What is the Gregory Focal 48L Backpack?
The Gregory Focal backpack is a high-performance backpack designed for backpackers who prioritise a lightweight and minimalist approach to their adventures. It combines dynamic comfort with an ultralight design, making it an excellent choice for those who want to minimise weight without sacrificing carrying capacity. It's an ideal choice for backpackers looking for a long-term, lightweight companion on their hiking journeys, particularly for those undertaking challenging long-distance hikes like the triple crown trails.
What is it made of?
This backpack's main body is made from a combination of two high-density recycled nylon materials (40% is 100D and 45% is 210D). This material is tough and resistant to wear and tear, which is crucial when hiking in rugged terrain. Additionally, the 210D high density 45% recycled nylon part is treated with PFC-Free DWR (durable water repellent), which adds a water-repellent coating, making this backpack more resistant to the elements.
The part of the backpack that's most likely to get scraped and bumped is the bottom. That's why it's reinforced with 210D high-density 45% recycled nylon with a PFC-Free DWR, too.
The lining is made from 40% post-consumer recycled polyester with PFC-Free DWR. By recycling post-consumer polyester, we reduce the need to produce new polyester from raw materials like petroleum. This lowers the environmental impact associated with extracting and processing raw materials.
For comfort during those long hikes, the harness, hip belt, and lumbar support are padded with EVA foam, known for its cushioning properties and for absorbing shocks and impacts, making it especially beneficial for carrying heavy loads. It minimises the jarring effect of rough terrain, enhancing wearer comfort. These backpack parts also feature Polygiene Stay Fresh Technology, which helps control odours by stopping the growth of odour-causing bacteria. So, you don't have to worry about funky smells on your backpack.
What type of back system is used?
Engineered for long mileage days, the superlight, dynamic FreeFloat suspension maximises efficiency and comfort. It's designed around a smart, hollow 7001 series perimeter frame. This frame lets the 3D ComfortCradle hip-belt assembly do its thing - it floats! So, you get this supportive carry that's easy on your body.
The flex panels connect the hip belt to the frame on each side, giving you the efficient support, you need. Plus, this system is all about staying fresh and breezy. The whole thing is super-ventilated and treated with Polygiene Stay Fresh magic. So, it fights off odours and keeps the airflow maxed out, ensuring you and your backpack are always smelling good and feeling great on your outdoor adventures.
An open-air mesh back panel wraps uninterruptedly from the tips of the hip belt to the harness ends. Oversized holes in the mesh and the integrated odour-control treatment maximise airflow and guard against microbial growth that can lead to skin irritation and smelly packs.
Comfort wrap shoulder harnesses are designed with a seamless transition from the open mesh back panel for a pressure point-free load. The interior edge of the harness wraps to the top of the harness to create edge-free padding, minimising hot spots.
The dual zippered hip belt pockets are engineered to minimise weight while providing on-the-go storage; the padded hip belt ensures even the lightest loads are riding comfortably.
What are its features?
The Gregory Focal is packed with great features in mind. It comes with an internal hydration sleeve with a SpeedClip hydration hanger. It's compatible with Gregory's 3D Hydro Reservoirs (please note that the reservoir is not included), ensuring quick and easy access to your hydration source.
The backpack's top pocket is removable and floats, providing extra storage space. It includes a large, zippered compartment, an underside zippered pocket for keeping essentials within easy reach, reflective attachment points for added visibility, and a convenient key clip.
This backpack also comes with an ultralight weather flap. This clever addition stows away in a quick-access zippered pocket on the underside of the top lid. It's there when you need it to protect your gear from unexpected weather conditions and tucks neatly out of the way when you don't.
The side stretch-mesh pockets are accessible from the side of the backpack, making it easy to grab items on the go. They also feature a pass-through design for over-or-under compression, allowing you to secure your gear securely.
Thanks to lightweight compression straps, which play a dual role, you can stabilise your load, preventing it from shifting during your hike, and they offer a convenient way to attach additional gear to your backpack. Need to carry a sleeping pad or a jacket? Just use those compression straps to securely fasten them to your backpack, ensuring you have everything at your fingertips.
The front oversized stretch-mesh pocket on the Gregory's Focal backpack is your go-to spot for items you want quick access to. With its secure buckle closure and reinforced fabric panel, it's the perfect place to stash those essentials quickly. Whether it's a map to check your route, a snack to refuel your energy or any other gear you want to grab without rummaging through your main compartment, this pocket has got you covered.
The quick-pull drawcord closure ensures that your gear is secured while allowing for easy access. Top webbing compression straps further help streamline the load and keep everything in place.
The addition of reflective lower loops and upper shock locks prioritises safety, ensuring you stay visible during low-light conditions and providing a secure way to fasten trekking poles or an ice axe.
Gregory has gone the extra mile with custom zipper pulls designed for comfort and ease of use. Reflective webbing front attachment loops provide additional convenience and safety for attaching extra gear.
This backpack comes complete with a custom-fitted rain cover. It's a practical addition to ensure your gear stays drier in unpredictable weather conditions.
Features:
- FreeFloat ultralight suspension
- Ventilated mesh backpanel with polygiene technology
- ComfortCradle hip belt
- Aluminium frame and fibreglass cross-stay
- Comfort Wrap shoulder harness
- Internal hydration sleeve
- Removable top pocket
- Ultralight weather flap
- Stretch-mesh pockets
- Lightweight compression straps
- Front stretch-mesh pocket
- Quick-pull drawcord closure
- Reflective loops for trekking poles/ice axe
- Custom ComfortGrip zipper pulls
- Custom-fitted rain cover