Gregory packs are world famous for their supreme carrying comfort, stability and tuneable fit and this Baltoro 75 is no exception. Made to carry heavy loads over long distances through all terrain and weather conditions this pack can handle just about anything you care to throw at it. Pack it full of gear and head out for a day, a week, a month or even a lifetime of adventures.
The key to the Baltoros' superb performance is the ingenious Response A3 (Automatic Angel Adjust) suspension system which remains comfortable and balanced, adapting to your body and maintaining your centre of gravity through shifting terrain conditions and intensity levels. You can be sure that you'll always get the perfect fit with a Baltoro thanks to the fully adjustable and independently pivoting shoulder harness and hip belt that actively adapt to different body shapes and maintain load balance no matter how extreme the conditions. To ensure the load is stabilised and central at all times an innovative aluminium alloy internal wire frame channels the load to the centre of the lumbar region for dynamic support, it moves with you as you twist and turn keeping everything secure and stable. The Ultracush backpanel has a ventilated centre channel to dump excessive heat and allow a refreshing air flow whilst with multi-layer EVA foam and silicone grip over lay at the lumbar region provide maximum comfort and stability. There is even a removable EVA foam shim that you can use to fine tune the contouring in the lumbar region. A pre-curved and deeply padded hip belt bears the majority of the load and features lifespan foam to ensure the padding stays soft and comfortable for the life of the pack. Fine tuning of the fit can be achieved through the easy-change shoulder straps that have two attachment positions giving you customisable fit options; they also feature lifespan foam and are independently mounted to allow full freedom of movement. I think all that emphasises just how comfortable, fine-tune-able and generally brilliant the carrying system is on this beast of a pack.
Gregory have not ignored your storage and carrying options, they have included some ingenious features that make life on the trail easier and safer. You get two zipped hip belt pockets one of which is a TPU coated and sealed compartment perfectly sized for smartphones and digital techy stuff with a YKK Aquaguard zip; whilst not completely waterproof it will keep out the worst of the weather. There's a separate zipped base compartment to keep bulky or soggy kit away from the main compartment or you can remove the divider and have just one big space. One of my favourite features is the Sidewinder bottle holder, I appreciate that most people use hydration bladders now but there is still a place for the humble water bottle, and this pocket is just that place. It is perfectly angled to make retrieving and securing a bottle super easy, even when you are on the move, it even tucks away if you're not using it. A large U shaped zip opening on the front of the pack opens the whole thing up like a suitcase so you can easily see what's inside and find what you need. The obligatory rain cover even has its own mesh compartment inside one of the vertical zipped pockets that doubles up as accessory storage. A large and conviniently placed sleeping bag compartment sits at the bottom of the pack so you can whip your sleeping bag out without emptying the rest of the Baltoro's contents.
What tops this technical masterpiece of a pack off though is Gregory's Sidekick pack which they include without any additional cost. This ultra strong 210D Nylon pack acts as either a hydration revervoir sleeve or an ultra light removable day pack, ideal for unscheduled day trips or summit and town runs.
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Ultra supportive Response A3 suspension system
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Wishbone aluminium frame
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Ultracush backpanel
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Lumbar tuning
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3D pre-curved components
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Comfortzone hipbelt construction
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Weathershield hipbelt pocket
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Sidewinder bottle holster
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Raincover integration
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U-zip access
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Sleeping bag compartment
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Sidekick pack included
Getting the correct fit for your rucksack is as important as getting the fit right for your boots. A badly fitting pack can inflict misery and discomfort and completely ruin your adventure. This guide is designed to help you get the best fit and comfort from your chosen pack so that carrying all your kit becomes a pleasure and not a chore.
ADJUSTING THE BACK LENGTH
If the pack has an adjustable back length, adjust this to your correct level. Your back length is not related to your height but your torso length. Many packs, and specifically the bigger and more technical packs are available in different back lengths or feature adjustable back systems. Contrary to popular belief, your torso length and not your overall height is the key to getting a well fitted pack. Tall people don’t necessarily have long torsos, just as shorter people don’t always have a short torso length.
Your torso length can be found by measuring from your C7 vertebra (the bony protrusion at the back of your neck when looking down) to the height of your iliac crest (top of your hip bones, where you put your hands on your hips). This measurement will give you an idea of which pack back length to choose.
Once you've got the back length sorted, either by selecting the correct size pack or adjusting the back system, you can begin to follow these simple steps to help achieve a comfortable carry.
LOOSEN OFF ALL STRAPS
Before you start fitting the pack, loosen off all the straps as this will make it easier to get the correct tension later.
TIGHTENING THE HIPBELT
Fasten the backpack hipbelt, the general position is the same as where you’d put your ‘hands on hips’ This area is called the pelvic girdle, and what you can feel when you rest your hand on the area is the bony protuberance, the iliac crest. The iliac crest can support the weight from a pack comfortably, and for sustained periods. The padded section of the hipbelt should encompass this and fit securely.
Tighten the straps so the hipbelt feels secure and held firmly around your body. Ensure that the lumbar pad is centered to your lower back to give you maximum support. Remember that your hips carry most of the weight of the pack, so this should be firm but comfortable.
ADJUSTING THE SHOULDER STRAPS
Next, adjust the shoulder straps, pull them until they start to become snug, but ensure that they are not too tight as to lift the pack off your hips. Remember tightening them will stabilise the pack but will increase pressure over the shoulders. If the back length of the pack is correct the shoulder straps will be flush to your shoulders whilst the hipbelt sits in place comfortably. The point where the shoulder straps attach to the main body of the pack should be roughly half way down your shoulder blades; this ensures that the shoulder straps rolls evenly over the top of your shoulders to distribute the weight correctly.
FASTENING THE CHEST STRAP
Fasten the chest strap and pull until taut but not tight, the elastic section should not be extended. This helps keep the shoulder straps from catching in your shoulder joints and keeps the stability of the pack when moving over rough ground.
ADJUSTING THE TOP TENSIONERS
Top tensioner straps link the shoulder straps to the top of the pack. When tightened, their main function is to stabilise the top part of the pack. The optimum angle for these straps in 45º, but they will stabilise the load even when horizontal or at a more obtuse angle. Tighten them until you feel the top part of the pack rest against your pack, over tightening them will create excessive pressure on the front of your shoulders.
ADJUSTING THE SIDE TENSIONERS
Side tension straps are linked to the hipbelt. By tightening these straps you can stabilise the load but reduce the hipbelt flexibility. Where balance is critical tightening them can help you feel more secure. However, if you are striding out over easy terrain it’s better to loosen these straps to allow full hip flexibility.
ADJUSTING THE SIDE COMPRESSION STRAPS
Side compression straps come next, pulling these tight does two things: firstly, it stabilises the load, secondly it can lift the lower part of the pack, repositioning the load closer to your back.
ADJUSTMENTS ON THE GO
Following these steps should give you a comfortable but secure fit on your pack. Sometimes adjustments will need to be made on the go depending on the terrain or the load you are carrying. The perfect fit is very much a personal preference so experiment with different tensions on the pack to find what suits you best.