Gregory Optic & Octal Backpacks Discussions | Drop

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Jun 22, 2018

I'd like to add my $0.02 on this pack (58L [M] Lava Grey) as I purchased it from Moosejaw a couple months back and just returned from a 5 Day trip in the Sierras (Rae Lakes). I'm 5'11" and 160lb (19" back length) and the fit is solid for me despite the pack's inability to adjust shoulder straps/hip-belt length. I loaded this thing to the hilt w/32lbs of gear and had no issue with how it carried/distributed the weight over the course of the loop. The compression system is efficient and kept everything as loaded (including bear can [Garcia backpacker's cache]). I kept my 1L Smart Water bottle in a side pocket and felt that with that much gear, getting it in and out was kind of a pain - a bladder or shoulder strap pocket would be a better option if you're planning on stuffing this pack full, IMO. The sunglasses loop is unnecessary as are the hip-belt pockets; the latter simply aren't big enough to hold much when carrying at capacity (for reference I have an iPhone 6S Plus and it did NOT fit when worn and cinched tight at the waist). I too was considering the Arc Haul but the price point of this pack (with rewards bucks and a 20% off Coupon) was too good to pass up. I think most section-hikers and weekenders looking to go lightweight will be pretty satisfied - especially at the Massdrop price (which is less than what I got it for *sadface*). Now for the "bad." The female end of the vertical "compression" strap that spans the cinch opening (underneath the brain/top-lid) broke even before I left (see image). I bear some responsibility for this as I was using it to wrench my bear can into place during a test loadout and the plastic it's made of simply couldn't handle the pressure. For my trip I rigged it with some paracord and upon returning contacted Gregory for a repair which they had no issue with as it's under warranty. Currently the pack is en route to the nearest repair facility in South Carolina at a cost of $30 to me which kinda sucks but not every retailer is Amazon and, as a small business owner myself, I understand. I'm hoping they repair the clip with the solid grey clips used on the rest of the pack (the one that broke is clear) and I'll do my best to follow up with you all once it's been returned.
tl;dr - great pack, great price. maybe not suited for thru hikers due to weight. small issue with a clip breaking but has been sent off for repair under warranty (shipping at my expense). small hip-belt pockets could have been scrapped (along with sunglasses clip) to further weight savings IMO.

Jun 22, 2018

modonnell

Jun 26, 2018

michaelxmaeDid you ever get your pack back repaired? I ordered my pack through this drop and the same clip broke for me after my first week using it.

Jun 26, 2018

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michaelxmae

Jun 26, 2018

modonnellThe repair facility received, repaired and shipped my pack today so I should have it back sometime next week. I'll reply to this thread when it comes back in; I'm really hoping they didn't just put the same clip on with the "repair."

Jun 26, 2018

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michaelxmae

Jul 3, 2018

michaelxmae @modonnell i got the pack back and they added a beefier strap and connector; this one will definitely do the job. stoked.

Jul 3, 2018

Mdc1980

Jan 29, 2019

michaelxmaeI had the same break. I love the pack too, but this is definitely its weak point. They sent me a buckle just like yours; my wife can fix it. Maybe I should just send it in. Definitely looks more robust now.

Jan 29, 2019

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