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.
New and improved, Gregory's A3 (Automatic Angle Adjust) system adapts to your unique shape and moves with you rather than restricting you when you need movement the most. Each contacting component of the Baltoro moves independantly, from the 3D hipbelt to the comfortable, padded and ventilated shoulder straps. Not only is this far more comfortable and ensures you aren't restricted, but also helps to align your centre of gravity when moving, making the weight feel half of what it really is as you aren't having to stabilise yourself. This technical backsystem is held in place by a Wishbone Frame, a tough aluminium design which ensures weight is transfered as effectively as possible into the lumbar pad at the bottom of the pack and into your legs. This frame also ensures the pack won't lose it's shape over time. Lastly, a comfortable mesh is layered over a backpanel with foam cut-outs to improve breathability in warmer climates.
Arguably just as important as the backsystem is the hipbelt. Gregory's 3D Air Hipbelt features a pre-curved design, a cut out in the centre to aid flexibility and breathability and a LifeSpan Foam content to eliminate hotspots and relieve pressure in sensitive areas. Layered over the luxurious foam is a mesh lining which wicks away sweat, grips to clothing to stop the pack rising and features two external pockets for trail snacks and navigational equipment. Another brilliant feature of Gregory's packs is the ability to swap components if something doesn't quite feel right. Three total harnesses and five hipbelt lengths are available from Gregory to fine-tune the Baltoro to the most minute detail.
Lumbar Tune is one of the most innovative features currently available on a large capacity pack. Located behind the ComfortGrip lower padding, this simple system allows you to adjust the curve of the backpanel to suit your back shape. This may not sound like a huge innovation, however it's very much like moving the seat backwards in your car; the slightest movement causes something to either feel spot on, or 'not quite right'.
No large capacity, multi-day pack would be complete without a series of clever pockets, right? The Baltoro features a full U-Zip opening to give you full access to the entirety of your pack, even the bits and bobs right at the bottom, stretch mesh side pockets house up to 1L water bottles, a weathershield water resistant hipbelt pocket houses a phone or GPS, a bottle holster for quick-access hydration, dual front zipped organisation pockets allow you to... organise your stuff, a double barrel top lid pocket which can be accessed from both sides and a zipped sleeping bag compartment in the bottom of the pack for quick access. Other useful features include trekking pole attachment points, loops to attach a solar charger, glove friendly zipper pulls, a sunglasses stow and a custom fit raincover to keep 75L of kit dry.
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Sunglasses stow point
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Custom fit raincover
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Silicone grip lumbar pad
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Full body U-Zip opening
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3D air hipbelt
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Adjustable backsystem
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Breathable and supportive
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Sleeping bag compartment
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Lumbar Tune system
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.