View Full Version : Opinions on the Gregory Deva
hikergirl1120
11-18-2008, 08:42
I was in REI last night checking out packs for my thru hike. I was under the impression that I would need something like a 70 or a 75 but according to the salesperson I spoke with they seem to think I would only need a 60 to 65, which brings me to the Gregory Deva. The salesperson I spoke with is a friend of a friend who is apparenly pretty knowledgable on the subject. Everything he said about the pack seemed awesome, I was sure until I asked the friend who originally recommended the backpack guy. He was shocked at how small the pack was. Has anyone used this pack?
I was just curious if anyone might give some feedback on pack size. I mean should I wait until I have my gear to decide or is it something I should be able to purchase now?? Also he said he though I should only be carrying 20 to 30lbs. I thought it would be more. Maybe I am a crazy. Sounds good to me though when I start thinking about everything I will need to carry (being a solo trip) I think that may be a low estimate.
I don't know so that is why I am asking....hope I don't sound like and idiot :confused:. The responses I get off of this website are awesome!!
General recommendations:
1) Get the rest of your gear first. That will determine how big a pack you need.
2) If you go small/light with the rest of your gear, the Deva will be too big and too heavy.
3) The size and weight of your tent, sleeping bag, and kitchen will be the biggest determining factors in the size of your pack. If you go large and/or heavy with any of those, the Deva will probably be just about right for you.
An example of a lighter system would be:
Western Mountaineering 20 degree down sleeping bag
Henry Shires Tarptent
Caldera Cone alcohol stove
ULA Conduit pack
Almost none of that stuff will be found at REI...
For what it's worth, my girlfriend bought the Gregory Deva and absolutely loves it. She started with the Osprey Atmos 65 and couldn't stand that pack. What she said was that the Gregory had the most comfortable hip belt she has ever put on and she is extremely impressed with how the pack rides. BUT, she isn't using the pack for a thru hike of the AT, only a thru of the LT and other backpacking trips, so like I said, I don't know if the info helps you out or not. By the way, she is about 5'-3" tall, and 117 pounds and carries around 30 pounds most of the time.
hikergirl1120
11-18-2008, 09:37
Well I can comment only on the sleeping bag and stove. I have decided to go with a synthetic rather than down...those tend to be a little heavier and I am being pulled toward a jet boil.
I am not totally concrete on anything yet. I find as soon as I think I am I get really good information to pull me in the opposite direction.
garlic08
11-18-2008, 09:46
In general, stay away from REI as much as possible and follow Marta's advice. Absolutely, get the pack last.
If you have a few dollars (about $120 I think) to spend, try a Campmor 20* down bag. It's a great value for a workable down bag, and if you haven't used down, it will probably convince you.
I like my ULA Catalyst. At one outfitters, I had a sale guy fit me for the Osprey but no matter what he adjusted, it just didn't feel like me. Different outfitters--the ULA was fitted on me, complete with a different sized hip belt and is great--rides perfectly on my shoulders and hips. The only thing that I wish I had thought about was the bag-style construction. I spend too much time digging things in and out of the pack. The Catalyst will serve me well for some time to come, but any further purchases will have to be ultra-light AND have some sort of zipper access to the lower regions of the inner pack.
Frau
hikergirl1120
11-18-2008, 09:56
The only reason that I have been shopping there is because I have a friend who works there so I get 30% off (shhhh that is a secrect lol). Plus I want to try packs on and get it fitted if needed. We have a couple smaller outfitters around that I am going to try and maybe even check out EMS.
My concern with down is in the case that is gets wet, I am in trouble, and knowing my luck....it will happen.
My concern with down is in the case that is gets wet, I am in trouble, and knowing my luck....it will happen.
That is usually cited as the reason to avoid down. FWIW...most AT hikers will be carrying down bags. Somehow we usually survive.;)
atmooney
11-18-2008, 10:05
On anotherthread someone said that "a big pack means good camping and a smaller pack means good hiking". Seems true to me...:)
hikergirl1120
11-18-2008, 10:28
Anyone ever use the Arc Teryx Briza?? Seems heavy but that is another one that I was looking at. Supposedly hard to fit though.
karoberts
11-18-2008, 10:56
Girl, you are going to be much happier on the trail if you start thinking light. Each small decision adds up. Heavier sleeping bag, heavier stove, heavier pack. Each is only a tiny bit heavier than the alternative and suddenly you find yourself carrying 37 lbs.
