Gregory Mountain Products Men's Optic 55 Ultralight Backpack - Lightweight Hiking Pack for Camping, Backpacking & Outdoor Adventures

I just took this brand new pack on its first hike up Mt. Waterman in the Angeles National Forest. The pack had never seen light before and I was excited to try it out. The hike was a relatively easy one, though we had some steep inclines to trudge up, there was no bushwhacking and the trip to camp was only 1 mile. The pack was filled to its weight limit and rode like a dream. I was loving it the whole hike up. When we finally reached camp, I lightly brushed up against a rock while taking off the pack. This was not a hard impact mind you, just a light brushing where the pack came in contact with about an inch of rock. A hole was ripped on the mesh pocket holding my Nalgene bottle. I couldn't believe it. I had owned the pack for about 6 hours and it had only traveled a mile. It was already messed up. Hmmmm....Truthfully, I really want to love this pack. It's a fantastic design (though it looks oddly identical to last year's Exos). I think Gregory has a much better suspension system than Osprey. With the Optic they found that perfect balance between having the pack close to your back for balance, but far enough away for air flow. I find that the Osprey packs always feel a little too far from your back which throws off your center of gravity. I also feel like the Gregory suspension system transfers the weight to your hips a little better than the Osprey's.The Optic is very lightweight. Obviously the Exos was selling so well that Gregory had to step in. They're a little late to the game, but a welcome player. However, this is their first version of this pack, and in the pursuit of shaving off ounces, they went a little too far with the mesh material in my opinion. The whole pack is surrounded by this weak mesh, which means you will need to treat it like a baby (and keep it away from them for that matter, babies ruin EVERYTHING). Make sure you don't bump anything while walking outdoors with this pack on and be careful setting it down! Act like you're hauling 58 liters of porcelain and faberge eggs!Really though... who wants to baby their backpack? Second only to your boots, this piece of equipment should be able to handle abuse above all your other gear!!I think for version 2, Gregory really needs to beef up the durability of the outer stretch mesh, even if it means gaining a few ounces on the pack. Since this weak mesh surrounds the outside of the pack, I can't imagine it not being damaged if you use this pack regularly in the wilderness. Other than the mesh, the pack is stellar. I do think it is better than the Exos just because it rides a little better on my body and transfers the weight more efficiently. It was so close to being a home run for Gregory. Unfortunately, the mesh is a big enough issue to make me return it. It failed on a very easy hike. How is it going to survive when I actually venture off into the woods? And what will it look like a year from now? For now, I will wait for the second revision of the Optic. I think if they can beef up the outer mesh, they'll have a real winner on their hands.I have 2 Gregory's & love their packs. My Son wanted a new pack & wanted to give it a try.After packing 25 lbs in it, He tells me it's very light & comfortable. He can't wait to go on a backpacking trip.As for durability, We would have to see how it holds up on several trips.There are so many great things about the design of this pack. It seemed like the perfect pack in every way... until I put it on. Even loaded with less than the recommended max weight, I could not get it to ride comfortably on me. Contrast that with the Osprey Exos 58, which is comfortable even carrying over the recommended weight - even with its less impressive waist belt.Maybe just a fit issue and others will love it. It is not the pack for me, in spite of the great design. Make sure to get free returns and carry it around with some weight in it before you take off the tags!Comfortable pack and 2 lbs. lighter than my old Osprey. Will still use the Osprey for heavier loads, but if you get your gear dialed in to where you are not carrying extra gear, this pack is incredibly comfortable. Have only done a few trips so far, but have had no durability issues. I carry a few Sea to Summit replacement buckles based on some other reviews, but have not needed them yet. Ventilated back panel is awesome.I really love everything about this pack – it’s adjustable, lightweight and hugs your hips – except the durability of the plastic hardware is questionable. On the second day of backpacking (with only 28lb total pack weight), the plastic on the synch strap that goes over the top opening of the pack broke while synching it down. I called Gregory and they said to send it back to the retailer which I did and ended up buying another one. I think Gregory went too far in trying to get this pack (size large) down to 2.52 lbs. I would give this pack 5 stars if the hardware was more durable – everything about it is wonderful except for the cheap plastic.This is for the Optic 58:The lumbar pad has a seam running along the bottom where a piece of heavy duty nylon is sewn. I could not feel the seam while wearing the pack with just a sleeping bag inside for filler, but when I put 15 lbs of gear inside (pack is rated for 35 lbs), I could feel it rubbing against the small of my back. It was irritating enough that I felt chafing would develop with continued use. I returned the pack, which is a shame because I really liked the rest of it. If the lumbar pad gets redesigned and that seam removed, I would definitely revisit purchasing.EDIT: I just wanted to also mention that the bottom of the frame is actually below the lumbar pad. This focuses all the weight right on that seam and not the lumbar pad. You can see what I'm talking about in the photo.Just looking at it I thought it would shred to pieces as I loaded it. Held up well, I had about 20 lbs of gear, tent, sleeping bag, food, water all inside the main compartment. Went on a 18 mile hike through woods and by rock bluffs, scraped it a few times on stuff and no problems or rips. Love the pockets on the hip belt for little stuff.I like this backpack. Yes, the mesh (and side pockets) can be not super-durable since the tissue is thin, but I always use the rain cover even in the absence of the rain to protect the backpack from dust and scratches. I believe, 10-12 kg is the "comfortable" weight, but it manages to be operational even at higher loads, but I would not recommend.