Last November I decided to upgrade my daypack to a backpacking pack and after being fitted for a few different packs, I decided on the Gregory Deva60 in plum red with the Gregory 3-liter 3D Hydro Reservoir. With hiking longer trails and planning multi-day backpacking trips, I wanted a pack that felt comfortable with a generous gear capacity.
What I like most about this bag (other than the color) is its patented A3 suspension. This allows both the harness and hip belt to pivot independently of each other, adapting instantly to the shape of your body and your movements. The main benefit to this is that it aligns your center of gravity and follows your body’s movement over unsteady terrain and climbs, and the silicone gripping prevents it from sliding on your back, shoulders, and hips. It also has an internal aluminum frame with a removable lumbar support. Whether I’m out for a 2-mile or 10-mile hike, my pack typically weighs 25-26 pounds and this pack performs exactly as I need it to. The pack itself weighs just under 5 pounds.
The main compartment has three access points: top, bottom, and full front u-zip which makes loading and unloading much easier. There is a removable divider as well to separate the sleeping bag compartment from the main compartment. I use the sleeping bag compartment for holding extra clothes while out on my regular hikes. The top flap has a zippered pocket which holds the fitted rain cover or anything else you might want to store in it.
There are plenty of pockets and additional straps to hold your gear. This includes a stretchy mesh side pocket for sandals or camp shoes as well as a bottle holster, which I use to hold a soup thermos or coffee mug. I particularly like that the bottle holster cinches at the top for a snug hold. As for the additional straps, there are dual attachment loops with upper locks as well as many pull straps. I use one attachment loop for my trekking poles and the second for my camping stool. The hip belt also has two zippered pockets.
The pack includes a removable hydration sleeve with a harness and pocket that can also be used as a daypack. It’s perfect for a quick hike away from your base camp.
The Gregory 3-liter 3D Hydro Reservoir has many great features for “just” being a water reservoir. It has a built in hanger that flips out and the 3D technology prevents contact between the top and bottom layers while hanging open, allowing it to dry quicker and reducing the risk of bacteria growth.
The bite valve has a quick on/off button to avoid any leakage and the quick-disconnect coupling of the hose makes it easy to refill the reservoir without having to unthread the hose from the pack. The only downside to the quick-disconnect is that it causes air bubbles when it is reconnected.
The handle on the outside makes refilling the reservoir much easier.
Please remember to ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS clean your water reservoir after EVERY USE!!
The retail price of this pack is $299.95 and worth every penny. It comes in three beautiful colors; Plum Red, Antigua Green, and Nocturne Blue. It also allows the ability to switch out the hip and chest belts so you’re sure to get the best fit for your body.
The retail price of the 3D Hydro Reservoir $39.95
I highly recommend both pieces of gear.
Outdoor Trail Adventures 