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The Paragon has been a staple in the range for some years. This 38L pack is surprisingly light for the wide range of features, high level of comfort, durability and carry capacity it delivers.
Gregory says:
The Paragon feature an innovative hybrid suspension system that cleverly combines a free floating lower back system with a breathable on-the-back upper back padding system. This unique approach captures the best of both worlds - a super comfy lower back Comfort Cradle system with Gregory’s Patent Pending FreeFloat hipbelt tech and a close fitting upper backpanel that saves energy by keeping the bulk of the pack weight close against your back. With a fully loaded but lightweight focused feature set, including full length side-loading access, the Paragon will make your next few days on the trail a dream come true.
A tight, versatile package for fast-paced adventures when you have your lightweight kit dialed in. The Paragon 38 is a great through-hiking option, or perfect for a quick weekend because you know that the FreeFloat adjustable, dynamic suspension will keep you moving comfortably while you log mile after mile.
Our Verdict
Gregory's Paragon 38 Rucksack weighs 1.3kg and therefore is not the lightest sub 40L rucksack available but it does have an impressive harness, is probably more durable than its lighter weight counterparts and certainly has more of the featured you'd expect to see in a traditional backpacking sack.
Looking at the harness system it has very well padded shoulder straps and has a relatively easily adjusted back length so you can set that for a personal fit. The transfer of weight through to the extremely well padded hip belt is excellent and is achieved by a combination plastic frame sheet and metal frame - the hip belt itself is well padded with pockets on each side, these are decent pockets that aren't squished when the hip belt is worn tight.
Feature-wise there is a conventional lid (which can be removed to save weight) with an internal and external pocket, inside there's a raincover for the pack, which could also be removed. There are three mesh pockets on the outside for taking wet gear or that which you need ready access to, this type of pocket arrangement is more or less essential on backpacking rucksacks these days.
Unusually the Paragon is a top loader but has a full length zip down one side and a further zip around the base, both give easy access to the contents of the pack. As a purist I would baulk at the additional weight that these features add to the pack as a whole but other people would find them useful and worth having.
Finally its worth mentioning that there are various extarnal straps to tie things on with, especially a pair of loops to secure a rollmat across the bottom of the rucksack should you be using one.
All together an excellent traditional style pack with lots of up to date features in a relatively lightweight (if not ultralight) package.
- Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear
Features
- FreeFloat breathable suspension with dynamic flex panels that move with the natural movements of your body
- Adjustable torso length with 3D perforated foam breathable backpanel
- 3D comfort cradle hipbelt with 3D construction for hotspot free, body-hugging comfort
- Perforated dual density shoulder harness with sternum strap with hose clip
- Wishbone alloy frame and fiberglass anti-barreling cross-stay for stable load management and torsional flexibility
- Raincover included in dedicated zippered pocket under top lid for added organization
- Sunglass QuickStow system on shoulder harness for quick, secure and scratch-free access to your shades
- Internal hydration sleeve with SpeedClip hydration hanger compatible with Gregory's 3D Hydro reservoir (reservoir not included)
- Floating top pocket with large zippered compartment and an underside zippered pocket, reflective attachment points
- and key clip
- Dual side stretch mesh pockets, one with side trail access, with pass through for over or under compression
- Front oversized stretch mesh pocket with secure buckle closure
- Quick-pull drawcord closure and top webbing compression
- Zippered bottom sleeping bag compartment with removable divider
- Adjustable attachment loop and upper shock lock for trekking poles or an ice axe
- Custom comfort-grip molded zipper pulls and molded webbing keepers for strap management
Specifications
- Weight: 1385g based on S/M size
Material & Construction
- Body: 100D High Density Nylon & 210D High Density Nylon
- Base: 420D high-density nylon
- Lining: 40% Post-consumer Recycled 135d Polyester with C0 DWR: designed without PFAS
- Harness/Hipbelt/Lumbar: Lifespan EVA foam
- Chassis Support: Alloy Steel & Fiberglass anti-barreling cross stay & HDPE
