Gregory packs are world famous for their supreme carrying comfort, stability and tuneable fit and this Stout 45 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 Stout's impressive performance is their completely overhauled TrailFlex backsystem. This system features an entirely adjustable back length, meaning whatever width and length you are, Gregory have you covered. This not only makes it far more comfortable in the long run, but will contribute towards the lifespan of the pack.
The hipbelt features two small pockets which can store a phone, keys or snacks. Ventilation in this backpanel is also incredibly well thought out, with only a few contact points with your back and the rest of the back covered in a breathable mesh to allow air to pass through. If your back really is bulging with kit and the mesh along the back comes into contact with the rest of the pack, you'll appreciate the holes behind the mesh that allow further air to pass through.
Attaching this technical backpanel to the rest of the pack is Gregory's highly supportive Wishbone Springsteel frame. This lightweight, durable frame provides stable load management with enough flexibility to bend torsionally, allowing the pack to move with your body rather than restricting it. Not only is this far more comfortable as you don't feel like you're fighting with your pack, but it reduces the amount of energy you use when walking over particularly rough terrain.
Gregory haven't forgotten about storage and organisation, with a re-thought out oversized stretch pocket added to the outside of the pack for a jacket, map or other items that require quick access. A pocket on the front of the pack also houses the raincover which can be popped over the pack for instant waterproofing. Inside the pack you get a compartment which is seperate from the rest of your kit to store a bladder - no one wants a soggy lunch due to a leaky bladder. Lastly, two pieces of elastic sit on the front of the pack either side of the stretch pocket to hold walking poles.
The materials for this years range of packs have also been completely redesigned, with more durable and lighter weight fabrics added to different areas depending on the amount of wear each area gets. The underside of the back (or the base) arguably will encounter the most wear over time, therefore Gregory have given it a super tough 630D ballistic polyester fabric which will withstand abrasion for years of use. 200 and 900D high strength polyester is then used for the main bulk of the pack as it's lighter but still tough as nails. 210D ripstop layers are then added over other areas of the main pack to add a little more durability.
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Ultra-tough fabrics
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Integrated raincover
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Hydration compatible
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Technical and adjustable back system
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Walking pole attachments
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Stretch front pocket
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.