Gregory Denali Pro Pack

Comments about Gregory Denali Pro Pack:

To credit myself first, I have done several month long expeditions, and climb at any chance I get. I am an expedition climber and work my gear hard. I define "unpaid leave of absence". I also work in the industry as well and have tried many expedition packs.The denali pro is the way to go. I have carried 135 pounds and still pushed on for 300 miles. I have taken the thing on many, many climbing trips and it holds up to the abuse. It has lasted three years so far and is still going strong. If you need a hard working pack that can handle the loads, this is the way to go. Surprisingly, the thing does fine on short trips as well. I compressed the pack down for a quick overnighter on adams, and it did fine. I will give Gregory some credit too. They have great customer service. I break hip belt buckles likes its my job (135 pounds - who wouldnt?) and gregory keeps sending them for free.

Comments about Gregory Denali Pro Pack:

I have had this pack since 1998. Over the last decade, I have used this pack for multi day backcountry skiing and snowboarding outings, getting to our mountaineering basecamps, 10 day backpacking trips, weekend trips, and now overnight trips with my wife and child.

My number one commment on the Denali Pro is load it up. This pack can carry the weight. I am tall and thin, so the custom measurements were key for me. I have a large back panel with a medium waist belt, giving me the fit I always looked for. There is room for all kinds of gear on top of your overnight needs. Now that I'm a father, this pack has made the transition to my new "sherpa dad" role, allowing me to carry everything we need.

The only negative on this pack is its weight. But, in order to be able to manage bigger loads, you will want the extras that allow this pack to handle the big loads. It is also adjustable enough to handle smaller overnight loads (I put everything inside).

This pack has led me to only buy Gregory Packs for any serious pack needs. I just bought the Gregory Adze daypack, which has also proven itself as the perfect pack for its size.

I lead backcountry trips for a living, and I would never use another pack for my job, or another brand of backpack for any of my backcountry needs.

GO GREGORY! BEST PACKS EVER!

Comments about Gregory Denali Pro Pack:

This pack is a load hauler for sure. I've carried big loads lots of miles without sacrificing comfort. The hip belt and shoulder straps are amazing. Fabric is bullet proof. Internal volume allows you to carry just about anything. I never doubt its ability to carry my equipment. My only complaints are 2 breaks-in the middle of one trip one of my aluminum stays stapped right in half. It made the last 60 miles kind of tough with the pack leaning to one side all the time. The sternum strap broke once as well. Gregory fixed the pack both times, thankfully.

Comments about Gregory Denali Pro Pack:

Great Backpack. I tend to bring friends who aren't into backpacking along for the ride. This pack gives me the extra support and space needed to carry a bit of someone else's gear along with my own ... just make sure your legs can hang. This pack swallows gear, but it will let you pack too much for a trip!

It's great for flying, when you know you'll be bouncing around to more than one destination once you arrive. Surf Trips to Costa Rica and Panama, Hiking trips to the Lost Coast, 2 Months of European Vagrancy, Grand Canyon, Baja and Mainland Mexico, Zion - Utah, Whitney and the White Mountains. This pack has been there every step of the way. Easy to adjust when it's loaded down, and while you're on the move.

It's not so good for weekend trips when you don't have a lot of stuff to bring. It still works fine, but there can be a lot of empty space in the bag.

If your going to try to sneak someone on vacation with you by putting them in your pack ... pack them up in the Gregory Denali Pro!

Comments about Gregory Denali Pro Pack:

