Gregory Forester Review

"well aside from the fact that it is an extremly atractive internal frame pack imo i havent been able to use it yet i just bought it but it is great for the 3-5 day range i have a 0 degree synthetic sleeping back and it fits in the sleeping back section of the back with only a medium amount of effort it has plent of room and hugs your back i recomend it if you want an internal fram pack for around 250"

"I haven't done any backpacking since I was a teenager and my old Hilary I pack just wouldn't do anymore. I purchased a Gregory Forester and went out on a 3 day, 2 night trip with my brother. I couldn't believe how comfortable and easy to carry this pack was. I am very satisfied with it and recommend it to other neophytes."

"I recently purchased a Gregory Forester and used it the first time on a 4 day trip to the Grand Canyon. It was extremely comfortable going both up and down the steep trails in the canyon. I would strongly recommend this pack."

"Used this pack for a 7-day/6-night trip through the Weminuche Wilderness in Colorado. If you have compact gear, you'll have no problem fitting it all in this pack, even though it is a pack designed for 5-days or less.

The worksmanship is good, and the see-through top-pouch was much handier than I thought it would be.

The pack replaces an old Kelty external frame and I must say that the Gregory system of offering packs in different frame sizes rather than trying to make a frame that will adjust to all sizes is a smart move."

"I am in love with this backpack. I am a smallish 18 year old girl and the size is ideal for me, it fits like a dream, and there are extremely handy, yet subtle extras features, like the see through top compartment and the front zip access. After having nightmarish affairs with three other packs before this one, all within a year, the Forester was such a relief to find. It's a keeper"

"I agree with all of the other reviewers. I bought it on sale at Adventure 16 about 1 year ago, and I first chose it for its looks. The moment I tried it on, I fell in love with it. A week later I used it on a three day trip, and I found no problems with it. I would recommend it to anyone with a brain."

"I took this pack for 22 days in the AZ Superstitions and Grand Canyon. I never had any problems with it and I was able to fit all of my gear with not too much hassle. I have not had another pack to compare it with, but it was really comfortable and fit me well. I would recommend it to anyone. And I would also recommend Grade West Outfitters in Colorado Springs, where I got it for a great price."

"This baby fits like a glove. I was love at first hump. The back is really made for a man's upper body. I could haul a tank.
- I wish it had more compartment to easily access and organize gear. However the fit WAY OUT classes this small problem."

"I have used this pack for two years and have been completely happy with it. I've used it for everything from overnights to 5-day winter trips on the AT at 0 degrees. Plenty of room, no failures, and great fit. I tried several others, but this had the best feel, and was the lightest of the "full-size" gregory packs."

"I bought this pack three months ago used it a couple times. I love it, it fits perfect has plenty of room for up to 5 days of hiking even more if you pack it the right way. has alot of things where you can hook stuff of the outside of it too."

"I bought this pack last june after an agonizing 26 mile hike on the Northville-Lake Placid trail with some friends. I had an old mil surplus internal frame pack that was unbearable. One of my friends had this pack and let me try it on at work and I loved the fit so much I bought one that weekend. The next trip was a piece of cake! No pain or aching back and shoulders. Awesome pack that I recomend to everyone!"

"I chose the forester for its great construction and price.(i got it cheap at REI,about $170)anyway I can pack everything I need for 3-5 days without giving up my favorite luxuries, you know the coffee pot,2 lanterns,more food than I need ect...Anyone looking for a 1 pack purchase,dont overlook the forester!!"

"This was the first pack I bought, and it definatly spoiled me. You can easily fit gear for up to 5 days with almost no hassle, and at times you forget it is even on your back. Great storage and easy access. I'm still looking for the cons!"

"WOW!! What a great pack. I first used this pack on a 7 day trip, with my Geology Class, to the Grand Canyon, traversing one of the most difficult trails in the canyon, and it was the best. I didn't experience sore shoulders, back, or hips like some of the other packers. It was well balanced which was a good thing on some of the more difficult sections of the Bouche Trail. I could have used a few more outside compartments but the comfort outweighted this drawback."

"I've put some serious miles on this pack over the past five years and couldn't be happier. I haven't had a single fabric tear/fray, zipper problem, or broken buckle. There are lighter packs out there but you'll lose versitility. I spent two weeks on Isle Royale living out my Forester with no problem. My only knocks are that the lid doesn't detach and can be kind of annoying and spill gear if you pack it full."

"Did a 7 day juan de fuca up Vancouver Island: Carried 50 + lbs, Pack was very comfortable and held up to the rain.

Did a 10 trip along the around Mt Rainer: Pack very stable: No sore shoulders or hips

Strongly recommend for $250"