วีดีโอ

I do love the Baltoro and others I know who have it do as well. However, the best thing you can do is try out the two packs at REI or another similar place where you can walk around with some weight in them for a bit. That will matter more than anything else. I had an Osprey Xenith 88 before this that I really wanted to love, but it never felt right.

The older version had a waterproof pocket on the right side of the hip belt and a mesh pocket on the left side. The newer version has two pockets made of the same material as the main backpack material. I would consider them water resistant and not waterproof.

Thank you! I try to provide key details while not making the review drag on longer than necessary.

That is interesting. It sounds like you're right on the border between the small and medium sizes. I do really like the Baltoro 75, it served me very well on a 10 day trek at Philmont Scout Ranch last year.

Interesting. A common complaint about the new one is that Gregory no longer included the rain cover. Who knows, maybe they started including it again or you got lucky.

That is exactly how I saw it. The weight difference between the two is negligible and I really appreciated the extra space at Philmont Scout Ranch last year that the 75L provides. I really don't see a reason to choose the 65L over the 75L.

@@christophermartin1421 thanks a lot. All the best!

Thanks!

The top lid can be removed, but it is not meant to be taken off on a routine basis and is not set up to use as a separate pack. To remove it you have to take three straps through the buckles so it's not a "quick detach" proposition.

​@@christophermartin1421thanks for the answer! I am looking for a backpack which I can remove the top lid easily. It doesn't have to be a daypack, I just want to carry a smaller bag on a plane etc. However, smaller bags are not convenient for mountaineering activities.

Thank you! For what it's worth I would go with the more comfortable suspension and usable hip belt pockets over the hydration sleeve and cover. A cover can be purchased from Amazon for $15, and the hydration sleeve isn't needed.

Glad you found it valuable!

I wore these during a 10 day, 55 mile backpacking trip at Philmont Scout Ranch this summer in the mountains of New Mexico. They were outstanding.

I think it is a great beginner bike and, depending on what type of trails you ride and your style, could be a long term bike for you.

That's why I only buy from the dealer themselves, in the physical stores

That's hard to say. My son and I just came back from a 12 day trek at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. He had the older 65 liter pack, I had the newer 75. Both of us were fine, but because I didn't use the 65 extensively I can't really compare it to the 75. There is nothing wrong with the older pack and it was loved by many, I just know I like the newer pack that I used.

@@randompastimes thanks for the input!!

Thanks!

Cool, best of luck to you! Yes, it would have been nice if Gregory had included the smaller pack as well as a rain cover. The absence of a rain cover is, to me, the biggest negative. But, I do really like the pack and am still very happy with it!

Have you had any issues with it squeaking/creaking?

@@enterprise8979 yes I have. It does tend to squeak and creak. I just finished going through Great Smoky Mountains and noticed it. It’s not so loud though that it bothers me that much.

No problem!

I have not ridden in a bit, but enjoy this bike for sure. I'm not a "shredder" and think this bike is just about perfect for my style of riding.

In my opinion the older model would be the better deal, and it is a fine pack. With that said, I love my newer model Baltoro and love the suspension changes they made. I have had more opportunities to use my newer Baltoro 75 on backpacking trips since creating this video, and believe, for me, the newer model is worth the extra price. However, the older design is definitely still a great pack, I just feel the newer suspension is worth the extra investment for me.

I do not own an Osprey Aether so unfortunately I cannot compare those two packs from personal experience.

Yes, the old pack is a fine pack and is still a great choice. I will say the new model suspension is a dream though, I don't think I have ever worn a pack more comfortable.

@@randompastimes what other packs have you worn?

@@sansanych6163 I have had a cheaper Teton pack as well as an Osprey Xenith.

Thanks!

Good point and you are very correct, especially if you are close to the lower or upper limit of specific sizing.

I agree that it's important to measure properly and not assume your size. I'm 6'2" and 210 lbs so I expected I'd want the large size. I went into a store that had the Baltoro 65 in stock and found that the Medium fit great and the guy who was fitting me even lowered the shoulder straps a bit.

