Gregory Optic 58

One tester relied on the lightweight and simple Optic 58 on winter hut trips in the Colorado backcountry before shipping it out to another tester in Utah for spring missions in the Wasatch. Not only did they both deem the Gregory pack durable, weatherproof, and comfortable,  but they also agreed that the pack’s carrying capacity met their needs in both climates and locales. The Optic 58 was the lightest multi-day pack tested, making it an attractive option for gram-counters and thru-hikers.

Pros:

The Optic seems to swing beyond its 58-liter sizing: on a winter hut trip, we were able to fit all of the necessary splitboarding gear, several days worth of food, a sleeping bag, and ample cold weather apparel. The brain is removable (in case you are literally using an abacus to tally grams), and there’s a flap to protect the main compartment from moisture in its stead. The mesh pocket increases carrying capacity, and was a favorite feature of a tester who works as an international travel guide, as he never knows exactly what gear to pack before taking off on a trip.

As mentioned earlier, the Optic 58 is among the lightest backpacks we tested in this size (only 2.5 lbs for a medium). To shave that weight, Gregory used a thin back panel and a lightweight 7001 aluminum frame. Discomfort is often the consequence of thinner padding and lighter materials, but testers noted that except when fully loaded, the pack was comfortable for miles on end.

Cons:

The hip belt pocket on the front strap is on the small size—one tester noted, “I found myself wanting to be able to hold a few more essentials right at my fingertips while traveling (passport, important documents for the day, some snacks, etc).” And while testers gave the Optic top marks for weight, they were also concerned about durability of the thin, minimalist tension buckles.

Tester Comments:

“This bag would be amazing for a serious backpacking trip in almost any country, especially if you are going through different climates. It’s large enough to hold cold weather gear, but it can also pack down and be light and versatile.”

“The mesh outside is a huge plus because even once the inside of the bag is completely full, you are still able to fit additional clothes/shoes in the outside.”