Gregory Focal 58 vs Gregory Amber 68
Quick take: The Gregory Amber 68 costs $10 less; the Gregory Amber 68 carries more (68 vs 58 liters); the Gregory Focal 58 is lighter (2.7 vs 3.6 lbs).
| Spec | Gregory Focal 58 | Gregory Amber 68 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $270 | $260 |
| Rating | 4.5★ (33) | — |
| Type | Ultralight Pack | Traditional Pack |
| Frame Type | Internal Frame | Internal Frame |
| Capacity | 58 L | 68 L |
| Weight | 2.7 lbs | 3.6 lbs |
| Max Load | 35+ lbs | Not specified by Gregory |
| Torso Fit | S 16-18 in, M 18-20 in, L 20-22 in | One size adjustable torso, plus sizes available |
| Material | 100% nylon | Post-consumer recycled nylon |
| Back Panel | FreeFloat suspended mesh | Ventilated panel with adjustable torso |
| Adjustable torso | No | Yes |
| Ventilated back | Yes | Yes |
| Raincover included | No | No |
| Hipbelt pockets | Yes | Yes |
| Removable lid | No | No |
| Hydration sleeve | Yes | Yes |
| Fits BV500 bear can | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | Gregory lifetime warranty | Gregory lifetime warranty |
Pros & cons
Gregory Focal 58
- ✓Beats the Exos at its own game in most head-to-heads: similar weight, real hipbelt pockets, and a pivoting belt the Osprey lacks.
- ✓The FreeFloat suspended mesh breathes as well as anything under 3 lbs.
- ✓The dynamic hipbelt pivots with your stride, which reviewers credit for less hip chafe on long days.
- ✓Dual zippered hipbelt pockets fit large phones — called out approvingly in nearly every review.
- ✓The fixed lid-less design with a big top pocket keeps the silhouette clean without lid flop.
- ✓At 2.57 lbs it undercuts the Exos while including more standard features.
- ✓Gregory's lifetime warranty matches Osprey's on paper.
- ✓The 100D body with 210D reinforcement has held up well in long-term reviews.
- ✗Fixed torso sizes (no adjustability) is the biggest spec gap versus the current Exos.
- ✗The suspended mesh bows into the bag and complicates bear-canister packing, same as every trampoline design.
- ✗Availability is far thinner than Osprey's — few stores stock it to try on.
- ✗The 35 lb rating is optimistic per heavier users; 30 lbs is the practical comfort line.
- ✗The stretch front pocket is smaller than the Exos's and fills fast with wet gear.
- ✗No removable lid means no weight-stripping flexibility.
- ✗Bottle pockets require a shoulder-dislocating reach for some torsos.
- ✗Brand recognition lags in the UL scene, so resale is softer than Osprey or cottage brands.
Gregory Amber 68
- ✓Confirmed to fit a bear canister both vertically and horizontally, which very few packs here state explicitly.
- ✓68 L for $260 is the best capacity-per-dollar of any women's pack in the catalog.
- ✓3.6 lb for 68 L is a 0.85 oz/L ratio, better than the much pricier Deva.
- ✓Four volumes from 34 to 68 L, a deeper ladder than most premium lines offer.
- ✓Plus sizes are offered, which is rare and not just a marketing claim.
- ✓Post-consumer recycled nylon throughout.
- ✓Measured volume came in at 60 L against 68 advertised, a smaller gap than most packs here.
- ✓Gregory's lifetime warranty applies at the budget end too.
- ✗Gregory publishes no maximum load figure for the line.
- ✗No rain cover included.
- ✗The 34, 44 and 54 L sizes have no published prices or weights.
- ✗One-size adjustable construction is less precise than the Deva's three frame sizes.
- ✗Recycled nylon is specified without a denier, so durability is hard to judge.
- ✗The suspension is simpler than the Response A3 used higher in the range.
- ✗Gregory's site blocks automated access, so pricing rests on a single gear-media source.
- ✗68 L is more pack than most trips need, and underfilled large packs carry poorly.