Mrs Baggins
11-18-2008, 11:07
I bought it and sold it after using it for about 10 days. Just too big and heavy. I'm a small person at under 5' tall and 120 lbs and that pack overwhelmed me. I really disliked the water bottle holsters as well. It was one of those things that seemed perfect in the store, even when loaded with weight, but just didn't work for me on the trail. I sold it to someone taller than me and she loves it. I replaced it with the Gregory Jade in Small - much better for me but still not exactly what I want. I'll just have to keep looking and trying them out.
...Plus I want to try packs on and get it fitted if needed...
Fit is not nearly as critical a problem if the pack is light.
skinewmexico
11-18-2008, 11:25
REI - home of the heavy, and expensive. See the light.
skinewmexico
11-18-2008, 11:31
REI - home of the heavy, and expensive. See the light.
Crap, couldn't edit. Actually, it's not that hard to get out of REI with a pack, sleeping bag and tent under 8-9#.
I completely agree on the LIGHT, hence my getting the Catalyst. Ultralight, excellent fit, reasonably-priced, room for what I carry. Too bad about the zipper, though:rolleyes:.
Frau
I have a Gregory Diva and used it on my thru hike, and loved it. I carried 35 lbs at the most, which includes water and food. I got to the point, too, that I sent my lid home b/c I didn't need the extra room. My gear is middle of the road stuff b/c that's what I can afford, and so it's middle of the road when it comes to weight, too....just to give you an idea.
Also, I had a few things happen with the pack (zippers breaking, etc...--that's after 5 years of backpacking, though), but my point is that Gregory gave me a new pack at Trial Days....they are very helpful to their customers.
The pack itself is a bit heavy, but it really carries well for me. I know that's not the case with everyone, but that is why buying a pack is such a personal purchase. I agree with Marta...I would get most of my gear first.
side note: My hiking partner for the southern half of the trail had the Jade and loved that
I completely agree on the LIGHT, hence my getting the Catalyst. Ultralight, excellent fit, reasonably-priced, room for what I carry. Too bad about the zipper, though:rolleyes:.
Frau
excellent pack, I have the ULA Catalyst. Inside the pack are clips near the bottom of the pack, clip these together and you have a great pack for smaller loads.
Blissful
11-18-2008, 13:09
I use the Gregory Jade - step down from the Deva weight and cc wise. Used it from Harpers Ferry to ME in '07. Definitely need to watch your gear and weight for it, but I had my fall stuff loaded a few weeks back and did fine with it. (Put my tarp tent on the outside at the bottom). And you must have a down bag to carry in it, at least for the first part of the hike. I can get my Marmot pounder plus (which is synthetic) in it fine, but it's not warm enough for a March start.
skinewmexico
11-18-2008, 13:19
On anotherthread someone said that "a big pack means good camping and a smaller pack means good hiking". Seems true to me...:)
That was probably true 20 years ago, but I'd sure argue that now.
Thanks for the tip! I did not know that.
Fr.
I use the deva and love it
I can't afford the lightest of gear, so i decided to spend a little more on my pack and be sure that it would be one that would support my load and not wreck my back, it really does balance well on my back, and thats carrying as much as 42lbs (that was the most ever and it was w/ full wks. of food and a day of water) (and don't worry i'm slowly buying lighter gear, i'm not dumb, just broke; i now average around 35lbs w/ colder weather gear)
in my two long sections i've never had any back trouble (aside from occasionally getting my self in a weird position sleep wise...)
Jim Adams
11-18-2008, 23:45
My 5'5", 124lb. daughter uses a Deva and loves it. She has tried lighter but always goes back to the Deva. Her long distance hiking pack weight with the Deva is 24lbs.
geek
River Runner
11-18-2008, 23:46
I use the deva and love it
I can't afford the lightest of gear, so i decided to spend a little more on my pack and be sure that it would be one that would support my load and not wreck my back
Other than sleeping bags, it isn't always necessary to pay a lot for lighter gear. If you start thinking multi-purpose and especially home-made, you can actually save money by going lighter. Some good instances are the 'grease-pot' instead of heavier cook kits, a pocket rocket or better yet a cat food can alcohol stove instead of a jet-boil, sleeping bag stuff sack with your jacket inside instead of a backpackers pillow, aqua mira instead of a filter, etc.
