Why we stock Gregory at Crib Goch Outdoor
The rucksack is the piece of kit most walkers and hikers spend the most time wearing and the least time thinking carefully about before buying. Gregory inverts that. The brand has spent nearly five decades refining how a pack transfers load from the contents to the hips and away from the shoulders, developing customised chassis systems and suspension geometry that make a 65-litre pack on a long mountain day feel meaningfully different to carrying the same weight in a less considered design. For customers planning multi-day routes in Eryri, the Carneddau, or further afield in Scotland or the Alps, that difference in carrying comfort over a week becomes significant.
Gregory's sustainability credentials are also worth noting. The brand operates a DIY Repair Parts programme allowing customers to access field-serviceable components rather than replacing a pack when a strap or buckle fails, and partners with the Conservation Alliance, donating annually to trail conservation and the protection of wild places. Gregory is also working toward reducing virgin nylon in main pack materials by 70% by 2030, replacing it with recycled and bio-based alternatives.
What we stock and why we chose it
The Baltoro 65 and 75 RC are Gregory's most established expedition packs and among the most respected large-capacity rucksacks available. The Response Carry suspension system uses a pivoting framesheet that moves with the hips rather than locking the pack rigid against the back, which significantly reduces fatigue on long ascents and makes a loaded 65-litre pack noticeably more comfortable than fixed-frame alternatives at the same capacity. The right choice for multi-day mountain routes, Snowdonia four-thousander days with a full camp kit, or any trip where you are carrying enough weight that how the pack moves matters. The Stout range covers 35, 45, 55, and 70 litres, providing a step down from the Baltoro for hikers who want Gregory's fit and suspension in a simpler, more accessible construction. The Focal 38 and 48 are the technical day and weekend hiking packs, with an adjustable torso suspension and a design that suits a wide range of body shapes. The Arrio 30 is the everyday hiking day pack. The Nano 18 and 20 are lightweight, minimal packs for fast days out, trail running support, or travel. The Amber 34 and 54 and Jade 20, 25, and 28 LT RC are built specifically around women's torso lengths and hip geometry rather than being adjusted from men's patterns. For travel, the Border 30, Border 50+15, and Border Carry-On 40 bring Gregory's construction quality to a travel bag designed to handle both outdoor and airport use. The 3D Hydro Reservoirs in 2L and 3L are compatible with most Gregory packs and hydration-ready packs from other brands.
Not sure which Gregory pack suits your planned use and load? Read our guide to How to Fit a Hiking Rucksackor come in to our stores and we will help you fit one properly.
Gregory Rucksack FAQs
Is Gregory owned by Samsonite? +
Yes. Samsonite acquired Gregory from Black Diamond in 2014 for $85 million. Gregory remains its own brand with its own design and development team, and the acquisition has been broadly positive for the brand's growth and distribution. Samsonite itself was renamed Samsonite Group S.A. in January 2025 and is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Gregory's product identity, technical focus, and California-rooted heritage are unchanged under Samsonite ownership. The Baltoro, the Stout, and the suspension technology that define the brand are all developed by Gregory's own design team.
Is Gregory a Japanese brand? +
No. Gregory was founded in San Diego, California in 1977 by Wayne Gregory, who began making backpacks as a teenager and built the brand around ergonomic suspension systems designed around the human body. The Japanese connection comes from the brand's lifestyle backpack range having developed a particularly strong following in Japan over the years, but Gregory is an American brand with California roots. It is now owned by Samsonite Group S.A. and continues to design and develop its products as an independent brand within that corporate structure.
How long do Gregory backpacks last? +
Gregory packs are built for long-term use rather than regular replacement. The fabrics, zips, and hardware are all specified for sustained outdoor use rather than weekend-only performance. Gregory also operates a DIY Repair Parts programme launched in 2022 which provides access to field-serviceable components: replacement buckles, hipbelt padding, straps, and other wear items that allow you to maintain and extend the life of the pack rather than replacing it when a component fails. With proper care and maintenance a Gregory pack should last many years of regular use. We would always recommend cleaning, drying, and storing a pack properly after use to maintain the fabric and waterproofing.
Can I put a Gregory backpack in the washing machine? +
Gregory recommends hand washing rather than machine washing. Remove the frame and any detachable components first, then hand wash with mild soap and warm water, rinse thoroughly, and air dry away from direct sunlight and heat. Machine washing risks damaging the framesheet, suspension system, buckles, and any waterproof coating or DWR treatment on the fabric. For trail dirt and general use cleaning, a soft brush and warm water is usually sufficient without a full wash. If the pack smells after sustained use, airing it thoroughly and spot cleaning problem areas is more effective than a full machine wash.
Which Gregory rucksack is best for hiking in Wales? +
It depends on the length and nature of your planned walking. For day hiking and shorter outings in Eryri the Nano 18 or 20 suits light loads, and the Arrio 30 suits longer days with more kit. For multi-day backpacking and wild camping the Stout 35 or 45 covers most overnight and two to three night trips with a full camp kit. For longer expeditions and routes where you are carrying more than five days of food and gear the Baltoro 65 or 75 provides the suspension and load management that makes a difference over sustained daily mileage. Come in to our stores in Llanberis or Beddgelert and we will help you fit a pack properly to your torso length and hip size before you buy.
Can I try Gregory rucksacks in store in North Wales? +
Yes, and for a rucksack we strongly recommend it. Fit is the most important factor in pack comfort and it cannot be assessed from a size guide alone. Torso length, hip width, and shoulder width all affect how a pack sits and how load is transferred, and these vary significantly between people of the same overall height. We stock Gregory across our stores in Llanberis and Beddgelert. Come in and we will measure your torso, load the pack, and help you find the right fit before you buy.