Great first pack for me - Gregory J53 Pack

I'm brand new at backpacking, so my experienced friend helped me pick it out. I've taken one overnight trip with it and several day hikes. So far, I love it! I went one night solo (although I had my dog with me and I carried some of her things) and I had plenty of room, but not so much that I felt like the bag was too big. I didn't use any compression sacks, so with those there would be even more room.

The pack itself is very comfortable, but I probably got lucky with the fit. Of course I measured my torso, but fit is pretty individual. I love the mesh back-piece so my back never gets too sweaty. The water bottle pockets are decent-sized and the hip pockets fit snacks nicely.

One thing that may be concerning to others buying this pack - I am 5'4" and about 120 lbs and got the XS and it fits nicely, but I am not sure how someone who is smaller than me (and there are plenty of women smaller than me) would be able to use this. It seems like there may not be enough sizing options, but like I said, it didn't end up affecting me.

I am extremely pleased with this bag, although I don't have much to compare it to.

This review was written in the old system and had content requirements that are different than reviews written today.