I bought my Gregory Deva 60 backpack after I saw the rave reviews from Backpacker Magazine, and I decided that I should check it out for myself. I was only intending to just try it on in the store, but after loading it up with 40 pounds of deadweight at the store, walking around and feeling like I was hardly carrying anything, I knew that there was something amazing about this bag.
The Good:
- It is truly a women’s specific design. It has a curved waistbelt that molds to my hips, so weight is distributed perfectly. Plus, the shoulder straps are contoured, and designed so weight doesn’t fall on the tops of the shoulders.
- It is very easy to keep organized. There is a separate sleeping bag compartment at the bottom, where I stuff my Marmot Teton sleeping bag (inside a compression sack). There are side pockets, waistbelt pockets (I keep my camera in one and chapstick and sunscreen in the other), and a pocket on the rear of the pack where I keep snacks. Unlike most top loading backpacks where gear can sometimes be hard to reach, because of the quick open zipper I can access items that are in the middle of my pack.
- It is highly durable. I’ve used mine hiking through rocky areas and in the snow, I’ve filled it to the max and then some, and I have yet to have any issues with the material wearing out or zippers busting.
- Heavy pack weight. The pack weighs 5.5 pounds empty. However, I’ve stuffed my Gregory Deva with 40+ pounds and it is still comfortable (the max for the 60L bag is 50 pounds, and I’d likely fall over with that much weight!) For me the additional comfort is well worth it!
- Price! But as they say, you get what you pay for. I consider my pack to be an investment 🙂
Hi Stephanie,
Excellent question. Yes, after all of these years I still love my Gregory Deva and it has held up really well. Having the water reservoir inside does take up storage space, but not too much. I generally prefer my hydration bladder inside, because otherwside you can sometimes feel it against your back, even if there is some padding.
You’ll find that if you pack properly, a 70L pack should be more than sufficient for your trip and you’ll want a comfortable backpack. The comfort level will be far more important than being able to carry a few extra things!
btw, I’m not sure that REI will ship those internationally; I know that they won’t ship all of their goods. You may need to try Amazon too.
Good luck, and have a wonderful time on your trip!
Greetings from Argentina, and thanks for posting such thorough reviews and tips! I am going to go on a guided seven day hike in Aconcagua Provincial Park in two months, with a goal of summiting Mt Bonete, at 5,000 meters. I’ve traditionally hiked with an Osprey Ariel 55L and Osprey Mira AG 34L, but the guide said that a 75 liter pack is needed for this trip. So, I’m looking at the Ariel AG 75, and the Gregory Deva 70. Even though the Deva is smaller, I’m intrigued by everything I’m reading about the fit and independently pivoting hip belt and harness. Now that you’ve had your Gregory Deva for a longer period of time, do you still enjoy the comfort? And has it been durable over the long term? I’m also wondering how having the water reservoir inside the pack impacts things – does it take up too much valuable storage space? I’ve liked my Ariel, and I like the Mira, but I’m a little concerned that the new Ariel AG 75 May not be as comfortable because the waist belt can feel a little vise-like, and it doesn’t independently pivot. This is based on my Mira’s waist belt which is the same as what the Ariel AG has now. I want a pack that’s comfortable, and avoid straining my shoulders and hotspots. Thanks in advance for your insight. Since I don’t live near any good outdoor stores like REI, I’m probably going to order both packs from REI, so I can load them with the gear I’m going to take, and try them on, knowing I can return the one I don’t prefer to REI. But that’s also an expensive thing to do. What are your thoughts? Thanks in advance!
In response to Kelsey’s recent question:
I recently hiked the PCT (a 2650-mile trail) and had some 10-day stretches between resupply stops. I carried the Deva 70 (former model, prior to recent updates). It is easy to stuff this pack to its fullest, and at 70 liters, I stuffed it too often with 50 lbs. or more. If you are petite and weigh only 105 pounds yourself, I would not recommend the 85–you’d likely turtle (topple over backwards and have a hard time getting up). I carried 6 liters of water plus a bear canister inside my pack and was able to carry 13 days of food. Your gear easily should fit in a smaller bag. Beware, the pack weighs more than 5 lbs. itself. But it is durable. I had a few problems with my pack, but only one that interfered with carrying it comfortably. Otherwise, as others have noted, it is a very comfortable pack and easily carries a heavy load.
