If you missed the news, there are new Gregory Baltoro and Deva Series launched recently, with some improvement and a few big changes, and with yet another Gold Award.
As usual, with the beginning of the year, there are many completely new outdoor equipment items on the market, and modified existing series. Gregory has several new series, but they have also modified their famous flagship pack series Baltoro and Deva.
Gold Outdoor Award Again
At the OutDoor Trade Show in Friedrichshafen, Germany, on June 18, 2017, the Gregory Baltoro 65 pack has received the Gold Award for products that set new standards for innovation and design in the outdoor industry.
This is the Jury statement:
“The best backpacks are so well designed that you hardly notice that you are carrying them after a while. This certainly applies to the Baltoro 65. The carry system with its independent and adjustable shoulder straps, load panels and the hip belt is very comfortable and offers great load management.”
Please see the new Baltoro series in this video by Gregory:
A bit more about new packs
Each of the two series, the Baltoro for men, and Deva for women is still with three packs with different sizes. So you have Baltoro 65, 75 and 85, and the corresponding Deva 60, 70, and 80.
Within each of the three sizes, you have three sub-sizes, and this is the same as it was in the past. So what is new?
Here are a few most important changes:
- There are small differences in weight in each of the sub-sizes for every pack. But the differences are not drastic, this is about 7 – 10 grams dependent on the size and sub-size of the pack. In general, the new models are slightly lighter.
- Small differences are also in the dimensions, but they are not substantial
- The big difference is in the back panel design. You have what they call the Matrix Ventilated Backpanel, see the picture below. So this is a ventilated structural foam wrapped in a very breathable mesh. This design is introduced to enhance moisture management through a much better airflow while keeping the pack very close to your back. This is essential for very heavy loads which these packs are designed for. This is similar to what you can see in their Paragon and Maven packs.
Matrix Ventilated Backpanel. - Do you remember how many pockets is on the previous 2017 Baltoro 65 pack? It was 8; now you have 10.
- But the previous 2017 Baltoro 85 pack was with two side zippered pockets. They are missing in the new 2018 Baltoro 85.
- The big change is also on the front of the pack, see the pictures above. In the 2017 Gregory Baltoro 65 you can see the centrally positioned front zipper which was the entrance to the front pocket. Now you have a stretch mesh pocket on the front. But there is more here – there are two new zippered pockets with vertical zippers from the two sides. These two make the number of 10 pockets mentioned above.
- The previous rain cover pocket is not in its old place (within the front pocket). The rain cover now comes in the lid pocket.
- There is QuickStow feature on the left shoulder harness for sunglasses, see the picture. They have added this also in their brand new Gregory Optic 58 pack.
Attachment loop on the left shoulder strap for glasses. - Crossover design with compression straps. Now you can route them from one side across the front and attach to the straps from the other side.
- Colors are different.
Currently, the packs are sold on Amazon together with the previous versions, so this is a bit of a mess, you do not know which reviews address the previous and which the new packs.
Below are links to several packs from this new series. Thank you for reading. Let me know, what you think about this new design of these iconic packs. There is a comment box below.
GJ says
Finally a comparison. Gets confusing when you see multiple versions of the same name for packs (such as on Amazon). Anyway, you have awesome write-ups on products and this being one. I do have one critical important question…there is a 2017 version of Baltoro 65 on Amazon I want, but my torso size is 20″ and based on Gregory’s size chart, I fall right in the middle of M and L in which case the chart shows I can do M or L. I’m 5.11, around 170 lbs. Any recommendation on whether I should pursue M or L? I recently got measured in a store for an Osprey which they said for the Aether, I’m Medium.
Jovo says
Hi GJ, here is a bit thinking out loud so this might help. The main issue is where the position of the hip belt will be. This is regulated by the position of the shoulder harness.
If you go for a larger version, you can always do minor adjustments through your shoulder straps, just pull down. This will move the complete pack up and the hip belt will come to right place. This will also imply that you have a bit more padding free/unused on the front of your shoulder straps, but this is not a big deal.
If you go for a smaller version, you do the opposite with the shoulder straps, you release them and then the pack will slide down and the hip belt will be in the right place. What happens with the shoulder straps? Their position is changed and you might have less padding on the front, so there are buckles on the front and they might touch your chest and make pressure spots. I say “might” but this is probably not so, manufacturers always add enough padding that goes around shoulders.
So most likely you will be doing great with any, but if I am in the middle between the two and have to choose, I would rather go for a larger version.
Geøffrey Lørd says
This review was crazy helpful, I really appreciate the comparisons!
Jovo says
This is s music for my ears Geoffrey, much appreciated.
Adam says
Do you know if the SideKick daypack was updated with the 2018 version? I know that the previous version left much to be desired in the form of discomfort and instability…
Jovo says
Hi Adam, the water reservoir doubles as a daypack, and it is the same as before. You can see it in my text about the Deva 60 pack.
brent says
I was looking for a comparison between the 2015/ 16 Baltoro and the 2018. There is a Baltoro on craigslist that the seller says is “3-4 years ” old, wants $75; apparently used once, I was wondering if they were good packs then. I know the 2018 is considered one of the elite, just not sure if that is just a recent thing.
Jovo says
Hi Brent, the Baltoro has always been the best item from Gregory. The price you mentioned is excellent. You can see all the deatils about that pre-previous version in my Gregory Baltoro 75 text, there is also a video, so have a look.
Christopher Williams says
Hi Jovo,
Thanks for the review on the updated Gregory Baltoro. There were BIG updates, for sure, and I like your summary.
I’ve been looking into 75/85L backpacking packs that can comfortably carry 45+ lbs. (20+ kg)… specifically packs built with high quality materials, robust suspension, and capable of handling heavier loads.
How would you compare the 2018 Baltoro against the Osprey Aether and Osprey Xenith… and are there any other similar packs you’d recommend? (Would love to check out a Deuter!)
Thanks,
Chris W.
Jovo says
Thank you for the comment Christopher. Yes you are right, the changes in the Baltoro & Deva series were indeed numerous. Regarding the packs you mentioned, I am convinced that the Baltoro and Xenith are better built for heavy loads than the Aether AG pack.
But see the Baltoro Pro 95, this is the number 1 from Gregory, and also the pack from Kelty, Red Cloud 110 and Mountainsmit Apex 100 which is built from Cordura.
However, if this is for the heaviest loads in general, consider this Alps AutdoorZ Commander which is an external frame pack. Consider also this Mystery Ranch Stein 62 which is designed to carry up to 75 lb (32 kg) and it is with a carbon fiber frame. But its best part is its lid which converts to a daypack.
Deuter has such packs for heavy load, Aircontact 75 + 10 and Aircontact Pro 70 + 15, but they are rather heavy tools.