Used this pack over a 1000 miles on the PCT in 2022 and never had a day where I was sore or uncomfortable with the weight I was carrying: some days it carried close to 40 lbs. thanks for the review and keep up the great work!
Comments like this are incredibly valuable. Nothing can replace long-term, real-world use, so it's great when people are able to share their experience with a product. Thanks.
You mentioned using the Focal over a 1,000 miles on the PCT. Since the PCT is over 2,000 miles, I'm curious did you finish the PCT using the focal or switch to something else?
Just got this pack. For me, it’s the most comfortable pack I’ve ever used. It just fits me perfectly (the medium) and I feel essentially no weight sitting on my shoulders. Most of the weight seems to be distributed on my lower/mid back and hips. Love how the pack is held off your back so you don’t get sweaty. Overall, my favorite pack to date, from someone who has tried klymit and osprey packs.
I have the Facet 55. One thing I encountered had to do with sizing. I have an 18" torso length, which is the cut off between a small and a medium for women. I had ordered the medium on Gregory's customer service recommendation, but had to return it and get the small as the frame was just too big. So if anybody else is at the limit between two sizes, I'd say go for the smaller one. No issues for me with the chest strap. It stays in place nicely.
Okay Justin, I’ll take your word and purchase one of these Focal packs. Just wanted you to know that I bought a Mountainsmith Zerk 40 and it didn’t cut it with the load. My shoulders were hurting 2 miles into the trail. Think I need something with hip support.
Great Review! You mention the lack of straps between hipbelt and frame as well as the soft shoulder straps as something that affects the carrying capacity. In my use case the maximum would be around the advertised 35lbs, so I'm wondering if the mentioned issues cause comfort problems at that weight. Or do you mean, that fixing those issues would allow for a much higher carrying capacity?
I’ve got a Zulu 55 small/medium and I love it but having a 30” waist, goddamn I have that hip belt as tight as it gets but it’s a perfect fit regardless
I agree that would be a great comparison as Justin use to rave about the rei flash 55. I bought one based on his recommendation. Interested in the optic or focal for the trampoline suspension. If the rei flash 55 had a suspension back it would be a grand slam pack
wear comfort while hiking is key. always! if there any flaws to the system of a backpack, I'm out. all the features and weight don't matter at all, if your body stress you down to the ground while using the backpack. thx for y video buddy.
thanks for the review - this was a contender, but coming from an Atmos AG - the hip load carrying transfer sounds at best dubious, even though the appearance is very similar! I tried on an Exos in a shop earlier this week with 10kgs inside, and that also felt like it was carrying considerably more of the load on the shoulders than the Atmos does. Seems it's going to be difficult for me to find a suitable lightweight pack!
Back in the day I’d always see Wayne Gregory at Traildays. He’d be set up with his sewing machine fixing whatever piece of gear, made by whatever manufacturer that hikers brought him. Sewing away. Back then Gregory was American made and Osprey was Native American made.
I found the sizing kinda problematic, I’m between a medium and large and found the back panel unconfirmed because of it. The paragon is similar in size and price but is far more adjustable and only slightly more weight.
In the intro, you present it as a revolutionary competitor to the Exos, but the Focal is just a revised Gregory Optic (which I own and love). Just minor tweaks, including removing the straps you mention at 5:02 :( In otherwise it's the same pack, its trampoline back ends at the hip belt, which has its own padding, otherwise everything is identical, including weight and volume.
I had the Optic and they are quite different in design - particularly with the suspension and backpanel and hipbelt integration. The Optic could never handle the loads I have been carrying in the Focal. Several other changes as well, but that is the big one.
Hi bro, 48 or 58 which is better capacity? I aways go to hiking with 2-4days, that means 1-3night is the most frequent scene?Do you have good advise with this?
Hey quick question I'm 6feet 195 I'm on the edge of medium and large The large hipbelt is too big and I'm maxing ou the medium at its tightest. I can't seem to get a.proper weight transfer to my hip and the shoulder strap are really digging into my collar bone Any tips or trick
Great summary, thanks ! What's your take on Optic vs Focal weight to performance ratio ? I am a small guy under 1.7 m / 67 kg with a torso length of 18 inches, what size will fit me ?
The Optic is garbage in my option. I have seen so many have hip belt failures and the one I had had a few other failure points. The Focal is much better.