Also, it is water resistant but not water proof. The new model comes with a rain cover. As good measure, since no rain covers are 100% leakproof, I recommend putting a garbage disposal bag inside your pack for gear that shouldn’t get wet–sleeping bag, clothes, etc. You don’t need the stuff sack for your sleeping bag if you use the intended bottom “sleeping bag section” of the pack. In my opinion, it is more important to carry the garbage disposal bag for water protection and just stuff your sleeping bag in that section of your pack without the added weight of the stuff sack. It really serves no purpose other than stuffing your sleeping bag twice–once in the stuff sack then again into the pack. Good luck on your adventure!!
Hi! I’ve been shopping for a backpack for my upcoming 8 month trip through Iceland, Europe, Australia, Central America and more. I’m wondering what size you would recommend, we’ll be doing a couple 4-7 day hikes but other then that will be staying in hostels or camping. Not sure if I should go with the 60, 70, or 85. I’m quite petite, only 105lbs and 5’5. Also more importantly I’m wondering if this pack is waterproof, it specifies the waist belt being waterproof but nothing about the whole pack itself, just wondering if you knew or would know where to find out. Also this is all Regarding the newest Deva backpack on the site. Thanks!
Hi There. Thanks for all of the awesome info posted here.
I have a question about the NEW deva pack. Is it worth the extra $100+ ?
And I would love your thoughts on the 60 vs. the 70 liter?
Many thanks 🙂
Hi Missy! This is one of the all time best questions! 🙂 Yes, I should have noted that somewhere. I removed the straps from the plastic clips at the bottom of the backpack so that I could fully extend them. Here’s another picture that may be helpful: https://hikinglady.com/the-gear/backpacks/womens-backpacks/
Let me know if you figure it out. Happy trails! 🙂
I recently got this pack, but I had one problem. I couldn’t figure out how to strap my sleeping pad to the bottom like you have. The straps seem to be there for compression only and don’t really have any length to them. Is there something that I am missing? How did you get your sleeping pad to be strapped to the bottom? Thanks.
Just got back from backpacking a month through Peru and took this pack backpacking and then another Gregory 22L for daily excursions. Both were wonderful and comfortable and handled massive amounts of abuse.
Excellent question, Jackie!
When you travel or transport your backpack, even in a car, be sure to close up all the buckles and cinch down the backpack as much as you can. That will make it less like that a buckle breaks or hip belt cracks. The Gregory Deva 60, like pretty much every other backpacking pack, doesn’t really fold up/away. If you are flying somewhere and plan to check the backpack, be sure to get what is known as a backpack duffel bag. That will make it even less like that your backpack is damaged. Depending on the airplane’s restrictions, you may want to try to carry it on the plane.
Happy trails and safe travels!
Hi! I’m wondering how the straps/hip belt fold up/away to travel on an airplane and such? Thanks!
Hi Bella! Great news – Joe from Gregory got back with a detailed answer about the changes to the Gregory Deva. Here’s what he said:
“The 2014 Deva will see no changes from the current version. The Deva saw a massive update in 2011, of which we’ve been really happy with since. In comparison to your 2009 Deva, here’s what we updated:
– Thermo-molded backpanel with elastomeric gription lumbar pad
– Quick-draw easy open drawstring (main access to cinchable gauntlet)
– Stash pocket under top lid
– Top lid can be removed/used as hip-pack
– Updated patterns to front/side pockets
– Hideaway water bottle pocket updated
– Hydration port access updated
– DWR coated water-resistant zippers
To note, we have updated the colors to the Deva 60 and 70 on a regular basis almost every season since 2011, but note that the pack colors will not change from 2013 to 2014 for this pack.”
It sounds like there is no need to wait for the 2014 backpack to come out. Get one now and break it in before your big adventure next year. Happy trails!
