Nature Calls Backpacking

Gregory Palisade Backpack - A Hauling Machine

I have been trying out packs in the 70 liter plus range looking for a pack that can carry an extra 20 pounds or more of camera gear above and beyond my standard kit.  On a recent outing to Ancient Lakes I loaded this baby up with about 65 lbs of gear.  It is tough and built for the one purpose of carrying a heavy load.  Not full of feature like the Osprey, but the features it did have had merit.  The load distribution is fantastic, and the well cushioned suspension system is comfortable. It's extremely light, and still looks unworn after abuse.

I really like how the separate outside compartment has a zipper that accesses the main compartment. This lets you get to deeply packed items without pulling everything out of the top. You can also open the zipper to create one very large, conjoined compartment if needed. Like all modern packs, it has a compartment and port for your drinking bladder. The top of the pack disconnects to use as a small day pack. Compression straps and lash points are everywhere for storing gear on the outside of the pack.

A perennial favorite, the redesigned Palisade features all-angle access and a pivoting suspension system built for mobility and comfort on week-long trail adventures.

Response Custom Fit Suspension™ system pivots to adjust hipbelt to your hip angle; system also pivots to mirror your body as it moves
Quick-Adjust hipbelt adjusts to five different hipbelt angles with a simple pull of a quick-release tab
HDPE framesheet with twin 7075-T6 aluminum stays and a cross-stay prevents barreling under heavy loads
3-D precurved hipbelt and harness use dual-density foams laminated to the surface fabric, resulting in cushioning without pinching or binding
Ventilated dual-density molded foam back panel moves moisture off the back
Design offers three ways to get at gear in the main compartment with top-loading, front panel and bottom access
Side compression straps secure both large and small loads for optimal stability
Hydration-compatible design features a reservoir sleeve and drink-tube exit port for on-the-go hydration (reservoir sold separately)
Features dual hipbelt pockets, side stretch pocket, hide-away water bottle pocket and stash pocket
Large front zip pocket keeps bulky gear easily accessible
Top lid pocket lets you keep compass, map, small essentials and raingear close at hand; lid pocket is removable and converts to a lumbar pack
Rubberlike thermoplastic elastomer covers the bottom of the pack providing long-lasting wear and waterproof protection from the elements
Made with 210-denier ripstop nylon and nylon twill for strength, durability and lightness

Frame Type Internal Frame
Backpack Style Deluxe backpack
Gear Capacity (L) 77 / 82 / 88 liter
Gear Capacity (cu. in.) 4,699 / 4,973 / 5,370 cubic inches
Weight 5 lbs. 15 oz. / 6 lbs. 3 oz. / 6 lbs. 10 oz.
Weight - Metric 2.7 / 2.9 / 3.0 kilograms
Adjustable Torso Yes
Fits Waist/Hips 22 - 28 inches / 28 - 34 inches / 34 - 40 inches
Number of Stays 2
Pack Access Top/front/bottom
Number of Exterior Pockets 7 + main compartment
Best Use Backpacking
Fits Torso 16 - 18 inches / 18 - 20 inches / 20 - 22 inches
Material(s) Nylon ripstop / nylon twill
Frame Material HDPE/aluminum
Suspended Mesh Back Panel No
Sleeping Bag Compartment Yes