Wanted:info on Gregory Advent Pro...

[V8]

images/smilies/think.gif Looking to hear from owners/users of this pack- what you like or don't like about it.
(tried this question in Ultralight forum - think it was the wrong venue...)

[Two Speed]

Ask me in about a week. Was looking for a 2,500 to 3,000 CI pack, thought the Gregory G pack was a little large, ordered an Advent Pro from REI; supposed to arrive middle of next week. My plan is if the Advent is too small I can return it and get a G pack. Haven't found many comments/reviews on the Advent on the web, though.

[Two Speed]

Received the pack. First impression is a decent, moderately sized pack that has had far too many bells and whistles added. I stripped 2, maybe 3 oz of extraneous straps, bungee cords and cord locks, and this thing still looks too complicated.

I'm supposed to get out on the trail in the next week or so and I'll give it a road test, but I'm leaning towards returning it.

[MedicineMan]

i gave an Advent Pro away as a gift to Diesel, she thought it looked stylish and cool....i just added a 6moon essence to the pile and chose it because of the lack of bells and whistles that Two Speed pointed out..its worth a look especially if your base is less than 10 pounds.

[Just a Hiker]

I don't own the Advent-Pro, but my good hiking friend does. The outside of the pack is a little "busy", but I am always amazed at what he crams in that thing. I know he likes it alot.

[Two Speed]

Yeah, the SMD Essence is definitely a contender in the 2,500 - 3,000 CI range. The ULA Conduit is another possibility I haven't ruled out yet. My problem is my base weight is still a little high for a pack w/o some kind of frame sheet. Probably just need to get my act together, make the adjustments and go with the ULA or SMD, but I'm going to check out the Advent before making any drastic decisions.

Heck, I haven't given up on my Kelty Whitney Classic yet, either. Only 2,000 CI, but if I can figure out how to accomodate a 5 day winter load in the Kelty . . . Gotten a 3 day trip out of it in mild weather, but the pack was more than a little tight.

[JJB]

I would take a look at the Osprey Atmos 50. It might be a wee bit "busy", it is not as stripped down as a GG Vapor Trail, but it seems to have a true use for the business that is on it. I just got mine last month and have two trips on it and am still very happy that I bought it. Fits like no other and I must admit to liking the "techy" thing about the pack. Peace J.J.B.

[sierraDoug]

I would take a look at the Osprey Atmos 50. It might be a wee bit "busy", it is not as stripped down as a GG Vapor Trail...
I was intrigued by this hybrid internal/external frame design for it's ability to keep your back cool. But it won't hold a Garcia bear can (I hike in the Sierras) and the frame makes it hard to cram stuff into it. Looks fussy to load.

[Two Speed]

OK, tried the Advent Pro out for a 4 day trip. Short version: this pack's going back to REI.

This isn't a wholesale condemnation of the Advent Pro. It has some GREAT features, but has a few show stoppers IMHO.

Pros
1) The large mesh pocket on this thing is great for raingear or stuff you want readily accessible.
2) Fairly light pack. Stripped it should come in right at 2 lbs.
3) Rides better than I thought it would at first. My first impression was that is would ride like a sack or potatoes. With a little tweaking it rode pretty darn well.
4) About the volume I'm looking for; 2,500 to 3,000 cc
5) Well made out of decent materials.

Cons:
1) The mesh pockets on the belt are just a tad small. Not completely undersized, just small enough that getting my Olympus digital in and out was a PITA. Enough room for a snack or two, but a little on the small side.
2) Due to the zipper configuration of the sleeping bag compartment the side mesh pockets are high on the pack. This makes it impossible to get a water bottle out of the side pockets w/o removing the pack.
3) The side mesh pockets are too small for my taste. Tough getting a 1 litre water bottle in and out of them, even with the pack off.
4) Too complicated. Doesn't look it on the web sites, but this thing is covered in zippers, drawstrings, buckles and doo-dads. I honestly believe Gregory could get this pack in the 1.5 lb range if they worked on it a little.
5) Despite being over 2 lbs using your sleeping pad as reinforcement for the frame sheet is required; there is a pocket formed by the hydration sleeve that the pad can slip into, and this is required IMHO. I don't mind using my sleeping pad as part of the frame, I just object to having to do that for a 2+ lb pack.
6) Too expensive. Of course that could be a side effect of buying it at REI.

As I said, not a wholesale condemnation. For someone who uses a hydration bladder and doesn't mind a 2+ lb pack it could be a great option.

[V8]

:-? Well, I did pick up this pack a month or so ago, and it is amply built for the 20-25 LBs or so I carry. It fits great, and I didn't think it needed extra padding at all.

I generally like bungees and pockets, but I would lose one of the side bungees. It's true that the side pockets are a tad tight - and this makes the G pack look more appealing. I would like to see a tidy, square, bellowed hip belt pocket like the ULA's, so you can get the digital camera in there. At first I was impressed that the hipbelt pockets were so generous (compared to GoLite's, for example), but they turn out to be smaller than they look.

The top lid is handy, and removable if you're in an ultralight mood.

Thanks for the responses -