Gregory Denali 100
This cavernous top-loader can comfortably handle cold-weather supplies (up to 80 pounds worth!) for a week or two on the trail.
Brand: Gregory Backpack Reviews
Model: Denali 100
Suspension
Contoured, thickly padded shoulder straps and hipbelt provide ample cushioning and supported a monster load on a winter ascent of Mt. Rainer’s Liberty Ridge. Twin aluminum stays are stitched into the hipbelt for truly integrated load-transfer; a hollow, lightweight aluminum cross spans the shoulders and prevents the packbag from barreling or bulging into your back.
Breathability
Boomerang-shaped channels in the molded EVA help with airflow, but the backpanel did get sweaty when one tester toted an 80-pound load into Russia’s Caucasus Mountains for an attempt on 18,510-foot Mt. Elbrus in cold, windy conditions.
Organization
The removable lid has three spacious storage pockets; a tuck-away internal divider sections off the equally large front zippered panel. The extra-long hydration sleeve hides a removable foam butt pad; it kept our Elbrus tester comfy and dry on a long lunch break.
Bummer
Testers wished the side-access was longer for better access to the bottom.
$399; 6 lbs. 4 oz.; 100 liters; gregorypacks.com