Gregory packs are world famous for their supreme carrying comfort, stability and tuneable fit and this Maven 55 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 Maven's unparalleled weight-hauling ability is their backpanel and chassis design. Starting with the chassis, Gregory use the highest quality 7001 aluminium alloy to take the majority of the weight. Born from their Response A3 system, the Aerolon backsystem uses narrower poles and an entirely new geometry to suit the smaller pack and to make the bag as light as possible. You can be sure that you'll always get the perfect fit with a Maven thanks to the fully adjustable 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 Matrix ventilation system keeps your back cool by using a foam structure surrounded by a breathable mesh. This provides air flow and allows moisture to escape, minimising energy expenditure and increasing comfort over long durations, especially in hot conditions.
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 pack can be achieved by adjusting the shoulder straps quickly and easily in the standard way, but also by popping the hipbelt into two different settings. The longer and wider setting allows you to increase support and comfort, while the narrower and shorter option is ideal if you have a slightly narrower waist. The hipbelt pockets move with this adjustment so you'll always have snacks, keys or your phone in reach without obstruction. A 3 dimensional shaped hipbelt and shoulder harness system features dual density lifespan EVA foam for an amazingly cushioned experience, whatever the weight. Further increasing comfort and support is Gregory's Gripton Lumbar pad. This soft, cushioned pad is coated with a silicone material to increase load transfer and to decrease the amount of energy wasted.
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 to carry small bits and bobs, a zipped compartment at the bottom of the pack to slip a sleeping bag or mat into without unpiling the rest of your kit, a pocket in the top loading section of the pack, a sunglasses quickstow, trekking pole attachments and an internal sleeve for a hydration bladder. What's really cool though is that Gregory include a separate Sidekick pack. This little pack is a combination of a hydration bladder sleeve and an ultra-light removable daypack, perfect for unscheduled day trips and commuting. Elasticated straps on the front of the pack allow you to attach walking poles, while several compression straps pull the weight closer to your back for more stable load management.
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Supportive aerolon suspension system
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Adjustable back system
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Quick adjustments and back height
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Gripton lumbar pad
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3D shoulder harness and hipbelt
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Integrated raincover
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Sunglasses attachment
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Trekking pole attachment
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.