Jun 10
21
Gregory Z65 Hiking Pack
Gregory Z65 Hiking Backpack
On those rare occasions when you get a long weekend to yourself, is there any better way to spend it than with your Tevas on the trail and the bare necessities strapped to your back? When you need a lightweight, rugged backpack for your getaway, the Gregory Z65 men’s Hiking Backpack is a great pick.
Sometimes a daypack or weekender can carry like a poorly made rucksack, but the Z65 manages to trim the weight without compromising on structure. Users laud the Z65’s quality build, which allows for a streamlined design as opposed to the bulky carry so common in weight-saving internal-frame backpacks.
One reviewer on REI.com says, “It is not fully evident how they get the weight down. This back pack is well made and very comfortable with a 35 lb load. … It will replace my Gregory Palisade with more comfort and shed 3 lbs!”
Most users found that there’s a “sweet spot” when it comes to maximum weight on the Gregory Z65: 30-35 lbs. Push that poundage, and you’re going to feel some discomfort. Side and bottom cinching cords allow this pack to scrunch nicely when you lighten your load or want a daypack for shorter excursions.
The Gregory Z65 is top loading, with the added bonus of a U-shaped front zippered pocket. Such a feature is always nice when you want to find what you need without dumping out your entire pack. There are small mesh pockets on the waist belt, and the floating top lid offers additional storage.
You can stash your own hydration reservoir on the inside, and run the exit ports on either side for drink-while-you-go capability. Dual tool loops let you carry some external gear, but, as can be the case with the lighter-weight backpacks, external pockets are mostly streamlined and not in overabundance.
Does the Z65 provide enough room without copious storage cubbies? Opinions vary. There’s a back pouch, but no zippered sleeping bag compartment. One user said the arched back panel creates an awkward internal compartment. Other users felt that the Z65 offered generous space and was easy to load and unload over and over, always keeping things well balanced and not bulky.
Several users were disappointed with the stretchy side pouches, saying they’re too small for decent water-bottle storage as well as being difficult to access. One pushed the limit on their elastic pockets, stretching them out and tearing the seams. Gregory was happy to fix these free of charge.
When it comes to fit, the Gregory Z65 men’s backpack comes in small, medium and large. The hipbelt is not adjustable, so give this day pack a thorough tryout when shopping. Owners say the Z65 is “super comfortable. The hip-belt and lumbar pad cling tight and don’t slip down, the suspended back panel feels nice and ventilates well, [and] the shoulder straps lay flat and don’t roll.”
One reviewer, on a hike with his brother, had this to say: “On the way back I let my brother wear it. It was his first trip backpacking, and he was miserable after using my old Kelty on the way up, he said the difference was so remarkable that it changed his mind on whether or not to enter the hobby of backpacking, knowing that you can be so comfortable! He plans on buying this pack as soon as possible.”
Go now to see more of the Gregory Z65 hiking back pack.
