Gear Reviews: Backpack

Z55

Manufacturer: Gregory

Reviewed by: mountain_mike

I'm pretty enamored with my Z55. Last summer, I took it on a handful of weeklong trips in the Sierras and it performed beautifully. The vented back panel kept my back dry and prevented that nasty chill feeling you get when you take your pack off. Though light weight, the frame carried 35lbs very comfortably. The two pockets located on the hip belt are super-convenient and great for stashing Powerbars and small cameras. Thought the pack was just big enough for extended lightweight hikes, I've also cinched it down and used it as a large daypack and climbing bag.

I do have two significant complaints, however. The main compartment is a tad narrow, and I actually broke the frame by trying to force a loaded bear canister down to the bottom of the pack. Fortunately, Gregory's customer service was super helpful and replaced my pack.

I recommend this pack for lightweight backpacking - preferably for those who don't have to carry bear canisters.

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Ask the Expert

Kristin Hostetter

Q.} Is it true that mummy bags should not be stored in a stuff sack, but rather hung in closet between trips? Seems like a waste of space.
Submitted by: Robert from Budd Lake, NJ

A.} It may be a waste of space–and completely undoable if you're short on closet acreage–but it's the lesser of two evils. Keeping your bag stored in its tiny sack for long periods of time is a waste of money. Insulation, whether it's down or synthetic (but especially synthetic) will lose loft and the ability to puff up if it's kept mashed up in a stuff sack interminably. While it's fine to compress it on the trail, at home you gotta give it some love.