With sewing skills you can make things like tarps or tarptents lighter and cheaper than a traditional tent, a quilt instead of a sleeping bag, and make your own stuff sacks to name just a few.
I'd recommend browsing the backpackinglight.com website. While some of the folks there are really hardcore super-ultra-lighters and most of us will never go that minimalist, there are a lot of really good ideas on cutting weight that anyone looking to go lighter can learn from.
Also, for those with limited budgets, you can join backpackgeartest.org and become a gear tester. Once the test is complete (generally after 3 review reports), the gear is yours to keep. I'd tested all sorts of really fun gear with them. There is a prerequisite of submitting two owner reviews before being able to apply for test items, but there are mentors and editors to help new testers through the process.
Sleeps_With_Skunks
11-19-2008, 11:55
I have tried several packs. I use the new venturi 40. I field tested it for REI when I worked for them and I fell in love with that pack and got my own the minute it came out on the market.
I have the Gregory Deva 60 and I love it. I used it on a shake down hike for four days and it fit everything I needed. If you need more than 3600 cubic inches you probably will be packing too much. I've had recommendations for 2500 to 4000 for women, a little more for men, but still, you shouldn't need more space than that. I have compression bags for my sleeping bag and clothes, and that saves a lot of space (you can get waterproof ones).
Hope this helps!
Texasgirl
11-20-2008, 00:55
Ah, the Deva is my wish-list pack. I have an REI UL 45 that doesn't fit comfortably with 20 - 25 lbs on me. I have a bomb proof Dana Designs that empty weighs as much as I do, can carry a small foreign car, but rides so sweet on my frame. I tried on the Deva at REI (my personal favorite "window shopping" in person store) and it fit like a glove. I liked all the pockets just where they were. I plan to buy it soon, since all my money went for the Marmot Pinnacle down bag I wanted even more! :)
I have this pack and carried it our our AT section. It is very comfortable but it is also heavy. I am five one, short in the torso, and it is hard for me to find a pack that fits and the Deva does fit me very well. Later last year, I opted to carry a very much lighter exterior frame Kelty in the Grand Canyon and was so glad I did. The Deva is comfy, but I know when I use it again, I am going to have to be so careful about weight. I carried too heavy on the AT section, and just right in the GC. I do think the Deva is a hardy pack though.
Bigglesworth
11-21-2008, 22:31
I was in REI last night checking out packs for my thru hike. I was under the impression that I would need something like a 70 or a 75 but according to the salesperson I spoke with they seem to think I would only need a 60 to 65, which brings me to the Gregory Deva. The salesperson I spoke with is a friend of a friend who is apparenly pretty knowledgable on the subject. Everything he said about the pack seemed awesome, I was sure until I asked the friend who originally recommended the backpack guy. He was shocked at how small the pack was. Has anyone used this pack?
I was just curious if anyone might give some feedback on pack size. I mean should I wait until I have my gear to decide or is it something I should be able to purchase now?? Also he said he though I should only be carrying 20 to 30lbs. I thought it would be more. Maybe I am a crazy. Sounds good to me though when I start thinking about everything I will need to carry (being a solo trip) I think that may be a low estimate.
I don't know so that is why I am asking....hope I don't sound like and idiot :confused:. The responses I get off of this website are awesome!!
Definitely get the rest of your gear first. Keep your pack to about 20% of your body weight, less if you can. My pack on my thru this year ranged from 28 - 35 lbs, with food and water, with about 32 as my sweet spot ( I weigh about 175 when fit).
Not everyone will agree with this, but depending on you size/build, don't be afraid to try on men's packs, too. If you are small, make sure you are aware of how much room you have to tighten your hipbelt if you get really skinny! My shoulders are just too big for any women's packs I've tried on, and I recently went with a 3000 cubic inch (+/-) Osprey men's pack. The straps on the women's half choked me. My point is take your time, shop around, make sure you are getting fitted correctly, and continue to seek advice...and don't fear sounding stupid - we all get advice from one another, all the way to Katahdin!
