Grassroots Rating: 4 Roots (1 to 5 Roots possible)
Test Date: December 7-9th 2007
Test Location: Great Smoky Mountains National Park- Big Creek/Mt. Cammerer Area.
Approximate Elevation gain- 4000+ Approximate Mileage- 20+
Conditions: Light to heavy rain, moderate early winter temperatures (Low 20 Hi 50)
Pre Trip: In December I was invited out for my first backpacking trip since moving to Asheville. I wanted a larger pack for the three day trip, so I grabbed the Gregory Triconi from the Grassroots Gear Closet. Off the shelf it fit well with no weight, hips were snug, and torso/shoulders had room for adjustments. The pack has three access points to the main cargo areas; Top, Side vertical, and Bottom bag compartment. Additionally, it has one long vertical outside pocket for small items and a Top removable compartment.
When I got the pack home, I spread all of my gear on the floor and stuffed as much into it as possible to see what would fit. My last pack, an EMS Summit Series, was less volume so I carried less and always planned to have gear lashed to the outside. With a larger pack, I wanted to stuff as much into the main compartments as possible to avoid a lot of gear on the outside. After the first packing there was still a lot on the floor, so I checked my gear list again to ensure I had what I needed. It took about three attempts and configurations to get all of the gear inside, but eventually got everything set (see picture below). Surprisingly, the only items on the outside were my tent, coffee mug and sleeping mat.
It was December, so I packed my 0 degree bag, which did not stuff small enough to fit through the bottom access point, so it had to be stuffed in from the top. The side vertical access was a great feature, but I didn’t pack the best to utilize it, so it was primarily a top loading pack for me. I typically like to carry food and stove in small pockets on the outside, but the one outside pocket was a little too small volume wise with the loaded pack. I had all emergency stuff (headlamp, rain coat, food, etc.) in the Top compartment.
Trail Test: When we got to the trailhead and hoisted our packs, it was a little heavier than I would have liked (est. 50 lbs). The first day was moderately flat so I was able to make adjustments and get the balance right. The fit of the pack, though heavy, was very comfortable. There is an air vent running the length of the back allowing some air to come in, and the padding was just right. The very bottom of the lumbar is moderately rubberized so it stays in place on your back. The waist harness features independent motion, so your hips can move normally as you hike and pre-curved shoulders fit me well. At first I was cautious of the thin sternum strap connections; but I thought they worked great. After a couple of miles, I adjusted the shoulder straps and hips but ultimately the fit was good.
I opted not to use a water bladder, though it is hydration compatible. On the trail I had a hard time getting the water bottles back in the holders once I removed them. It was also hard to get anything out of the top compartment without stopping. I brought along Velcro bottle insulators that I used for small item storage, which came in handy for food and camera. It was really wet the whole trip, so I appreciated the Waterproof Tarpaulin bottom as I was putting the pack down in the water/mud. I didn’t use a trash bag or many stuff sacks but had a rain cover over the pack and everything remained dry, even my sleeping bag on the bottom.
Conclusions/Recommendations: Being in the more moderate climate of the Southeast extends my backpacking season significantly. Up north I primarily backpacked only in warmer temperatures with a smaller pack. Over the past years, I have started to carry more gear, and more luxuries (i.e. RidgeRest + ThermaRest and pillow). With these luxuries, comes added weight and bulk, so a move to a new pack with more volume was much needed for me. I think this is a great pack, with good access, but I was missing some simple features that I like on other packs; i.e. daisy chains, more outside pockets. The newer version (Triconi 60) comes with hip pockets which are an added bonus for storing trail food or small items.
Overall, I would recommend the pack to buy and would definitely use it again. To carry all of my personal luxury items; I might upgrade to a larger capacity pack in the future, perhaps the Gregory Palisade.
Gregory Triconi Test Specs:
Weight: Large - 6 lb
Capacity: Large - 4,000 cu in
Fits Torso Length: Large - 20 - 21 1/2 in
Where to Buy: Grassroots Retail Members
Reviewer: Tyler Donaldson
Occupation: Marketing Coordinator, Grassroots Outdoors Alliance
Age: 30 Height: 6’
Similar Products Used: EMS Summit 3000, Marmot Glissade, Jansport D3
Tags: Grassroots Gear Review, Gregory Triconi
