The Gregory Baltoro 70 backpack was a proven winner having received the Editor’s Choice award from Backpacker magazine in 2008. The vast majority of user reviews gave the pack a high rating primarily for its comfort, even under heavy loads. Gregory had introduced a new suspension system with this 70-liter model around 2006.
The winning ingredients
The Custom Fit Suspension (CFS) and Auto Fit Suspension (AFS) systems are unique to Gregory backpacks and are used on their higher capacity models. Working together, these specially engineered systems made the Baltoro 70’s fit and comfort the highlight of the package for users. To describe it in a simplified way, the CFS keeps the backpack stable under heavy loads (avoids sweep) and also allows some flexibility to the hipbelt. AFS technology allows the shoulder straps and hip belt to be attached to the back plate in such a way that they have enough articulation to provide an individualized fit to each person’s shoulder contours and hip angle. Together they keep the weight of the backpack centered on the hips and the stress off the shoulders. Along with other technical improvements, this was a real win for the backpacker and for Gregory.
According to the first reviews, some of the first models of the Baltoro 70 had quality problems. The buckles broke; The shoulder straps and hip belts were detached from the back plate and the weight of the backpack alone was heavy. However, these complaints were not numerous and the package underwent some updates. The internal frame was changed to a lighter material and reduced the overall weight of the backpack. And in 2008, durability was one of the features most liked by users of the package.
Improving the winner
But Gregory has not rested on his laurels. Last year, 2011, the very popular Baltoro 70 was replaced by the Baltoro 75. A risky proposition when you have a proven winner on your hands. The 70 is not even listed on Amazon anymore and if you went to Gregory’s website you would see that it is not part of their product list. A specific search of the site for the 70s will catch it, but the title now includes the qualifying descriptor “old” (Baltoro 70 – old). You can certainly find it at some of the outlets that sell Gregory’s products, but a quick search online for outlets shows that the 70’s are either closed or out of stock.
For) Detachable belt bag
The new Baltoro 75 is now the heir to the well-deserved reputation of its predecessor. How can the Baltoro 75 improve on the already popular 70? Well, one of the obvious ways Gregory has tried to improve the Baltoro is with the addition of a removable fanny pack.
One of the biggest complaints from users of the Baltoro 70 was that it did not have a removable fanny pack that could be used on short excursions from base camp once their destination was reached. The new Baltoro 75 has a top sleeve that can be reconfigured and used as a standalone fanny pack.
B) Additional capacity
Of course, the additional capacity extends the lifespan of the Baltoro. Since the Baltoro comes in small, medium and large sizes, the addition of 5 liters means that the Baltoro line will cover almost the entire 70 liter range. The little one is somewhere in the 73L range and the big one goes down to about the 78L range.
vs) Updated suspension
According to Gregory, the suspension system has been updated to offer even more comfort. Although no specific details are given.
Yet to be seen
The other constant complaint about the Baltoro 70 was noise. It had a tendency to squeak when walking. In some cases, the screeching was intermittent, but in others it didn’t stop. Some users found it extremely stressful for themselves or their fellow trekkers. The jury is still out on whether this annoyance has been remedied.
So, apparently, Gregory has determined that you can improve to a winner. It does this by leveraging its strengths and enhancing its weaknesses. That’s what they’ve done with the Gregory Baltoro 75 backpack. Pretty solid logic. But in the end, the user will be the deciding factor as to whether it succeeds.
