Blog

The last couple of packs we've reviewed from Utah-based outdoor company Gregory (including the Alpinisto 28 LT in this very issue, p69) have really impressed us, so we were looking forward to putting this hiking pack through its paces. The Focal comes in two sizes, 48L and 58L, and with two back sizes - Medium and Large. Both are extremely light, weighing in at not much more than a kilo, yet offer lots of useful features, a supportive backsystem and waistbelt and recycled fabrics to boot. While at T&M we're big fans of simply-designed packs, there's no doubt that in warmer conditions the dry sack with straps' style of bag can get very sweaty, and the Focal 48 excels in this area, offering high levels of ventilation through the suspended mesh back panel and waistbelt. There's even a Polygiene coating to keep odours at bay when you do inevitably sweat. The carry is really stable and comfortable thanks to the aluminium frame and fibreglass anti- barreling cross-stay, and the ComfortCradle hipbelt which hugs the body, and the contents of the pack can be stabilised by cinching in the side compression straps. Storage options are excellent; in addition to the main compartment there's pockets in the lid, a stretchy stash pocket on the front - ideal for keeping a shell close to hand - and over-sized pockets on the hipbelt that'll fit a smartphone or small camera, as well as the usual trail snacks. The stretchy 'drinks' pockets at each side have two openings - one vertical and one horizontal - and this allows you to reach back for a water bottle without having to contort your body, or have to take the pack off. Another welcome feature is the floating lid, which allows you to overfill the pack when required. Overall we were extremely impressed with this pack, and despite all the useful features it has, it still feels clean and uncluttered. Highly recommended.