Hi Bella!
Great questions. The Deva is known to be a very comfortable backpack, and I would recommend spending more time at the store walking around with even more weight loaded in. Most REIs will have bean bags to simulate even more than the 25 pounds you tested. If it still feels good with about 50+ pounds, which will likely be the weight of your backpack with water and food and all of your gear when you’re on the PCT thru hike, then go for it! The Deva 70 has larger capacity than the 60, and the backpack weighs an extra four ounces. For a thru hike you’re going to want the 70 and maybe even the 85. The only risk of buying a previous year’s model are slight color changes and style changes. I’d say save the money! I don’t have insight into the 2014 model, but I’ll shoot an email over to Gregory and I’ll let you know what they say!
Happy trails!
I am not an experienced hiker but plan to thru hike the PCT in 2014. I know, lots of training b/t now and then! I’ve tried only one backpack to date–Deva 70 at REI loaded with ~25 lbs. I suspect I’ll have certain lightweight items (sleeping bag, tent, stove) but other not-so-light items, as well (clothes, food, who knows). Honestly, the pack was comfy, especially for someone who’s never carried a serious backpack, and had seemingly great features, both of which made it tempting to buy on the spot. However, I’ve learned that lesson too many times in the past. Since I have all of my gear to purchase, I decided to not make that the first purchase. My questions are: 1) is it worth shopping around if the Deva 70 felt good in the store? 2) what are the key differences between the Deva 60 and the Deva 70? and 3) what are the risks of buying a previous year model (new) and saving a bit of money over buying the current year model–as in, what are the key improvements from 2012 to 2013, and what are the expected improvements for the 2014 model? I know I have a long way to go, and I appreciate any insight you can offer. Thanks!
I’m so happy to hear it, Kelly! I love my Gregory Deva too 🙂 Happy trails!
I Love my Gregory Diva 60! I thought long and hard about it (pricey) but after 6 days in the canyon and hearing others complain about their packs….I was so happy I invested in the Best!! It is very comfortable and packs great! I went to REI. The guys were very helpful. They measure you, have you walk arond the store with the pack on loaded down with weight. It was well worth the money!
Hi Freya,
Great question. In my experience, I haven’t had a particularly sweaty back when backpacking with my Deva 60. I’m on the petite side, and tend to not get overly sweaty. Some of my bigger friends have more of an issue with this. So while it has never bothered me, if you tend to sweat a lot when backpacking, you may prefer the Deuter Aircomfort. At the end of the day, the most important thing to figure out is which backpack is more comfortable. After a long day on the trail you won’t care which one has better ventilation against your back if your hips and shoulders are killing you! Happy trails!
Hi there,
I’m considering buying this backpack or Deuter Airconfort 60SL. One of the differences is the ventilation system on the backside of the pack. I’ve been told that the Deva doesn’t have a ventilation system…What’s your experience with it? Does it botter you while hiking/travelling?
Thanks for the info!
Italy and France will be fun! A 60L backpack will be likely be fine…and given your petite size you’re really not going to want to carry more than 40 pounds in the backpack. As you likely know the drawback of a backpack vs. luggage for holding clothes is that it is harder to keep things flat and organized. An option you also may want to consider is the North Face Base Camp duffel. It will carry a lot of stuff and you don’t have to worry as much about buckles breaking etc when you have it on a plane or train. (Hiking Lady review of the North Face Base Camp duffel)
Have fun on your trip!
Hi,
I’m going to be going to Italy for 2 weeks and 1 week in France in September. I’ve never owned a backpack before (always used luggage). Since we’ll be moving around a lot and we’ll be taking trains and a couple of flights, I thought it might be a good idea to get a backpack instead, to make things easier to travel. I will be packing clothes, toiletries and shoes. When I travel, my luggage usually weighs about 40-45 lbs.
I’ve yet to go into a store to try the backpacks on, but have been looking online and considering the following 3 backpacks: Gregory Deva 60, Gregory Jade 60 and the Northface Connes 65 pack for Women.
