Jul 10
25
Gregory Women’s Petit Dru Pro 85 Backpack
Gregory Womens Petit Dru Backpack
By Karenna Awtry
Go farther than you’ve ever gone, climb higher than you’ve ever attempted with the Gregory Petit Dru and push yourself deep into the backcountry.
The Petit Dru Pro 85 is no “ladies’ pack.” This is a serious expedition pack, chock-full of the features that hardcore backpackers demand. The narrow profile and female-specific Auto-Cant harness system aren’t just made for a woman, they’re made for a woman who needs an exceptional amount of support and flexibility for the long haul.
Gregory goes the extra mile in design on the Petite Dru Pro 85. You can enjoy backpacking for miles with a pretty hefty load thanks to the self-adjusting and perfectly padded waistbelt. Flo-Form II technology puts shaped padding where it’s needed most: the shoulder harness, waistbelt and backpanel. The result is superior load suspension and unbelievable comfort.
You can rely on generous access to the spacious main compartment with three entry points — top, front and bottom. Score much-needed additional storage for the smaller things in the front pocket. This handy pouch is tall and wide but not deep, making it easier to find what you need. It also leads right into the belly of the backpack, so you can pull out what you want from the bottom of the pack without digging down from the top. Go ahead and stash your sleeping bag in the bottom of your backpack, and take it out with ease.
When you’re ready to leave camp behind for a quick little side adventure, simply detach the top pocket and you’ve got a useful fanny pack. Summit a nearby peak with your camera and water tucked securely around your waist. On grand expeditions, there’s no reason to limit yourself to the main route when you’re carrying the Petit Dru Pro 85.
Gregory’s guidelines say this backpack has a comfort zone of up to 70 lbs. Even a 125-lb. woman can carry 65 lbs. in comfort. Such a hefty load can sometimes hinder progress, especially when changes in the terrain have you moving up, down and over uneven ground. Quick pulls on the handy straps at the top of the pack let you redistribute the weight so easily you’ll barely lose a step.
Long trips require a good amount of gear. This hiking backpack does the job and does it well. Think about weight distribution when packing. Putting softer, lighter items in the bottom compartment, a sleeping bag topped with your clothing in the middle and top it off with the heavy stuff, and one user says you’ll be good to go. As your load lessens, compression straps are reliably useful for maintaining the balance and support of the backpack. You won’t feel like you’re suddenly carrying a very large but empty, wobbly pack at the end of your expedition.
This pack offers side mesh pockets if you like to carry water bottles on your hips. Gear loops keep things in place and the entire hiking backpack is supported by top-of-the-line durability when it comes to fabric. Treat it with abandon and expect it to last through years of high-powered exploration.
Reviewers have called this hiking backpack the Cadillac of packs and a dream come true. It survives weeks of backcountry travel and even airline luggage handling (though it’s too big for a carry-on and you’ll want to secure those loose straps).
Overall, the women’s Petit Dru Pro 85 backpack earns stars for its comfort, easy load, weight handling, adjustability, durability and extensive capacity. Users note that this is not a lightweight pack, but expedition packs aren’t made to be that way. Rely on this backpack for your serious adventures, whether it’s backcountry hiking, alpine summits or weeks of cross-country travel. Rest assured, you’ll have a long and happy relationship with this women’s backpack.
Ready to see more? Go now and check out the Gregory Women’s Petit Dru Pro 85
