Z-55
[Date]: Repost
[Product Title]: Z-55 (Men’s)
[Manufacturer]: Gregory Packs
[Purchase Point]: REI
[MSRP]: 189 USD
[Actual Cost]: 189 USD
[General Product Description]
[Weight Claimed]: 3 lbs 8 oz (size large)
[Weight Actual]: 3 lbs 11 oz
A standard internal frame pack design, the Z-55’s main support comes from a single, shaped, aluminum stay centered in a sleeve. The strength of this stay is spread to the entire pack using a plastic frame sheet.
The pack bag itself is typical. From the top down you find a brain/lid with a key clip inside. The main bag is sealed with one draw cord and an outer draw cord for compression. Compression is suplemented with a snap buckle on a long strap.
On the left side of the bag (only). They have a crescent shaped zipper that allows direct access to the middle of a full packed bag. It has a hydration pocket and two exit ports, one on either side of the main bag.
On the outside of the main bag is a dump pocket. This wraps around the majority of the front of the bag. The opening is kept close to the bag via an adjustable snap buckle and small strap. This pocket also has a smaller pocket in the outer most section that is sealed with a water resistant zipper.
The shoulder straps and sternum strap are standard for the industry. They are on the slim side, both in width and padding. The hipbelt has a small mesh pocket with a zipper on each hip wing. The belt is attached with a snap buckle and the adjusting straps pull forward rather than the usual way. Away from the buckle.
[Initial Thoughts]
For an internal framed pack. This is a great deal for someone who needs ‘amenities’. This pack does a great job of spliting the weight 30/70 with minimal fuss. It fits well for my large frame and seems to be easy to organize thanks to all the pockets, zippers, and pouches. It is heavy if you are into counting grams or ounces. But it is well constructed and seems very sturdy.
On the down side, there are straps flowing from everywhere. It looks like an attacking octopus. Oh, and unlike the Jade (our female counterparts counterpart). It has no water bottle pockets of any kind!
[General Use]
I use the bag in any weather that Georgia throws at me. Including heavy rains, sweltering heat, high winds, and intense fog. The pack is limited to around 35 lbs of gear, food, and water. I keep my load down near the 30 lbs range. But I might have gone over a time or two.
[Major Events]
I used the bag to carry near 70 lbs. My mother had a diabetic episode on trail and was unable to carry her 50 lbs pack. So it was lifted on top of mine and off we went. We hiked a little over 4 miles before a slip on my part put me and both packs in the dirt. When I righted my self I had a blow leftside should strap. Impressive. But don’t tell Gregory or REI!!! Both were great about it though, full replacement.
[Long Term Thoughts]
For nearly five months this was my “go to” backpack. If you had asked me, I would have bet that the Z-55 was the pack for my up coming thru-hike. I would suggest that anyone who has some experience in backpacking and wants to lighten their load without ditching comfort buy this pack! If it were not for my evolution to an ultralight hiker I would still have this pack!