Would any of these be suitable for my 3-week trip to Europe? I’m 5’1, 115lbs. Would you recommend one over the other? Would it be big enough?
Thanks,
Mary
Yep, it will be! Have fun!
Hi
I’m going backpacking through Central and South America, with a mixture of hostels and a truck camping tour, is this bag suitable?
Hi Heidi, a good lightweight pack brand is GoLite. You won’t have the bells and whistles of the Gregory Deva, and it will be a bit less comfortable, but you’ll definitely shave a couple of pounds off the backpack weight. My friend has one and loves it; I prefer the comfort and the multiple compartments of the Gregory Deva.
Happy trails!
Hi, I need some advice. I am planning a 100 mile 2week trip on the Appalachian Trail and need to find a backpack. I don’t want a heavy one and I don’t want to take the kitchen sink with me. Can you help? Thanks
Just bought this pack last night! I cant wait to test it. I bought it REI…a little expensive but theyll take it back for any reason. I noticed a huge difference just walking around the store for an hour! The contoured shoulder straps are a must! Happy hiking 🙂
Hi Stephany! You’re going to have so much fun in Alaska!
I love my Gregory Deva 60. I’ve put it through a lot of abuse on backpacking trips, including several snow camping trips. I did have a zipper bust once, and it was shortly after I purchased it. I stuffed the pack way too full and tried to close the front compartment (the convenient easy access opening on the front of the pack). The zipper busted because I had overstuffed the pack. I called Gregory and mailed the backpack to them and they fixed it free of charge. Since then I’ve learned to not overstuff the backpack…
My friend hiked the John Muir Trail with the men’s version of this pack, which he had already been using for a few years. During his 22 day trip his hip belt broke, but that was because he told me he threw down the fully loaded pack (weighed about 60 pounds!) and dropped it right on the hip belt on granite rocks. Not a smart idea…he mailed his to Gregory when his trip was over and they fixed it for free.
So, the backpack is a great one if you don’t abuse it too much. Hope that helps!
Happy trails.
Hey there!
Today I went into al 3 local hike shops in my town, each of which carried different brands for hiking backpacks. At first I really liked the Arcteryx 65 liter pack, but at the final shop I found the Gregory Deva 70 and I have never felt so comfortable in a pack. If I had had the money I may have just bought it right then! I am 6’3″ and would be purchasing the medium size.
I am looking for a new pack because I will be going to Alaska this summer and will be spending about 6 weeks backpacking, in 4-7 day increments. When I told a friend about what I found, he had said he had terrible experiences with the brand, with the zippers breaking and the material not being durable. My other gear is not terribly light, so I am worried about this now.
I am wondering if this pack will be falling apart half way through my trip, which I cannot afford. What has your experience been with this pack in consideration of length of trips and amount of weight? I put deadweight in the pack at the store and it felt like there was hardly anything in my pack! But I won’t be taking it easy on this pack, and I won’t be using it merely for travel, I will be in rugged Alaska backcountry! Have any of your bells and whistles failed you on the 60? Also, how hard are you using your pack?
Any advice on this would be so helpful!
Thank you!
Hi Anna, great question.
I’m the same height as you and works great for me!
I never thought of myself as “very short” just “petite” 😉
Have fun out there! Let me know how the backpack works for you!
So happy I found this review. Was considering buying either this bag or an Asivik Hiker 60. The price difference is very big, so I was actually tempted to buy the Asivik. But now I will probably be buying this one. Just wanted to hear, if you would recommend this bag for a very short person (5.3)?
Glad the review was helpful, Whitney. I’d love to hear how you like the Gregory Deva once you try it out!
Definitly lookings to get this pack now. Thanks for the detailed review!
Thanks for the tips Hiking Lady! They are just fabulous!
Hi Stephanie! Please check out Hiking 101. There you can learn all about hiking shoes/boots, apparel, backpacks, and more. Happy trails!
I want to buy a comfortable, well fitting hiking bag. I also want to kit myself out with the correct equipment, starting with shoes. If you have any more information please will you let me know.
Thank you
Stephanie