In the realm of backpacking gear, the Gregory Paragon 60 stands out for its exceptional blend of comfort and functionality. This midweight pack, along with its women’s counterpart, the Maven 58, has earned accolades for being the most impressive choice in its category, ultimately securing the editor’s choice award. "Everything about this pack felt smooth and delightful," remarked the CleverHiker team after rigorous testing, highlighting the performance of its suspension system even with a hefty 30-pound load.
Tested extensively on forested trails in Minnesota's winter months, the Paragon's design was under scrutiny. The reviewers noted that, despite the pack not being the most feature-laden on the market, it skillfully balances essential characteristics with performance. The convenience of side zippers stood out as a significant asset, allowing quick access to essentials without having to unseal the main compartment, while the bottom pocket is particularly favored among users for storing sleeping bags.
"It’s a pack that covers all the bases and feels good while doing so," observed a reviewer, further cementing the Paragon’s reputation for comfort. This backpack provides plenty of compression options and external lashing points, enabling users to maximize their carrying capacity.
Another critical factor in the Paragon’s design is its price point, set at $300, which aligns well with similar products available today. However, it does carry a bit more weight than some competitors, coming in at 3 lb. 8 oz. Though it doesn’t match the heft of load-hauling models like the Baltoro, it sits comfortably between lightweight options and those designed for heavy loads.
With a volume of 60 liters, the Paragon remains one of the top contenders in the hiking community. Its maximum recommended weight capacity is 50 pounds, making it suitable for various backpacking endeavors. Ultimately, its capacity, comfort, and thoughtful design had the CleverHiker team singing its praises.
The comfort aspect, especially, was tested thoroughly. "The combination of the excellent mesh back panel and wonderfully supportive hip belt meant that everything about this pack felt luxurious," stated the review. With an even weight distribution and minimal hotspots during testing, it became evident that the Paragon is designed for user comfort.
It's important to note that comfort can be subjective, and different individuals may experience fit and comfort differently. "What works well for one person won’t necessarily work well for another," a reviewer cautioned, urging potential buyers to try the pack with appropriate weights. Despite this, the design elements incorporated in the Paragon position it favorably for a broad range of users.
Ventilation in the Paragon is another noteworthy feature. While the mesh back panel may not be as suspended as some other packs, it nevertheless provides adequate airflow. This breathable mesh extends to both the shoulder straps and hip belt, creating a comfortable user experience, even on warm hikes.
As the CleverHiker team concluded their testing series, the Gregory Paragon 60 was recognized for transcending expectations within its range. With pros such as side zipper accessibility, a strategically placed water bottle pocket, and the overall comfort it delivers, this backpack positions itself favorably against rivals.
Nevertheless, those considering purchase should keep some potential downsides in mind. Observations included the mesh on the rear pocket lacking durability and that only one of the water bottle pockets has a vertical opening, which could be a drawback for some users.
In a nutshell, the Gregory Paragon 60 Backpack remains an excellent choice for traditional backpacking enthusiasts. By striking an impressive balance between comfort, capacity, and well-thought-out features, it consistently earns its place at the top of the list for the best backpacking packs available.