Thank you, glad it was helpful! The Baltoro is the best feeling pack I have owned. I used a less expensive Teton Sports pack and had an Osprey Xenith for a bit as well. This Gregory has me very happy.

Thanks for the advice. I just returned a Gregory Paragon 58….I needed more room haha But I really liked the suspension. Was considering Paragon 68 but the Baltoro has a lot more to it. Thanks again for the video and confirming my belief that Gregory makes comfortable packs! I have 3 “ultralight” packs on the shelf, they are only good for warm summer trips. Thanks again pastimes !

@NinerK glad the video helped! I think you'll find the new model Baltoro's suspension is very similar to the Paragon. The pockets and overall organization of the Baltoro is hard to beat, it's a great pack!

You are welcome, glad you enjoyed the video!

Glad it is working for you! I tried multiple WTB saddles and really thought I would like the Volt, but this Bontrager just felt right to me.

Both of these bags are already in use, but if you are going to Philmont I would encourage you to speak with your Scoutmaster and other local Scouting community regarding your need. Often times people may have extra gear they are willing to lend. Additionally, Philmont has rental packs you can use for a small fee as well. Best of luck.

This is the rain cover I purchased. It appears well made, although I have not yet tested it in rain conditions

That is correct, is a permanently built into the pack and does not swivel.

Yes, the stock saddle was not very comfortable for me either. I ended up testing out quite a few and, surprisingly, ended up with a Bontrager Sport saddle on my Stance.

That's hard to say. The old model is a great pack and there is nothing wrong with it. I do like the suspension on the new pack, I feel like it conforms to my body better. And I also like the larger hip belt pockets on the new pack. But besides that you likely will not notice much difference. The older pack is solid and I wouldn't hesitate to get it.

Are you in the United States? Manufacturers often have slightly different features in different countries. The Gregory website in the United States does not list this as a feature, and my Baltoro 75 did not come with one. Here is a link to another review where they talk about the 2022 Baltoro 75 not including a rainncover. www.switchbacktravel.com/reviews/gregory-baltoro-75#like

@@randompastimes I think you are absolutely right. No, I am in Greece and I bought it from a shop in Germany. But i believe this is not fair! It rains more often in Europe or what Gregory?

@@orestiskaramanos1756 Osprey does this as well, the specs on their packs on Europe are slightly different in some cases than in the United States.

I live in Sweden and I also got a raincover

Both the right and left hip pockets are lined with a rubberized feeling material for waterproofing. Keep in mind on the old pack the right hip pocket was waterproof but the left one is open mesh. I wouldn't worry about the velcro, Osprey and many other manufacturers have been using the velcro system for years and most of the other Gregory packs us it as well.

Interesting perspective. What features do you feel are a downgrade on the new version of the pack? The old version is a great pack for sure, but I do like the changes they made to the suspension and hip belt pockets on the new one.

I believe Gregory used the same design for at least a couple years up through 2021. Yes, the belt pocket size was my on criticism of the older model, although I will say the suspension on the newer model is like heaven!

Great, I am glad it worked out for you!

I wear a size 10 sneaker and the size 43 LA Sportiva fit me well. I would guess a size 42 or 42.5 might work for you? REI has these on sale this weekend so now is a good time to buy. I had thr Salomon Authentic LTR GTX before, but that boot is not made anymore. I liked it but the La Sportiva seems to have a bit more cushion in the sole which I appreciate.

@@randompastimes Thanks for your quick response. I did end up picking La Sportive from REI today,

@@gvs550 great, I hope you enjoy them! Mine felt a little tight at first but they loosened up after breaking in and feel great now. I love them, most comfortable boots I have ever owned.

I hope the wide works out for you!

@@randompastimes 🤞

Yes, 100% sure there is no raincover. Keep on mind I am in the United States, if you are looking at their Europe website the specs on packs there may be different. Osprey also has different specs on some of their Europe packs.

@@randompastimes Thanks!

@@ericblackwell9254 Mine here in Switzerland came with a raincover

@@SCa5100 Thank you!

I bought a new model in Poland (Europe) and the rain cover is included.

My pleasure. I like the Osprey pole system as well and was glad to find it could be replicated on the Baltoro.

You are welcome, I hope it was helpful!