Gregory

Optic 58L Backpack

Great lightweight pack

This pack tics all the ultralight boxes for me. With my fame it fits like a glove and is lighter than some of my day packs.

Outstanding Design and Comfort

I was looking for a suitable replacement for a Paragon (it just was simply too heavy and I had problems maintaining an even pack weight), and read several reviews of the Optic. It's only taken me four months to be able to get out and use it, but the pack is nearly perfect. The back panel breathability alone would have convinced me to buy it, but combined with the overall packability (carried over 35 pounds for three days, incl a bear canister and 5 L of water - ALL INSIDE!) I can't believe it. Hiking buddy continued to stare at pack as I loaded everything each morning and was amazed that nothing had to be dangling off the backside. Excellent pack!

Awesome value

This is a really good backpack. It's comfortable, lightweight, and can hold a bunch of stuff. I was weary about getting it after reading about how the buckles are prone to breaking, but considering all the other features (air back, suspension, etc.) got it anyway and have just exercised cognizance when using the buckles, which has worked so far.

Poor Quality

Used this backpack ONCE on a six day backpacking trip. Pulled it out a few months later for a short training hike with a light load, and one of the load lifter straps snapped in two pieces. Zippers on the hip belt have been difficult to open and close from the start. Cheap quality. Doesn't last.

Great buy!

Ultra light but still has lots of room. The shoulder straps and the waist belt are adequately padded and comfortable even after long miles. Love the waist belt pockets for easy access to snacks. I only managed to get in a couple 30+ mile trips before the shoulder season turned to winter at elevation, but I plan to use this for my Appalachian Trail through hike in 2022. Will definitely recommend to others.

Great pack with options

This Optic 58 is great! It is lightweight, the frame is strong, and the options within and on the pack make for a superb backpack system. I chose this pack based on value and weight. I was pleasantly surprised to find the comfort of the pack and accessibility of items I was carrying were just as impressive. It carried 31lbs easily and I had room to spare with the 10 litre top attached. I did find that using the pack as a 48 on the second trip to be just as useful. I was so pleased, I had one of my hiking buddies give it a try for a few miles and he bought one. I highly recommend this pack and I hope I have many more years and trips using it.

Lightweight with great features. My personal preference is to have more outside pockets, but other than that, it is a great pack.

Week buckles

After my first use the buckle for the top strap broke

Great for its intended usage.

So far my pack has been performing very well. It’s very light in comparison to other trekking bags I’ve used, but not quite as light as some of the other ultralight bags on the market. The air suspension on your back keeps annoying sweat from forming (big pet peeve of mine) all along your back. The load lifter straps definitely helped to move most of the weight onto my hips. What I mean when I say “great for its intended use” is that this bag is not going to come with all the bells and whistles of your standard backpacking bag. You’re not going to have an abundance of extra pockets, zippers, or straps, but so far I haven’t found it too annoying. All of the missing features are of course a trade off for the bags lighter weight. I would recommend this bag to someone entering the ultralight market, but not looking to take it to the extreme.

Light & Great for 2-4 day overnights

This pack is light, has all the features you want, and is a great blend between comfort and minimalism. This is definitely my go-to pack for any 2-4 day backpacking trips moving forward. If you're going to be carrying over 30lbs you may want to find something with a little more support. I'd carry this up to 35lbs before switching to another of my packs.