Would you recommend this as a good beginner pack or would you recommend something a little more weight/comfort features? Thanks for the great content. You are insanely helpful for the gear search.
it's a bag for people who know how to pack their stuff, so it depends to your own gear. beginners use to start with 65L, and come back fast to those bags, or even lighter. Anyway you can start with this bag, that has been created for those who don't want to be "ultra "light,
I'd say this is a solid pack for someone starting out and wants lighter pack. I think the pack has all the features you'd need and then some for a pack. The only drawback would be if you consistently carry over 35lbs in your pack, this pack will struggle.
I actually ordered this pack today for around $160, from a Norwegian company that is having an anniversary sale, to replace my Paragon 58, just to save some weight. Not sure if it's gonna be as comfortable though.
I also have the Paragon 58 and I'm thinking about doing the same. Did you have the change to try the Focal already? If so, how does it compares in terms of comfort?
@@GearPriority I was going to say a lot of what you're showing here can be seen in the infinity more budget friendly Decathlon offerings. I got one at Christmas time and have been happy with it's performance thus far
The backpack I received makes very audible squeaky noises right out of the box - the fabric rubbing against the frame in the top part of the frame is really, really noisy. It disappears when the backpack is loaded (the inner pressure prevents the fabric from moving), but it squeaks even with packing / unpacking things which create small friction with the activity. Is that normal with this backpack, or did I get "faulty" one?
While Gregory is a bit more costly than Osprey ...the reasoning behind that is better materials and craftsmanship....no Vietnam...better factory in the Philippines!
Looks like an Osprey EXO wannabe… have the original EXO 58 and it is still going strong. Not sure why all the backpack companies are using the slidable chest strap. It always moves from where you want it. The original EXO has 3 settings for the chest strap. Once set it stays. Love Gregory but the Focal fails to impress!
In my opinion...Osprey nailed it with the original Exos and has been finding ways to mess it up ever since. (Examples: Pockets taken off and now pockets on but seem to be set further back. Compression straps moved to the outside of side pockets - "I really like that!" said nobody ever. Sternum strap now slides up on some people. Now more adjustable but panel edges are rubbing backs, etc.). Agree with you on the sternum strap. You have to get an Exos Pro to get the 3 settings now. I personally think the Focal (IF one of the 3 sizes fit you cuz there are no adjustments) slightly edges out the new Exos. People are complaining about their backs rubbing up against the panel adjustments on the Exos and that the panel on the Pro is too narrow. I wanted to love the Exos Pro but when I looked at one in REI, the mesh back panel was not nearly taut enough and sagged a lot compared to the Exos. Additionally, on the Pro, the adjustment system is stressed on some very thin webbing with plastic dowels so I am thinking Osprey will be replacing a lot of those in the next few years. What a mess if you are in the middle of an extended trip. Yeah...Gregory has been trying to catch up to the Exos for a while. The Optic was a messy attempt. In fact...it looks like the current Focal is much more a copy of the original Exos (full mesh wrap) than of the current models which might be a good thing...right? If I had the original Exos, I would keep it until it disintegrated. Curious. Why are you not impressed with the Focal?
dilemma Carry weights of 35 pounds or more and the waist belt is very important to me! used to use only Deuter Air Contact 50+10 and his system was perfect for me!! Can this backpack guarantee the same comfort? big question(((
Used this pack over a 1000 miles on the PCT in 2022 and never had a day where I was sore or uncomfortable with the weight I was carrying: some days it carried close to 40 lbs. thanks for the review and keep up the great work!
Comments like this are incredibly valuable. Nothing can replace long-term, real-world use, so it's great when people are able to share their experience with a product. Thanks.
You mentioned using the Focal over a 1,000 miles on the PCT. Since the PCT is over 2,000 miles, I'm curious did you finish the PCT using the focal or switch to something else?
Just got this pack. For me, it’s the most comfortable pack I’ve ever used. It just fits me perfectly (the medium) and I feel essentially no weight sitting on my shoulders. Most of the weight seems to be distributed on my lower/mid back and hips. Love how the pack is held off your back so you don’t get sweaty. Overall, my favorite pack to date, from someone who has tried klymit and osprey packs.
I have the Facet 55. One thing I encountered had to do with sizing. I have an 18" torso length, which is the cut off between a small and a medium for women. I had ordered the medium on Gregory's customer service recommendation, but had to return it and get the small as the frame was just too big. So if anybody else is at the limit between two sizes, I'd say go for the smaller one. No issues for me with the chest strap. It stays in place nicely.
Okay Justin, I’ll take your word and purchase one of these Focal packs. Just wanted you to know that I bought a Mountainsmith Zerk 40 and it didn’t cut it with the load. My shoulders were hurting 2 miles into the trail. Think I need something with hip support.
