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UOG TOP PICK - Gregory Focal Rucksacks - so many features and a very comfortable carry system for no seemingly weight penalty.
The Gregory Focal is a bag that offers all of the features that you need while still managing to be lightweight and comfortable.
Gregory says:
The Focal 48 features unmatched comfort and carrying ability, thanks to the FreeFloat dynamic hipbelt and fully ventilated backpanel. With quick-access zippered hipbelt pockets and odor-fighting mesh, this pack can take on those longer voyages where you and your pack become one.
Our Verdict
The Gregory Focal is a classic hiking design but manages to offer a range of handy features as well as being very lightweight compared to many other bags in this category.
It uses superlight recycled fabrics that make it a greener pack, but despite the light weight nature of the fabrics they are still pretty durable, with durability often being an issue with lighter weight packs the Focal manages to offer both.
One of the most impressive things about the Focal is the back system, which manages to provide a vert comfortable fit as well as good level of ventilation. The FreeFloat suspension and flex panels provide a very good level of support and the ability of the flex panels to move with your body mean that there is never with the pack feeling of balance as it moves correctly to provide constant stability. In terms of ventilation the mesh allows a good level of airflow to help prevent moisture and condensation build up that can cause a cold back when you stop, and the use of Polygiene reduces any odor build up which over time can become unpleasant.
The ComfortCradle Hip belts adds to the overall comfort as it provides a good close fit, but there is no pinching or rubbing against the hips even when the bag is fully loaded so over a long hike the comfort level remains the same.
We particularly like the stretch pockets on the side which have both a top and side openings. You can grab a water bottle from them without taking the pack off or struggling to reach behind to take the bottle it out. All of the drawcords are also very easy to use, making opening/closing the pack, attaching gear and stabilizing and compressing the bag easy.
- Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear
Features
- FreeFloat ultralight suspension with flex panels that move with the natural movements of your body
- Ventilated mesh backpanel with Polygiene® Stays Fresh Technology (an odor control fabric treatment that inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria)
- ComfortCradle hipbelt with 3D construction for hotspot free, body-hugging comfort
- Oversized zippered hipbelt pockets with enough space to fit cell phones and trail essentials
- Ultralight, perimeter aluminum frame and fiberglass anti-barreling cross-stay for superior lightweight load capacity
- Comfort wrap, breathable shoulder harness with sternum strap featuring integrated safety whistle and hydration clip
- Internal hydration sleeve with SpeedClip hydration hanger compatible with Gregory's 3D Hydro reservoirs (reservoir not included)
- Removable, floating top pocket with large zippered compartment, and an underside zippered pocket, reflective attachment points, and key clip
- Ultralight weather flap included -stows in a quick access zippered pocket on underside of the top lid
- Side stretch-mesh pockets with side trail access and pass-through for over-or-under compression
- Lightweight, bottom and side compression to stabilize load and attach excess gear
- Front oversized stretch-mesh pocket with secure buckle closure and front fabric panel for added durability
- Quick-pull drawcord closure and top webbing compression
- Reflective lower loop and upper shock lock for trekking poles or ice axe
- Custom ComfortGrip molded zipper pulls and reflective webbing front attachment loops
- NANO CONNECT - Included interior toggles to connect Nano 14 Daypack
Specifications
Medium
- Weight: 1250g
- Fits Torso: 18" - 20"/45.7 - 50.8cm
- Fits Hips / Waist: 28" - 48" / 71.1 - 121.9 cm
- Volume: 48 L / 2929 cu in.
- Max Carry Weight: 30 lbs. / 13.6 kg
- Packed Dimensions: 29.1" x 14.2" x 12.2" / 74 x 36 x 31 cm
Large
- Weight: 1314g
- Fits Torso: 20" - 22" / 50.8 - 55.9 cm
- Fits Hips / Waist: 30" - 53" / 76.2 - 134.6 cm
- Volume: 52 L / 3173 cu in.
- Max Carry Weight: 30 lbs. / 13.6 kg
- Packed Dimensions: 31.1" x 14.2" x 12.2" / 79 x 36 x 31 cm
Material & Construction
- External Material: 100% Nylon
- Frame Materials: Tubular Aluminum & Fiberglass Anti-Barreling Cross-Stay & HDPE
- Pack Body: 100D High Density 40% Recycled Nylon & 210D High Density 45% Recycled Nylon with PFC-Free DWR
- Pack Bottom: 210D High Density 45% Recycled Nylon with PFC-Free DWR
- Lining: 40% Post-consumer Recycled 135D Polyester with PFC-Free DWR
- Suspension: Lifespan EVA Foam & Polygiene® Stays Fresh Technology
