The Gregory Stout packs have been completely redesigned recently, and this Gregory Stout 35 review is about one of five packs in the series, very lightweight 2 lb 8 oz (1.13 kg) only.
Key benefits & bonuses
- Rain cover bonus.
- Very lightweight.
- Adjustable harness.
New and old models – differences
The main differences are the following:
- Adjustable harness in the new model; fixed harness in the previous model.
- One size in new model; two sizes in the previous model.
- The new version is lighter, 2 lb 8 oz, as compared to 3 lb 2 oz (medium) and 3 lb 3 oz (large) in the previous model.
- Different fabric is used.
- Redesigned front pocket; stretch in the new version, fabric in the previous version.
- Completely redesigned back of the pack.
- No daisy chains on the lid and on the front in the new model.
Gregory Stout 35 pack – description
This pack is a part of the series of five packs with 30, 35, 45, 65, and 75 liters of volume. I have outlined the essential features of this new Stout series in my earlier text where the new 2017 version is announced for the first time. Note that there exists a parallel Amber series for women with the same basic features but with some women-specific elements in its design, you can see the Amber 44 described in my separate text.
So Stout 35 is the second smallest backpack in the series, they all share some basic features but the two largest packs have some extras.
I would describe is as a perfect daypack for any outdoor adventure. This is a classic type, top-loading pack with a lid and an extendable collar underneath it. It is hydration compatible and the sleeve is inside the main compartment. The port is behind the harness and you can pass the water pipe along any shoulder strap.
You also have yet another bottom access to the main compartment in the place where you normally have a sleeping bag compartment. But in this case, this is just an extra entry.
The rain cover
This is a bonus, and the cover comes stored in its own pocket on the front of the pack. The cover alone adds some $30 of value to this pack. Though it adds also 74 grams of weight, and if you really do not need it, you can remove it and have one more pocket for other purposes.
The suspension system
The suspension system is completely changed and what you have here is what they call Trailflex suspension. All is based on a spring steel internal frame with a wishbone shape wire that transfers the load to the lumbar zone.
This is the same as in the previous version, all very flexible and designed to follow your body movement and to shave the weight.
But the new feature here is the adjustable torso length. I would say this is the most important change in general. To adjust the torso, you just have to break the Velcro and then to move the harness to the desired position. The adjustment range is 16 – 22 inches (41 – 56 cm) and in this design, you have a very precise fit for any length in this torso size range.
The hip belt padding is not so impressive but this is not so essential for a pack of this size. The padding on the shoulder straps and in the lumbar zone is far better and very typical for Gregory, this means it is massive in the lumbar zone where you need it most. You have practically the same design in other new models like the Paragon 38 and Zulu 30 packs.
Yet another big change is the structure of the back padding. This is again what they call the Trailflex technology but flatter as compared with the previous version, with foam and covered by a mesh, altogether very different from the previous version.
Pockets
There are 7 pockets plus the rain cover pocket. A good stretch mesh pocket is on the front, and this is yet another big difference from the previous version of the Stout 35 backpack.
Two stretch mesh pockets are on the sides, and there are also dual zippered pockets on the hip belt. One zippered pocket is on the lid, and one zippered mesh pocket is underneath the lid.
Attachment points
Regarding the attachment points, I would say that they did not improve the pack. It is just the other way around. Dual non-removable compression straps are on the bottom where you can attach a sleeping pad or a tent.
There are also two attachment loops on the bottom section, for trekking poles or ice axe attachment, and those are accompanied by two bungee tie-offs higher on the pack.
Dual compression straps are on the sides so here you can store tent poles, tripod, or anything similar, and then fix it with both lower and upper straps.
Gregory Stout 35 dimensions
There are small and unimportant differences in the dimensions of the new pack as compared with the previous version. This is natural because the previous Stout 35 was built in two sizes (M and L), while the new version is one size.
So you now have 25 x 13 x 10 in (63 x 33 x 25 cm) as compared with 25 x 11.5 x 10 inches for the previous M size and 27.5 x 11 x 10 inches for the previous L size.
Here is a short video by Gregory about their Stout series:
Specifications & summary of features
- Gender: for men.
- Best use: hiking, mountaineering, travel.
- Volume: 2136 cu in (35 l).
- Weight: 2 lb 8 oz (1.13 kg).
- Maximum carry weight: 35 lb (16 kg).
- Torso fit: 16 – 22 in (41 – 56 cm).
- Size: 25 x 13 x 10 in (63 x 33 x 25 cm).
- Adjustable sternum strap.
- Adjustable Trailflex suspension.
- Rain cover included.
- Limited lifetime warranty.
- Access: top and bottom.
- Hydration compatible.
- Materials:
– Body fabric: 200D x 900D dobby polyester and 210D ripstop polyester.
– Base: 630 ballistic polyester.
– Frame: spring steel. - Dual zippered hip belt pockets.
- Dual side pockets.
- Front stretch stuff pocket.
- Dual trekking pole and tool attachment loops.
- Dual compression side straps.
Gregory Stout vs Gregory Zulu
If you check the packs from the Gregory Zulu series (see for example Zulu 30 and Zulu 40) and compare with this new 2017 version of the Stout series, you can get confused. They look very similar from the front. But here are the essential differences to bear in mind:
- The Zulu packs are with tensioned mesh on the back. This is the system introduced by Deuter several decades ago and you can see it now more and more in the packs from several top brands. In short, this system provides the best possible ventilation, just to know if this is important for you. I have been using packs with this system in the past 15 years.
- The new Stout packs have adjustable torso length, and this is absent in the packs from Zulu series.
- There is no bottom entrance in the Zulu series.
There are other small differences but they are not essential, you can see more if you follow the links.
Summary, rating, pros & cons
Pity they have removed numerous daisy chains that were available in the previous version (two on the front and two on the top), this is definitely not an improvement.
But the adjustable harness is indeed an improvement, the pack can be used by several family members and by growing teenagers. See how I rate it:
Gregory Mountain Products Stout 35 Liter Men's Backpack
Pros
- Extra bottom access.
- Bonus rain cover.
- Adjustable suspension system.
- Very good and durable fabric.
Cons
- No side zippered pockets.
- Not enough lash points.
If you need something different, please visit my pages with packs below 35 liters, and above 35 liters. Many great packs are presented there, in particular the Stout 45 from the same series. Need something smaller from the same brand? No problem, check this Gregory Citro 25 with a hydration bladder included, from their new 2017 series.
Thank you for reading. It will be great to hear from you, so please use the comment box below.
Yinko says
Great review. I got clear image through reading it. It helps a lot. Thanks.
Jovo says
Hi Yinko, many thanks for the kind words. All the best.