Gregory Focal 48 Pack for Men

The Gregory Focal 48 Pack for Men is ultralight and nicely ventilated with its tensioned mesh back panel, ideal for ounce-counting hikers and backpackers.

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Key features & benefits

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What this Gregory Focal 48 Backpack is about

So this is a backpack from the new Gregory Focal and Facet series for men and women, respectively. It is built in three sub-sizes S, M, L, you will see all the numbers in the specifications below.

The pack is a classic top-loading type with a removable lid. In the case of a lidless use, they have provided an ultralight weather flap which you will find in one of the pockets in the lid. This top access is the only one, there is no separate bottom compartment here.

The main compartment is with a hydration sleeve shown in the picture, equipped with their SpeedClip hydration hanger that is compatible with Gregory’s 3D Hydro reservoirs (sold separately).

Suspension system

The suspension here is based on an internal lightweight aluminum frame and a fiberglass anti-barreling cross-stay plus a HDPE, for a superior lightweight load capacity. This frame provides tension to its incredibly ventilated open-air mesh back panel which you see in the picture below. 

Note that the mesh separates the pack from your body so air can escape in all directions. The picture below shows its details, the same mesh you have in their Katmai packs.

The mesh covers the padding on the shoulder harness and on the hip belt shown below. Here you also have what they call the FreeFloat dynamic ComfortCradle lower back system for a dynamic fit and a superb hotspot-free comfort, you will see how it works in the video below.

The back panel has Polygiene Stays Fresh Technology that helps prevent the growth of odor-causing microbes in the fabric. Note that here you have pull-forward straps.

Load lifter straps are available as well as an adjustable sternum strap with an emergency whistle.

Pockets

• There are two hip belt pockets. 
• Two side mesh pockets with dual access are also in place.

• There are two zippered pockets in the lid.
• One large front pocket is there as well, see the picture below.

Compression straps & attachment elements

There are plenty of attachment elements here, with upper and lower side compression straps that are made very narrow and light. It has toggles to connect the Gregory Nano 14 day pack (sold separately).

You have bottom loops for trekking poles, and they are paired with bungee tie-offs higher on the pack. There are webbing loops on the lid as well. Some of these elements are shown in the picture below. 

Materials

I already mentioned its tubular aluminum frame and its fiberglass anti-barreling cross-stay and HDPE. As for the fabric, this is a 100D high density 40% recycled nylon and 210D high density 45% recycled nylon with PFC-Free DWR. The lining is a 40% post-consumer recycled 135D polyester with PFC-Free DWR.

Please see more in this short video:

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Who is this Gregory Focal 48 backpack for

You have seen already they build separate gender-specific packs, so this is a pack for men.

Regarding the size, it is suitable for hikers and backpackers assuming that you do not carry too much stuff. But note that there is a difference of 8 liters between the S and L version, the later is 52 liters.

Regarding the weight, the pack is indeed in the group of ultralight backpacking packs. The volume weight ratio for the M version is 40 liters/kg. You can make it even lighter if you use it without the lid, but then you lose two pockets of course.

It may be interesting to compare the weight with their Gregory Optic 48 Pack which weighs 2.47 lb (1.12 kg); note that the Gregory Focal 48 (M version) weighs 2.6 lb (1.18 kg). So the difference is insignificant.

In view of its nicely ventilated back panel, this is a perfect pack for people who sweat too much, and for warm weather use in general.  

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Specifications

• Type: top-loading.
• Gender: pack for men.
• Sub-sizes: S, M, L.
• Volume: 
  – S: 2685 in³ (44 l).
  – M: 2929 in³ (48 l).
  – L: 3173 in³ (52 l).
• Weight:
  – S: 2.54 lb (1.15 kg).
  – M: 2.6 lb (1.18 kg).
  – L: 2.76 lb (1.25 kg).
• Dimensions:
  – S: 27.2 x 14.2 x 12.2 in (69 x 36 x 31 cm).
  – M: 29.1 x 14.2 x 12.2 in (74 x 36 x 31 cm).
  – L: 31.1 x 14.2 x 12.2 in (79 x 36 x 31 cm).
• Torso fit:
  – S: 16 – 18 in (41 – 46 cm).
  – M: 18 – 20 in (46 – 51 cm).
  – L: 20 – 22 in (51 – 56 cm).
• Waist fit:
  – S: 27 – 45 in (69 – 114 cm).
  – M: 28 – 48 in (71 – 122 cm).
  – L: 30 – 53 in (76 – 135 cm).
• Carry weight: up to 30 lb (14 kg).

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Final thoughts & rating

Below you can see how I rate this backpack against my usual rating criteria so that you can easily compare it with other items of this type:

 

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For more options, please check under the category Mid-Size Packs. In particular, see this Kelty Outskirt 50 Backpack which is also ultralight and with some unique details.

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