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The Stout 60L backpack from Gregory is a backpack built for multi-day trekking, well suited for our activities through winter and summer in the Cairngorms and Northwest Highlands.

At a total weight of 1758 grams, including the rain cover, this is certainly not for those who scrutinise every gram. As with the previous Gregory packs we have used, the focus is more on comfort, performance, and durability.

This is highlighted most when considering the materials used and the carrying load of 20kg. Even throughout the winter months, our total load even on extended expeditions comes in well below the stated carry load. When we add to this our camera kit we are getting into that 20kg region, and a pack that goes slightly beyond your initial weight offers some security that it will handle the load through the trip without catastrophic failures. 

A mix of 210D and 420D Nylon makes up the main body of the pack, with a substantial base of 840D Ballistic Polyester which is beyond how most manufacturers design their packs and will continue to perform in a multitude of environments after much use.

The back plate is quick to adjust and covers a wide range of lengths. So too is the hip belt and shoulder strapping, which offers versatility in body shape as we adapted our clothing worn through the differing seasons.

Shoulder padding is deep, a great fit for broad shoulders, and supportive with increased weight. The back panel is again well padded although doesn’t offer the same amount of breathability as some of its competitors. The strapping located underneath the shoulder straps unfortunately can slip out of place when put under increased strain and was particularly noticeable when moving on steeper ground. Although this is a small niggle, the fine-tuned fit and wishbone alloy frame generally offers very good stability making this a dependable all-rounder pack for multi-day use.

The distribution of space is exactly how we like it. Uncomplicated and easy to access; A large main chamber, decent-sized lid, two generous hip pockets and the usual mesh outer pockets. The 60L volume we would say is slightly downplayed by the Stout as we found it to be quite generous, fitting in much more than we usually can into a pack of this size. There is a 45L version which we purchased and found that to be more than enough for gear and food for 4-5 days of summer trekking. A slightly odd feature we found was the side mesh pockets which don’t open very wide, meaning it’s hard to fit multiple items in. We understand the tougher materials make for improved durability although we would much prefer the side pockets similar to the Paragon in which we could stretch open the material, making better use of this area.

Dual access from both the top and bottom makes this a very easy-to-use pack, making life at camp very easy to manage. The rain cover is also easy to access and fits the pack well with attachment points to secure on those blustery days.

On a late winter 4-day trip to the Mullardoch and Affric Munros, the Stouts 60L capacity easily fitted in all our equipment and became quite the workhorse covering long and demanding days in a remote environment. With heavy camera equipment carried we were nearing the Stout’s load capacity yet still found it to be very comfortable to wear. After much use, we are happy to say that little signs of wear are noticeable, and we were very impressed with the overall build quality.

Our Verdict

There’s a reason we purchased 8 of the Stout and Amber (female version) packs for our trekkers to use over the 22/23 summer season. The many adjustments to fit different body heights and shapes, comfortable wear, and robust build, make the Stout a fantastic all-rounder multiday trekking pack. The Stout is certainly not the lightest pack on the market but when heading to remote areas of the Scottish Highlands a pack that you can depend on, without failure, we believe is worth those extra few grams. The included waterproof cover is also a great extra and overall, the price can be considered quite a bargain when looking at other brands with similar design and features.

Trek Scotland is a small family business based in the picturesque village of Tomintoul in the North East region of the Cairngorms National Park. They provide bespoke Mountain Guiding for Single Day Walks and Lightweight Multiday Trekking experiences, including wild camping, in the stunning Cairngorms wilderness and surrounding areas. Whether in the high mountains or lower valleys, their Multiday Treks are equipped with high quality, lightweight camping and trekking gear. They only work with small groups and, whatever your ability, pride themselves on designing your outdoor experience completely to your needs and with professional guidance and expertise. Adventure is waiting... Read more from Trek Scotland