I still love m rei flah 55. Lotta versatility, comfort ,light weight, durable and rei guarantee 👍oh, and cheaper especially when on sale🤙🤙
Flash 55 is a great pack!
Great Review! You mention the lack of straps between hipbelt and frame as well as the soft shoulder straps as something that affects the carrying capacity. In my use case the maximum would be around the advertised 35lbs, so I'm wondering if the mentioned issues cause comfort problems at that weight. Or do you mean, that fixing those issues would allow for a much higher carrying capacity?
HI!
So? what's the conclusion? Better or not ? ;-)
I think it is.
I’ve got a Zulu 55 small/medium and I love it but having a 30” waist, goddamn I have that hip belt as tight as it gets but it’s a perfect fit regardless
Gregory Focal or Flash 55? Which should I go with? I know you're a fan of both.
Great video as always! Waiting for the comparison video with REI Flash 55
I agree that would be a great comparison as Justin use to rave about the rei flash 55. I bought one based on his recommendation. Interested in the optic or focal for the trampoline suspension. If the rei flash 55 had a suspension back it would be a grand slam pack
So which is better? The Osprey Exos or Gregory Focal?
wear comfort while hiking is key. always! if there any flaws to the system of a backpack, I'm out. all the features and weight don't matter at all, if your body stress you down to the ground while using the backpack. thx for y video buddy.
I was very interested in this pack when it first came out. It seems retailers are letting it run out of stock and not replacing it, which worries me.
REI seems to be getting frequent deliveries, keep an eye out.
Thanks for the interesting and detailed review. this information will be very helpful when choosing a backpack!
thanks for the review - this was a contender, but coming from an Atmos AG - the hip load carrying transfer sounds at best dubious, even though the appearance is very similar! I tried on an Exos in a shop earlier this week with 10kgs inside, and that also felt like it was carrying considerably more of the load on the shoulders than the Atmos does. Seems it's going to be difficult for me to find a suitable lightweight pack!
Back in the day I’d always see Wayne Gregory at Traildays. He’d be set up with his sewing machine fixing whatever piece of gear, made by whatever manufacturer that hikers brought him. Sewing away. Back then Gregory was American made and Osprey was Native American made.
I found the sizing kinda problematic, I’m between a medium and large and found the back panel unconfirmed because of it. The paragon is similar in size and price but is far more adjustable and only slightly more weight.
Hi !
What is your height ?
Seems like a lighter weight version of the osprey atomos pack. Looks like a great pack, great review!
How do you think this compares to the Zulu 40?
In the intro, you present it as a revolutionary competitor to the Exos, but the Focal is just a revised Gregory Optic (which I own and love). Just minor tweaks, including removing the straps you mention at 5:02 :( In otherwise it's the same pack, its trampoline back ends at the hip belt, which has its own padding, otherwise everything is identical, including weight and volume.
I had the Optic and they are quite different in design - particularly with the suspension and backpanel and hipbelt integration. The Optic could never handle the loads I have been carrying in the Focal. Several other changes as well, but that is the big one.
Hi bro, 48 or 58 which is better capacity? I aways go to hiking with 2-4days, that means 1-3night is the most frequent scene?Do you have good advise with this?
Justin has been pumping out the content lately
I noticed too!!
0:38 Had a good laugh at that one
Hey quick question
I'm 6feet 195
I'm on the edge of medium and large
The large hipbelt is too big and I'm maxing ou the medium at its tightest.
I can't seem to get a.proper weight transfer to my hip and the shoulder strap are really digging into my collar bone
Any tips or trick
wish Gregory would start selling in australia
just found this second channel nice dude. i have a gregory 75L version.
Do you prefer this over the REI Flash 55?
Is it true that the Focal can fit a BV 500 bear can ok horizontally?
Great summary, thanks ! What's your take on Optic vs Focal weight to performance ratio ? I am a small guy under 1.7 m / 67 kg with a torso length of 18 inches, what size will fit me ?
The Optic is garbage in my option. I have seen so many have hip belt failures and the one I had had a few other failure points. The Focal is much better.
@@GearPriority Justin,this guy was waiting for your suggestion on sizing !!
Is the netting on the trampoline part stiff for back support?
Would you recommend this as a good beginner pack or would you recommend something a little more weight/comfort features?
Thanks for the great content. You are insanely helpful for the gear search.
it's a bag for people who know how to pack their stuff, so it depends to your own gear. beginners use to start with 65L, and come back fast to those bags, or even lighter.
