I have the year 2000 version of the Wind River, which differs from previous years' versions in being available in colors (I have blue), having waterproof material at the bottom of the pack and no longer having the side clips to which pockets can be easily attached. Even the small size pack is nearly 5700 cubic inches, but it "wears" smaller due to the custom fit achieved through harness and hip belt selection, and adjustable angle of the hip belt.

Like any Gregory pack, this wasn't buy and start backpacking. I spent a few hours meticulously following Gregory's detailed instructions on fitting the pack. That investment paid off on the trail: First time out was rim to river in the Grand Canyon in January. The Wind River was perfect because of all the adjusting I had done. A friend with a new Shasta didn't invest the time to fit his pack properly and he suffered as a result.

In terms of functionality, the panel access was great. I never missed not having a separate sleeping bag chamber because I could get at my bag conveniently.

Quibbles: Reaching the water bottle pocket requires someone with better dexterity than I have. Also, Gregory's hydro-cell is the only bladder that really fits the top pocket properly.

A great pack.

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Peak 1 internal frame: Like a Model T compared to Gregory's Ferrari.

OUTSTANDING pack. Frontload/top load combination is extremely functional. Can store all weather gear in front pocket and still access a cup packed in the center of pack without moving anything inside pack. Pack is VERY comfortable over extendended trips. Heavy duty construction. Only wish that top cap carried better as a day pack.

Customer Service

None

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No other internals, only externals.

I have had this backpack for over a year now and could not be happier. I used it to backpack around the British Isles, and I had more than enough room for everything that I needed. I have also backpacked throughout the Adirondacks, and have had no problems. I am 6'5"", and the large frame size fits me well. Did I mention it holds a lot?

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Various Lowe Alpine packs

Best pack I've owned yet. Quite comfortable. I went winter camping over Presidents' Day Weekend and loaded the pack with 60 lbs. of gear. It's great to be able to access all my stuff from the panel opening instead of having to scrounge around for it from the top opening. Just wish the water bottle pouches could be more secure. I found my bottles slipping out when the pack was layed down.

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So far, so good. Quite durable and comfortable. Fits all needed for a weeks hike ++++more. Water bottle holders easily accessable yet it lacks small side pockets (an additional $20+ each) for the things one tends to use often- water filter, snacks, ect. A 5 for comfort and durability, a 3 for having to spend more money for covienent side pockets- the rear entry horseshoe is not very convient.

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I have had this pack for 4 years now and have used it in the Appalachians, the High Uintas, and the Tetons, and it has performed superbly on all trips, long and short. My favorite feature is the fit. Being a smallish woman, a lot of outdoor gear is not sized to fit me and that usually hurts the performance, but the Wind River (and I think Gregory packs in general) fits perfectly thanks to a variety of shoulder and waist belt sizes to choose from. I like the simplicity of this pack. It has enough features to make it versatile, but not so many to make it annoying. Being able to add your own pockets is a plus. Love the front panel pocket. It's great for rain gear, snacks, easy access to the middle of the pack, you name it. I will use this pack for many years to come.

Customer Service

I've had no problems with this pack, no need for customer service

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The North Face internal frame
Kelty external frame

Tough durable backpack. Suspension system works pretty well. Could use a few more pockets. Huge front pocket should be standard on every backpack. A bit expensive but I got it on sale.

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I've used this pack for 3 seasons. Quality materials and construction throughout. It can be hoisted by grabbing any part of it. I use all the many strap adjustments, although I wonder whether the pack-to-waistbelt strap is effective. I would have preferred that the front zipper stop a few inches from the bottom of the pack for protection from rain. Giving my old frame pack a pain rating of 10, the Wind River would be about a 6 or 7. I have had trouble adapting to the harness. My body size seems to fall between Gregory's medium and large. Other manufacturers have managed to design a broader range of harness adjustment. I insist on a front opening pack and quiet wilderness colors. The Wind River was the only one I could find. But if I were buying today, I would take a close look at REI's new Rising Star. It has a couple of features I like better along with a better price.

Customer Service

Gregory willingly exchanged my harness for another size, but still not enough adjustment to suit. Have resented their reneging on the promise to send a catalog in exchang for filling out their marketing registration questionare. No response to a complaint letter.

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A very well made pack with great attention to detail. The large pocket located outside the pack is perfect for stashing items that you need quickly such as trail food or a jacket.
On the trail the pack was comfortable and adjusted well to my back, but I did have a problem with the waist belt being too big. I had no problem exchanging it with a medium belt through the mail by calling a representative from Gregory.

Another great feature is the detachable lid which can be used for day hiking excursions. I found it quite comfortable to use.

I see no future problems with this pack and will probably be using it for years to come!

Customer Service

Very nice people to deal with . Had no problem exchanging waist belt.

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Arc'teryx Bora 90: also an excellent pack. Please read review.

As a photographer, I was very interested in the Wind River pack because it allowed easy access to the middle portion of the pack. Because my camera gear is heavy, I like to keep it in the middle/lower portion and close to my body. But when I see something to shoot, I don't want to have pull out all the stuff on top to get to it. The Wind River makes it easy.

The only trick is that the long outer pocket must be packed with few and/or easily removed items to facilitate getting to the main compartment. Otherwise, the whole point is lost.

Sturdy construction. Zippers move smoothly. Can hold a ton of stuff.

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