"This pack just keeps getting better with every new hike.
The design is a little funky, but after one trip the
sheer logic of it won me over. This 6000 cu. in. internal frame
pack features an enormous trap-door style outer pocket which stretches the
length of the pack. When fully opened, it reveals a tough mesh divider,
which gives full frontal access to the main storage compartment, while
allowing you to see exactly where your stuff is located before you dig
in. I'd take my Gregory Wind River over any Dana, any day."
"The best thing about the Wind
River is its suspension. The
hipbelt has a plastic
stiffener that makes it immune
to the sag that normally
accompanies big loads.
Although it may not seem as
comfortable as those squishy
Lowe or Mountainsmith belts in
the store, it really shines
under monster loads, where
that stiff belt allows maximum
weight transfer to your hips.
Also, the top-loading packbag
is well-designed; simple and
uncluttered, with a big panel
access in the front. All in
all, I couldn't ask for more
from a pack."
"OK, OK I promise this is not going to be another “My Gregory is better than you’re Dana….” Review. Everybody can just use whichever pack they like and not worry about what anybody else wants to use. I have been nothing but happy with my Wind River. I have taken it on a few week long backpacking trips, climbing trips, and a month long mountaineering expedition. If it weren’t for my pants chafing my hips, I would have forgotten I had it on, (even with my 80+lb. Load on the mountaineering expedition. Those trad. racks really add up, and ropes are murder.) I did not miss side pockets, and was delighted at how well the pack held my Nalgene bottles in place, (my partner lost his after a fall we took while un-roped on snow.) I can get things out of the bottom of my pack without having to unload the entire thing, and it has survived numerous falls wile completely overloaded, without showing a sign of wear. I love this pack. If it works for you, get it, if it doesn’t, don’t. Thank you Gregory."
"I rented one of these packs for a trial, then promptly bought one for my next trip. Quality internal frame packs are all comparable, but the front access through the horseshoe pocket is the unique feature that gives the Wind River the edge. I haven't had a need to shop for packs since buying this one, but if you're in the market be sure to look for a top-loading pack with front access. It makes all the difference."
"Best pack I have ever used. It's big enough for extended trips, but the compression straps hold down smaller loads so they don't shift around. The suspension is great. I tryed my frinds EMS 5500 for a weekend and it didn't even compare with this pack for handleing loads."
"This pack did the job for several years. I thought it was the best thing around...Until I got a Dana Terraplane. Now I know that sore hip bones and "dug in shoulders" don't have to be a part of backpacking. Don't get me wrong, it's a good bag, but I wouldn't say it's the best pack for your money."