Anyway you can start with this bag, that has been created for those who don't want to be "ultra "light,
I'd say this is a solid pack for someone starting out and wants lighter pack. I think the pack has all the features you'd need and then some for a pack. The only drawback would be if you consistently carry over 35lbs in your pack, this pack will struggle.
Flash 55 or the Gregory 48 for a beginner?
The New Flash 55! It has an adjustable torso.
I actually ordered this pack today for around $160, from a Norwegian company that is having an anniversary sale, to replace my Paragon 58, just to save some weight. Not sure if it's gonna be as comfortable though.
Wow. Can you send me the link? Thank you!
Yeh, please atleast mention said company 😅🙏
I’m thinking about doing the same thing. If it is as comfortable with the weight reduction it would be worth the investment.
I also have the Paragon 58 and I'm thinking about doing the same. Did you have the change to try the Focal already? If so, how does it compares in terms of comfort?
That's the way my medium size Flash 55 fits on my waste. Almost maxed out.
Hey Justin, you should look at the new Decathlon ul 900 air backpack! similar specs for half the price
I should have one arriving any day now!
I have an older Decathlon backpack that was given to me and it's super comfortable and well made but heavy.
@@GearPriority I was going to say a lot of what you're showing here can be seen in the infinity more budget friendly Decathlon offerings. I got one at Christmas time and have been happy with it's performance thus far
oui mais il est moche le modèle homme. j'hésite
Wow, that is almost identical to my exos 58! That is not a bad thing, it’s a very nice pack to carry.
exos, better known as pocketless pack.
Damn I just purchased the Exos 55 Pro, I might have to go for a refund.
The backpack I received makes very audible squeaky noises right out of the box - the fabric rubbing against the frame in the top part of the frame is really, really noisy.
It disappears when the backpack is loaded (the inner pressure prevents the fabric from moving), but it squeaks even with packing / unpacking things which create small friction with the activity.
Is that normal with this backpack, or did I get "faulty" one?
Is this the 48 or 58?
58
2:41 haha, smooth
オスプレイのエクソスの方が腰が蒸れなくて快適。カラーリングはFOCALの方が好き
Gregory do not sell the small torso outside of America. If your torso is less than 18 inch and you are not in America this pack will not fit you.
While Gregory is a bit more costly than Osprey ...the reasoning behind that is better materials and craftsmanship....no Vietnam...better factory in the Philippines!
For some reason? Its easier to tell the men's and woman's apart with different names.... What am I missing?
You should check out the Sundown by Northern Ultralight, cottage company out of Nelson bc. I love mine!
Looks like an Osprey EXO wannabe… have the original EXO 58 and it is still going strong. Not sure why all the backpack companies are using the slidable chest strap. It always moves from where you want it. The original EXO has 3 settings for the chest strap. Once set it stays. Love Gregory but the Focal fails to impress!
In my opinion...Osprey nailed it with the original Exos and has been finding ways to mess it up ever since. (Examples: Pockets taken off and now pockets on but seem to be set further back. Compression straps moved to the outside of side pockets - "I really like that!" said nobody ever. Sternum strap now slides up on some people. Now more adjustable but panel edges are rubbing backs, etc.). Agree with you on the sternum strap. You have to get an Exos Pro to get the 3 settings now. I personally think the Focal (IF one of the 3 sizes fit you cuz there are no adjustments) slightly edges out the new Exos. People are complaining about their backs rubbing up against the panel adjustments on the Exos and that the panel on the Pro is too narrow. I wanted to love the Exos Pro but when I looked at one in REI, the mesh back panel was not nearly taut enough and sagged a lot compared to the Exos. Additionally, on the Pro, the adjustment system is stressed on some very thin webbing with plastic dowels so I am thinking Osprey will be replacing a lot of those in the next few years. What a mess if you are in the middle of an extended trip. Yeah...Gregory has been trying to catch up to the Exos for a while. The Optic was a messy attempt. In fact...it looks like the current Focal is much more a copy of the original Exos (full mesh wrap) than of the current models which might be a good thing...right? If I had the original Exos, I would keep it until it disintegrated. Curious. Why are you not impressed with the Focal?
Not for "some" reason. They name them differently because women and men are built different.
Sounds like the previous version was better…..
This is the first iteration of the Focal...
@@GearPriority yeah, I was referring to the Optic, which the Focal replaced.
dilemma
Carry weights of 35 pounds or more
and the waist belt is very important to me!
used to use only Deuter Air Contact 50+10
and his system was perfect for me!!
Can this backpack guarantee the same comfort?
big question(((