Gregory Baltoro 65 vs 75?

[Pockets_15]

Over the past few weeks, I've narrowed by decision to the Baltoro 65. Today I found a 75 for $100 cheaper..

I plan on starting the AT in GA mid March so I'll be carrying sufficient winter gear for the 1st couple of months (hopefully around or under 40lbs total). At 6'1'' I weigh 175 lbs, hoping for 185 in the spring..Is the 75 too big or should I eat the $100 and stick with the 65?

[Sarcasm the elf]

Buy the 75, then put the $100 aside for when it warms up and you decide to buy a lighter pack.

I have the slightly older Baltoro 70 it's a solid pack and I still use for winter trips, but after a while it became ridiculous (to me) to carry such a heavy pack on longer trips in mild weather. I ended up buying a ULA Circuit which is about 4 lbs lighter than my baltoro and I use that for 3 season hiking.

[tarditi]

I have the 65 and never filled it up, really - granted, my hikes are of the section variety, and not intended as thru attempts, but they can hold considerably less quite well with lots of cinch adjustments.

[TNhiker]

go with what sarcasm the elf is saying.....

i also have the 70-----use it for mainly winter trips and switch to the somewhat lighter Z65 for summer......

like the elf says----the 70 is heavy........

and like the elf says-----i plan to stop using the 70 and get something lighter, hopefully next year...

i do find the 70 to be a workhorse.....i dont necessarily pack light and it can hold a bunch...

mine has the usual wear and tear after using it for maybe 4 years or so.........

i did have the metal spine come outta the bottom little pocket and sent it to gregory and they fixed it for me......

[chiefduffy]

I got a deal on a 75, took off the lid and pitched it. I carry gear for me and wife...this pack is a workhorse. I find I even like it when I hike alone. Very comfortable regardless of how much weight you carry. Hate the "reachable" water bottle pocket though (bottle falls out).

[Pockets_15]

Thanks everyone! 75 it is.