Thanks for the question! The fit might be very tight depending on the amount in the main compartment, we've seen users 'comments before that the lid straps while offering adjustability don't offer as much float on the frame side as on the face side. This could lead to a disproportionate amount of length needed to keep the bear vault secure.
I have the Zulu 65 and the Optic 58, which is the predecessor of the Focal. Aside from the weight difference, the Zulu has a big inverted U zipper on the front of the pack that gives you access to the mid section of the main compartment. It also has a sleeping bag zipper at the bottom, which I use a lot for storing my sandals. Because I work a lot in wet environments my footwear is the last thing I change every morning when I'm already packed up before leaving camp, so it's nice to have a place in the pack that I can access quickly but which is otherwise out of the way for the rest of the day. The Focal, much like ultralight packs, in order to save weight doesn't have these other access points, it's just a big top-loading sack, so you have to be very organized to place things in a specific order because you don't want to be half way through the hike reaching for things that are way at the bottom. One feature that all these Gregory packs now have, and which I haven't seen in any ultralight backpacks out there yet, is the side pockets which allow you to reach and grab a water bottle and put it back in it's place without having to contort so much, or take your pack off just to have a sip water. This is a game changer for me. I went from a Camelbak bladder to bottles just because of this feature, and I quite enjoy it.
I love this bag, especially for big bottle holders. I use 1.5L bottle each side, and it s so easy to use.
I picked up the 48L in the summer and man this thing is incredible. Easily my go to pack for multi day trips now.
Nice review! could I ask how tall are you and what size is the backpack please?
Thanks
You're welcome!
Does it come with a raincover? and is the removable top access pack convertible to a daypack?
It does not come with a raincover, and the top lid is removable however it does not convert into any additional packs.
@@Enwild I had rain cover with a backpack. It's also written on the official website. Maybe something has changed over time
Need help! I love my Baltoro 65 but want a lighter pack for certain trips. Can the 48l pack comfortably hold a BV450 can?
Thanks for the question! The fit might be very tight depending on the amount in the main compartment, we've seen users 'comments before that the lid straps while offering adjustability don't offer as much float on the frame side as on the face side. This could lead to a disproportionate amount of length needed to keep the bear vault secure.
What's the difference between Focal and Paragon series? Maybe Zulu series can also be included.
I have the Zulu 65 and the Optic 58, which is the predecessor of the Focal. Aside from the weight difference, the Zulu has a big inverted U zipper on the front of the pack that gives you access to the mid section of the main compartment. It also has a sleeping bag zipper at the bottom, which I use a lot for storing my sandals. Because I work a lot in wet environments my footwear is the last thing I change every morning when I'm already packed up before leaving camp, so it's nice to have a place in the pack that I can access quickly but which is otherwise out of the way for the rest of the day. The Focal, much like ultralight packs, in order to save weight doesn't have these other access points, it's just a big top-loading sack, so you have to be very organized to place things in a specific order because you don't want to be half way through the hike reaching for things that are way at the bottom. One feature that all these Gregory packs now have, and which I haven't seen in any ultralight backpacks out there yet, is the side pockets which allow you to reach and grab a water bottle and put it back in it's place without having to contort so much, or take your pack off just to have a sip water. This is a game changer for me. I went from a Camelbak bladder to bottles just because of this feature, and I quite enjoy it.