First Impressions of Gregory Facet 55L Backpack – Women’s
The Gregory Facet 55L Backpack – Women’s promises to be a lightweight yet supportive companion for multi-day adventures. Gregory is a well-respected name in the backpacking world, and the Facet series aims to offer a blend of comfort, ventilation, and sustainable design, specifically tailored for the female frame. It boasts features like the FreeFloat suspension, ventilated backpanel, and odor-control fabric.
My search for the ideal backpacking pack has been long and arduous. I needed a pack that could comfortably carry a week’s worth of gear without feeling like a medieval torture device and one that wouldn’t leave me drenched in sweat after a few miles. The promise of superior ventilation and a women’s-specific fit drew me to the Gregory Facet 55L Backpack – Women’s.
The initial unboxing was promising. The Sunset Grey color is subtle and stylish. The pack feels surprisingly light and the materials feel durable and well-constructed. Compared to my older, heavier Osprey Aura AG 65 and the Deuter Aircontact Lite 55+10, the Gregory Facet 55L Backpack – Women’s immediately felt more streamlined and less bulky. I chose the Gregory Facet 55L Backpack – Women’s over those because of its weight savings and focus on ventilation.
I was excited to try it out! The design looked modern and functional, and I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype surrounding its comfort and breathability.
Real-World Testing: Putting Gregory Facet 55L Backpack – Women’s to the Test
First Use Experience
My first true test of the Gregory Facet 55L Backpack – Women’s was a three-day backpacking trip in the Sierra Nevada mountains. The terrain varied from forested trails to exposed granite slopes. Temperatures ranged from a cool 50°F in the evenings to a warm 80°F during the day.
The pack performed admirably in these varied conditions. The FreeFloat suspension system worked as advertised, allowing the pack to move with my body rather than against it. I didn’t experience any significant pressure points or chafing, even with a load of around 30 pounds.
One initial observation: the hipbelt pockets are genuinely spacious. They comfortably held my phone, snacks, and even a small camera, which was a huge plus.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including multiple weekend trips and a longer five-day trek, the Gregory Facet 55L Backpack – Women’s has proven to be a reliable and durable companion. There are no signs of significant wear and tear, even in high-stress areas like the shoulder straps and hipbelt. The fabric has held up well against abrasion from rocks and branches.
Cleaning the pack is straightforward. A simple wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove dirt and grime. I’ve also occasionally used a mild detergent for tougher stains. Compared to my previous packs, the Gregory Facet 55L Backpack – Women’s definitely excels in terms of ventilation and comfort. It minimizes back sweat significantly, even on hot and humid days.
Breaking Down the Features of Gregory Facet 55L Backpack – Women’s
Specifications
The Gregory Facet 55L Backpack – Women’s boasts a range of features designed for comfort, convenience, and durability.
- Manufacturer: Gregory
- Gender: Female
- Maximum Loading Weight: 15.9 lb (7.2 kg) – This is the recommended weight for the pack itself, NOT the total carry weight.
- Pack Application: Backpacking
- Pack Type: Backpack
- Color: Sunset Grey
- Age Group: Adults
- FreeFloat Suspension: This allows the hipbelt to pivot and flex with your natural movements, reducing friction and increasing comfort.
- Ventilated Mesh Backpanel: The suspended mesh design promotes airflow, keeping your back cooler and drier.
- Polygiene Stays Fresh Technology: This odor control fabric treatment inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria, keeping the pack fresher for longer.
- ComfortCradle Hipbelt: The 3D construction of the hipbelt provides a contoured fit, minimizing pressure points and maximizing comfort.
- Ultralight Aluminum Frame: The perimeter aluminum frame provides structural support and helps to distribute the load evenly.
These specifications translate to a pack that prioritizes comfort and efficiency on the trail. The lightweight design minimizes fatigue, while the ventilation features help to regulate body temperature.
Performance & Functionality
The Gregory Facet 55L Backpack – Women’s performs exceptionally well in its intended role as a lightweight backpacking pack. The FreeFloat suspension system truly makes a difference in terms of comfort and mobility. The hipbelt conforms well to my body and the shoulder straps are padded and comfortable.
The pack’s strengths lie in its lightweight design, comfortable suspension, and excellent ventilation. The spacious hipbelt pockets are also a major plus. A potential area for improvement might be the durability of the front stretch-mesh pocket. I would prefer to see a slightly more robust fabric used in that area.
The Gregory Facet 55L Backpack – Women’s meets and even exceeds my expectations. Its comfort and ventilation outperform my previous packs.
Design & Ergonomics
The Gregory Facet 55L Backpack – Women’s features a clean and modern design. The materials feel high-quality and the overall construction is solid. At around 2.5 lbs, it’s impressively lightweight for a pack of this size.
The pack is relatively user-friendly, although it may take some time to dial in the perfect fit. The adjustable torso length and hipbelt allow for a customized fit. The various compartments and pockets are well-placed and easily accessible.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience, the Gregory Facet 55L Backpack – Women’s appears to be quite durable. The high-tenacity recycled fabrics seem resistant to abrasion and tearing. With proper care and maintenance, I expect it to last for many years.
Maintaining the pack is simple. Regular cleaning with a damp cloth is usually sufficient. For tougher stains, a mild detergent can be used.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Gregory Facet 55L Backpack – Women’s comes with a few useful accessories, including a removable top pocket and an ultralight weather flap. The pack is also compatible with Gregory’s 3D Hydro reservoirs.
There aren’t many customization options available for the Gregory Facet 55L Backpack – Women’s. However, the pack is compatible with most standard trekking pole attachments and hydration reservoirs. The included interior toggles allow you to connect a Gregory Nano 14 Daypack for shorter excursions from your campsite.
Pros and Cons of Gregory Facet 55L Backpack – Women’s
Pros
- Lightweight and comfortable design.
- Excellent ventilation, minimizing back sweat.
- FreeFloat suspension system allows for natural movement.
- Spacious hipbelt pockets for easy access to essentials.
- Durable and well-constructed with recycled materials.
Cons
- Front stretch-mesh pocket could be more durable.
- Maximum loading weight of the pack itself is listed as 15.9 lbs, which can be confusing. (Clarification: this is the weight of the EMPTY pack.)
Who Should Buy Gregory Facet 55L Backpack – Women’s?
The Gregory Facet 55L Backpack – Women’s is perfect for female backpackers who prioritize comfort, ventilation, and a lightweight design. It’s ideal for multi-day trips in a variety of terrains. This pack is particularly well-suited for hikers who tend to sweat a lot or those who backpack in warm climates.
This pack might not be the best choice for those who frequently carry extremely heavy loads (over 40 pounds) or those who need a pack with a lot of external attachment points.
A must-have accessory is a high-quality hydration reservoir. Trekking poles are also highly recommended for added stability on the trail.
Conclusion on Gregory Facet 55L Backpack – Women’s
The Gregory Facet 55L Backpack – Women’s is an excellent choice for female backpackers seeking a comfortable, lightweight, and well-ventilated pack. At $249.95, the price is justified considering the quality of the materials, the innovative design, and the overall performance.
I would highly recommend the Gregory Facet 55L Backpack – Women’s to anyone looking for a reliable and comfortable companion for their backpacking adventures. If you value comfort, ventilation, and a women’s-specific fit, this pack is definitely worth considering. Take the leap and experience the difference a well-designed pack can make on the trail!