I love this pack! I did tons of research before choosing a pack that best suited my needs. I hike with my wife and sometimes with two full size dogs. We generally do no more than 3 nights when we hike, but still the gear adds up. I generally take the bulk of the gear, including both sleeping bags, and sometimes two bear canisters filled with food. I needed a pack that wouldn't stretch the seams and get over-loaded when doing these trips. My old REI pack just didn't fit these new gear requirements even though it lasted for years of abuse. The Denali Pro holds all the gear and still has room to put in more. It seems like the bag just keep expanding when you loosen all the straps.
When we hiked the Kalalau Trail, Kauai, I just removed the top lid, cinched the storm flap and tightened all the side straps. This made it like having a smaller day pack, but with the suspension of a large pack. The pack took a days worth of gear on the long, technical trail. The pack's weight felt heavy for a simple overnighter, but it never rides wrong or feels painful on your back. (Seems like a pack that you could carry your partner out with if need be. Just kidding, but I have had to hike a 50 lb dog out before.)We logged 22 miles in 2 days on that Kauai hike and my back was not sore and had no hot spots during or after the hike.
The pack is heavy (I think 10lbs) which really adds up, but I tell you from experience, a overloaded pack feels much heavier than a huge pack, under-loaded, plus makes it less stable which causes you more energy expenditure just trying to balance the thing on your back. With the Denali Pro you feel stable jumping and bouldering across creeks despite heavy loads.
I like the skid proof rubbery bottom fabric. Feels good to set your pack on sharp rocks or skid it along and not feel as bad. The side mesh pouches hold nalgene width bottles which is nice. I havent really had to use all the daisy chain loops or strap things on because everything fits inside (2 sleeping bags, 2 bear canisters with food, 1 three person tent, stove and pots and pans and all the clothes. No problem....). The fabric and seams feel super durable. Also the shoulder straps are on a pivot system which allow them to sway as you hike, probably helps with why this pack rides so nice.
I went to he local backpacking store and they helped me fit it better than I had done myself. I used the packs instructions but it definatley felt better and rode better after the pack store adjusted it for me.
This pack is going to last me for years to come, and will see many adventures with my wife and I. I recommend it and and enjoy using it.

Comments about Gregory Denali Pro Pack:

I bought this pack several years ago before going on first week-long hike. It's the best decision I've made. I usually hike solo (fall and winter hikes) so I have to carry everything that otherwise might be shared among a group. This pack's large capacity allows me to take what I need, it packs well and has ample cinch straps to tighten load. The harness design is perfect...even with heavy loads I have always been able to adjust the pack for great distribution of weight between belt and shoulder straps. Once I've put the pack on and adjusted strap/belt tension, it stays snug and conforms perfectly to my movements while hiking on or off trail. I've never had problem with sagging or straps loosening. I've used the pack two to three times/year and have yet to have anything rip, tear or break.

Comments about Gregory Denali Pro Pack:

I absolutely love this pack!!!

I have had many backpacks over the last 20 years and this is by far the most comfortable pack I have had. I read that Ed Viesturs uses this pack for his Everest climbs and figured it had to be pretty good so I got it two months ago in preparation for a mountaineering trip. It exceeded my expectations!

My backpacking adventures are usually climbing mountains or winter backpacking so I usually am carrying a lot of stuff (65-90 pounds). The Denali carried 75 pounds for my recent trip quite comfortably with plenty of room to spare.

My last Dana Designs pack kept sliding down my back and would never stay on my hips very well. The Denali stayed on my hips without ever sliding or becoming uncomfortable.

In addition, the deep ridges in the back pad keep air flowing on my back and prevented the soaked with sweat experience so common with other packs.

Also, the convenient front opening makes it easy to access your stuff and to stow your water bag.

The hip belt and shoulder straps are very solid and very comfortable.

I highly recommend this pack to anyone in need of a big pack for carrying heavy loads!

(I bought my girlfriend the woman's version and she loves it as well.)

Comments about Gregory Denali Pro Pack:

I have used it on extended trips. With its large capacity I was able to comfortably hold all the food winter clothing and climbing gear needed for the trip.

Comments about Gregory Denali Pro Pack:

We pull this pack out when it's clear that nothing else can do the job.

It's ability hold a pile of gear is near unmatched, but for anything less, it probably isn't worth the effort.

Comments about Gregory Denali Pro Pack:

Although I've had this pack for several years I haven't used it as oftain as I would like. It still looks new. I agree with all other reviewers that this is a great pack. Very comfortable and well made. Handles loads extremely well! It has handled a full load including my xc skis nicely. I think anyone doing extended backpacking trips would be very happy with this pack. Of course those into ultralight would not need such a large load hauler.