detachable day pack are all great features. The only thing I would do to improve this pack, is add mid-entry. But the next pack up has that, so I guess it is something you can have for a little more money.

Overall, a superb backpack.

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After having a so-so external pack for a couple of
years I bought the Gregory. It feels great in the store with a little bit of weight but you really have to load it up and take it packing to really appreciate it. Compare it with a North Face, you
will see that the quality is much better.

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I rented an Alps Mountaineering pack once, I'm
glad I did not buy it.

Great pack. Feels fairly light and can carry a good load. Worked well on Rainier, though it tugged slightly at my shoulders with a sometimes poorly packed 65lb load. Very strong. Stays snug when carried properly. Not many compartments (sometimes good, sometimes bad). Some of the straps are a little too long and can fly around in heavy wind.

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Cold Cold World Chernobyl

I bought the Shasta after trying on 8 different packs by other manufacturers in person at Campmor.I'm 5-10, 155 and this pack fits like a glove! Once I put it on, no matter how long it has been on my back, I don't feel a need to take it off during breaks on the trail (all my friends are jealous. It's very ergonomic AND WELL BUILT. You can't beat it for the price. In response to other reviews that say it doesn't have enough pockets, Gregory makes other (more expensive) pack with plenty of pockets. I added an accessory pocket Gregory $25) which is easily moveable depending on the need. I also rigged some tent pole shock cord through some loops on the back of the pack to stuff a jacket or whatever under. Cost me 50 cents!

Customer Service

Excellent

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EMS 3500

Bought mine new in 98 from Campmor. Was given a free Gregory rain cover for the pack. The pack is pretty simple for the high volume. Not alot of bells and whistles, but enough room for 5+ day excursions. It feels good on my hips and curved right for my back. Its held together pretty good.

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I have a older model (@13 years). It has taken me all over and back. I have never had a problem with it. I was very well made. I sold it to a friend last year, he paid me what I paid for it 13 years ago! It held up that well!! Looked new!! He borrowed it for a trip to New Mexico and fell in love! This is a great pack!!

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The Gregory Shasta, is an excellent pack. I purchased mine about a year ago, and about 2 weeks after purchasing it, took it on a 2-week/100+ mile backpacking trek in New Mexico. Usually I would allow time to break the pack into my fit, but I didn't have time, and really didn't need to. The stays were already perfectly shaped, and the pack was as comfortable as a pack could be on a backpacking trek. This pack also handles extremely well with heavy loads; I averaged around 55 pounds on my trek, and never once had ounce of trouble with my pack. With all the load adjusting straps (that are accessible while on the trail) you can easily adjust you pack in a snap. One draw back (which is very minor) is there are no side, or front pockets to separate your gear. The top of the pack detaches and become a fanny pack (which is great for side hikes). This is a great pack with plenty of space, and comfort, for long backpacking treks, to moderate to like hiking trips, without all the bells and whistles. This is one pack that i will have for many years, and many treks.

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I have purchased Jansport packs in the past, and they don't in my opinion hold up to great with heavy loads, or long treks. I have also had a Peak 1 external frame pack in the past, and it held up very well, with moderate backpacking treks.

I bought Shashta backpack fo 200 bicks wich is a great dela. The harness system is the best i met ever. I tried some The North Face, Vango and Vaude and this Gregory pack beat them all. I recommened is strongly. The only thing i dont like is the cloth it is made of i prefer Cordura which much more durable.

Customer Service

EMS

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The Norht Face Fusion
Vaude Trek 75

I had been looking for a good value pack at +5000 cu. inches. I had checked several out but a guide recommended the Gregory Shasta, based on its carry system. I found a good deal on it and ordered one and have been very pleased. I have been hitting the trails w/ 60 lbs for several weekends in a row and thispack has been extremely comfortable. No longer am I thinking 'I can't wait to get this off of my back & shoulders' toward the end of the trip. It feels really great on the shoulders and hips and I am able to shift the weight disposition quite easily. A great value.

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