Dec 11
23
Gregory Targhee Backpack
Gregory Targhee Pack
More than any other backcountry skiing backpack, the one standout about the Gregory Targhee Backpack is that is especially versatile. Depending on your preference, it can hold your skis in three different ways – vertically, diagonally, or criss-crossed. Plus, it has multiple compartments to carry specialty backcountry items like your avalanche probe or shovel.
The Gregory Targhee easily holds 45 pounds, but I’ve heard mixed reviews from friends about its durability. The manufacturer purports that the Gregory Taghee is made with special “abrasion and puncture resistant fabric” to withstand the impacts of common hazards like ski tips. While the fabric may seem durable, I know from my friends that on at least two occasions the zipper has stripped away from the pack material; once with very little weight and another time with pretty heavy weight. This raised a few questions for me, but maybe it’s a zipper fluke rather than a material deficiency.
On the other hand, I know that Gregory is really accommodating to customers and takes pride in their gear. One of my friends actually sent his Gregory Targhee backpack in and had it repaired free of charge, even without having an actual warranty. In my opinion, doing business with a company like this is always important.
The final thing I’d say, that is probably less important but still worth mentioning, is that the Gregory Targhee definitely wins style points with me. It comes in really unique and striking colors, like yellow, with awesome lines that are just really appealing to the eye. Again, unimportant if the zipper breaks, but worth mentioning.
I’d be curious to hear what others’ experiences have been, since I’m still up in the air on the Gregory Targhee. Were my friends’ experiences a fluke?
