Life is for the adventurous.

Manufacturers Photo of the Gregory Palisades 80 (Retail-$319)

Gear Talk Review:
Gregory Palisades 80 (Internal Frame Hiking Pack)

The Palisades 80 Liter internal frame backpack is a great overall pack for section, thru, or backwoods backpackers. This pack features numerous access points to any pocket, removable top pack (hip pack), hydration bladder pocket and routing for the tube, and the most modifiable Waist and Shoulder strap system available in a pack.

Weighing in at 6 LBs 3 OZs and storing up to about 5,000 cubic inches of gear, you can carry a load of up to 75lbs including the pack on your shoulders. The waist and shoulder straps genius design allows you to customize the fitting to your body size and type. This creates an overall much more comfortable trek for as long as you can go.

The internal frame is one of the sturdiest I have ever personally felt in a pack. When you combine that with quality of Gregory craftsmanship and the abundance of support straps that are available it makes packing the way you should and want to possible in basically every aspect. The alternate function of all of the straps is to shorten and decrease the size of the pack which makes it ultimately usable for any hike or trek longer than a day or a day on the crag. The only change I would propose is the ability to shorten the height of the frame which would make it even usable on 6hr plus hikes as well. This would just give you more room to move you're head around, especially if you are wearing a helmet.

There are pockets everywhere in and around this pack. Every time I go out, I find something new or a new use for something I already found. Pocket features include hidden water bottle pocket, 2 mesh waist pockets, removable top pocket that turns into a fanny pack, mesh water jug holder, 2 front pockets that all have back access into main pack, and waterproof zippers. There are also inside dividers and pockets that allow you to hold 2 hydration bladders and provide access to the tubing. You can hold well over a gallon of water all accessible without having to take the pack off. In addition there are multiple loops that you can attach carabineers, bungee, clips, or rope to.

The pack itself is not waterproof, so I would recommend buying some kind of waterproof cover for it which usually runs around 20 dollars. It will sustain a light rain for a short term without getting your stuff inside wet, but any substantial moisture will soak through without a waterproof covering. The bottom of the pack is however waterproof completely so you don't have to worry about puddles, or wet grass.

Overall, this pack pretty much does it all. Whether it is a basic overnight, a section of the AT, or a couple weeks in the backcountry, your needs will be met. Retailing at over 300 dollars it is a classic example of you get what you pay for pack which can only be a good thing. Gregory also guarantees all of their products for life, so this pack could hold everything you need for a couple miles or a couple thousand. It's entirely up to you.

-Kevin J Hanlon

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Life is for the adventurous.