Why We Like The Focal 48L Backpack
Details
- Backpack designed to carry you onward through your journey
- 2 giant stash side pockets let you easily access gear
- Padded waist belt keeps the weight off your shoulders
- Internal hydration sleeve with clip for convenient sipping
- Drawcord closure for main compartment secures your gear
- Item #GREZ082
- Material
- [body] nylon [frame] aluminum
- Volume
- [small] 45L (2746cu in), [medium] 48L (2929cu in), [large] 50L (3000cu in)
- Support/Suspension
- FreeFloat, internal frame
- Shoulder Straps
- sternum strap
- Waist Belt
- ComfortCradle
- Hydration Compatible
- yes
- Reservoir Included
- no
- Access
- top
- Pockets
- 1 zipper top, 1 XL mesh front, 2 mesh side, 2 zipper hipbelt
- Ice Axe Carry
- yes
- Trekking Pole Carry
- yes
- Detachable Daypack
- no
- Compression
- none
- Dimensions
- [packed] 27 x 14 x 12in
- Claimed Weight
- 2lb 8.8oz
- Activity
- backpacking, hiking
- Manufacturer Warranty
- limited lifetime
Reviews
Q&A
Overall Rating
4.5 based on 8 ratings
Review Summary
What do you think about this product?
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Selecting an option will reload the available reviews on the pageApril 9, 2024
Great Ultralight option
This bag was the first Gregory Pack I have tried after using Osprey for years. While this will not replace my bigger Osprey packs, I will be using this pack frequently for one or 2 night trips. The fabric is tough but light, the exterior pouch on the back is very large and stretchy and the hip pockets are awesome! The only complaint I would have is that the system they used to attach a pad or chair to the bottom of your pack is not as secure as a buckle/synch system. It is not the end of the world, especially since the side water bottle holders are capable of holding loads of things...you might just have to pack things a bit differently than some other packs you frequently use. Overall, if you are looking for an budget friendly option to get yourself into more of the ultralight backpacking space, this is a great option and a great pack!
Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
September 21, 2023
Great Pack if you’re Focused on reducing Weight
Love my Gregory Focal 48. Been using it all summer and it helped me get my base weight way down. Great synch and release system for the main compartment (other manufacturers take note, that’s how it should be done). Thought I would miss having multiple compartments but there’s a simplicity to having just one. Nylofume bag at the bottom wrapped up for bedding and clothes, everything else on top. Just have to be mindful when loading each day. Leave rain gear and shorts up top if needed. Thought the Free Float system was just marketing hype, but I can feel a difference, no more hip soreness (although I’m also carrying less weight) and had good mobility when doing some lite scrambling. Back ventilation and side pockets for Smart water bottles are excellent. I ditched the brain on the last few trips and again there’s a simplicity to keeping that stuff in a diddy bag instead. The Focal is so easy to open and close it’s no big deal to keep it near the top if you need to get into it. Hip Belt pockets are pretty small, and the pocket under the hip belt pockets for tucking belt straps is fairly useless (I ended up just trimming the belt straps) Overall highly recommended.
Originally reviewed on Gregory
June 1, 2023
Perfectly balanced
I previously experimented with a true UL pack, the HMG SW. I enjoyed the simplistic streamlined design, but I was missing the comfort and features of a more traditional pack. I wanted something that would strike a balance between the two, and the Focal 48 delivered. It’s only a little over half a pound heavier than the HMG, but significantly more comfortable and supportive. I got the basic features back, like mesh back panel, accessible water bottle holders, and a brain, but nothing too excessive like many other traditional packs. I took the Focal out on a challenging multi-day trip in southern Utah, and it performed great. Carried like a champ, held everything I needed, and felt very intuitive to use. Not to mention, the pack looks awesome. For those choosing between the 48l and 58l, I have a base weight around 16 lbs. My gear is mostly lightweight and packable, and with a good amount of food, I had plenty of room leftover in the 48L. For sizing reference, I’m 6 feet, 32 inch waist, 21 inch torso and the medium size fits great. This pack is a home run from Gregory!
Originally reviewed on Gregory
May 22, 2023
why 3DHydro?
the hydration pack sleeve has a hook above it which is not compatible with anything other then gregory's own hydration pack.
Originally reviewed on Gregory
February 12, 2023
Good but can use some improvements
The good: Lightweight, fits me well, side pocket that points forward to allow placing water bottle without taking backpack off. Improvement: Could use front zip opening like the Zulu, Side pocket not so easy to access when pack is on, Belt pockets seem set back more compared to Zulu (for accessibility), no rain cover.
Originally reviewed on Gregory
January 29, 2023
A great combination of features
Not ULTRA-light, but still pretty lightweight, AND includes all the features you need for a great backpacking pack. Comfortable suspension with a ton of breathability. Well-thought out external side pockets. Carries a stable load that is neither too high, nor wide. I’m not a huge fan of the Gregory-only water bladder system, but I use water bottles 99% of the time, so not a big deal for me. I like this pack so much, we bought the women’s version (Facet 45) for my wife.
Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
May 23, 2022
Solid pack
Over-all I was pleased with the pack. I do run into an issue being tall and thin, which means inevitably the waist strap is as tight as it gets, but I get that with every pack.
Originally reviewed on Gregory
March 20, 2022
Gregory pack
Super lightweight and well-built. Very attractive. Fits as advertised.
Originally reviewed on Gregory
Need Expert Advice?
Our Gearheads Can Help
February 19, 2024
is the "ultralight weather flap" the same thing as a pack cover? Can I see a photo of this weather flap?
November 17, 2023
What size rain cover fits this pack?
April 27, 2023
Does the volume refer to the main compartment only, or it it a total volume? If it’s just the main compartment, what’s the estimated volume of the pockets?
January 17, 2023
Does this come with a hydration pack? If not, which one is best for it?
September 9, 2022
Is this bag waterproof or should I buy a raincover?
March 8, 2022