Bigglesworth
11-21-2008, 22:41
That is usually cited as the reason to avoid down. FWIW...most AT hikers will be carrying down bags. Somehow we usually survive.;)
Cheap old trash compactor bag lining my pack, surrounding my non-waterproof stuff sack, and basic pack raincover on wet days kept my down bag dry the whole trip. Sometimes I had a little condensation in the mornings, but never bad enough to hurt anything. For weight, configuration and warmth reasons I highly recommend down over synthetic. This was the biggest change I made on my thru (started with 20 degree synthetic, bought an expensive 15 degree Montbell - my pocketbook didn't like it, but it was the best gear decision I made on the trail!).
CherrypieScout
11-24-2008, 00:03
I use a Gregory Deva 65 and love it. It is about 5 pounds, but the weight is worth the comfort and practical design of the pack. Lots of places to stash stuff. I usually carry from 30-38 pounds on a 2 week section hike on the AT. I've learned that the larger the pack, the more you want to put in it = more weight
hikergirl1120
11-24-2008, 11:44
Well I went back and tried the Deva again. I had the guy load it up with a bunch of weight and I wore it around the store for a while...not impressed. The lumbar pad was digging into me right off the bat and those super padded straps were making me feel slightly claustrophobic (spelling?). I dont think I wore it for long enough last time.....any who....I then proceeded to try out the Osprey Ariel. LOVED IT!!! It was a lot lighter and fit to my body much better than the Deva.
I am kind of laughing at myself becuase I thought all that padding would be great for me, but it is the exact opposite. I guess I am learning the meaning of the saying "Less is more" well kind of....I know the Ariel is still not super lightweight but it sure is more comfortable and is a step in the right direction weight wise.
skinewmexico
11-24-2008, 12:06
I'd wait a month or two, and try the Osprey Exos 58.
tom_alan
11-25-2008, 23:30
I'd wait a month or two, and try the Osprey Exos 58.
I would agree with sm here.
I have two different backpacks I use depending on the situation. I have a Gregory Palisade and a North Face rope bag. They both have their purpose.
The Gregory has an internal frame and gives support over the long distance hiking. I found that, as you said, “The lumbar pad was digging into me right off the bat.” I did discover that the weight distribution inside the bag made a big difference here as well as proper adjustment of the shoulder straps (http://www.gregorypacks.com/us/index.php/Gregory/Pack-Fit/packfit.html (http://www.gregorypacks.com/us/index.php/Gregory/Pack-Fit/packfit.html)). The one advantage I noticed with the lumbar pad is that it does allows the area where the backpack touches your back to breath better. The Palisade does have a zipper for the lower section that allows quick access to your sleeping bag and the lower part of the main bag and it appears that the Deva does as well. Although a little heavier I prefer to have this pack if I’m going to be out for more than a couple of nights. Keep in mind that the larger the bag = the more you will take. It’s human nature. It’s nice not to have to decide which one to take ~ you just take them both ~ NOT. Only down side that I see is it is a little heavier with the internal frame and some of the other bells and whistles.
The North Face rope bag is my ski pack and my high altitude pack. It lightness (frameless) and size requires me to pick out only the necessities that I will need for a hike. It does fit snug against my back, that I find that great for skiing. Two large down sides to this bag is there is only really one large opening ~ the top of the main bag ~ and it fits snug against my back so on hot days it’s even hotter.
Bottom line ~ just because it doesn’t say it’s a women’s backpack doesn’t mean it’s not right for you. I would wait on the backpack and at the same time; try as many on as you can. I have run across women carrying a Gregory Palisade and they love it. Have the salesperson rearrange / adjust the weight distribution in the main pack. Have them put a sleeping bag in the bottom of the main bag so thee sandbags (what they usually use for weight) don’t sit at the very bottom of the bag.
I had the gregory deva for my first 3 hikes. It is far too heavy. I finally have the granite vapor ki. However, I had to buy it blind. There was no place I could try it, unless perhaps I went into Boston to tent city. I never made it, and bought the vapor ki. It is awesome, however, it took a bit of fiddling about to fill my pack comfortably. Things have to go sideways, and my sleeping bag is outside the pack, double bagged and with the straps for good luck. I had to go as light as I could for comfort and to take the weight off my knees.