Gregory's
Palisade is an
internal frame camping backpack, a
versatile mid-to-large selection which is
rugged and
stable enough for the experienced camper, while convenient-enough for your outdoors
greenhorn, at the same time. Originally rated a "
best value" in the
July 1998 Outside Magazine annual gear guide, it has continually been produced and improved through
2002.
The Palisade features an
aircraft grade aluminum frame and a three
compartment design, with the main cargo area subdivided, allowing for access from either end of the pack; Alternately, the bottom portion can be used for
sleeping bag storage. The
anterior compartment is
detachable, and doubles as a
daypack that can be used while
hiking,
spelunking, or the like. The third
compartment on the back of the pack is
sizable, and is designed with
nylon straps that allow easy latching of your other outdoor
peripherals.
Like most modern packs, the Palisade has both a waist belt and
harness, as well as
compression straps which allow the wearer to reduce the
bulk of his pack's contents.
The
storage capacity of the Palisade varies by pack size (which
correlates with the wearers' heights). The capacities are as follows
1:
- X-Small - 4000 cu. in.
- Small - 4550 cu. in.
- Medium - 4700 cu. in.
- Large - 5150 cu. in.
I have had my Palisade since 1998, making my decision shortly after reading the aforementioned
review. It's more stable and durable than most or all of the others reviewed, and costs sometimes a good
$200 less than the other, better-known,
similarly-equipped packs, such as
Arc'teryx and
North Face. After purchasing and using it, I have not been disappointed, either; it is,
by far, the most comfortable pack I have worn.
If there is one
disadvantage, it would be that the back
compartment is not subdivided into two, smaller
pockets, which might be a
minor annoyance to some users. It has been no issue for me, however -- perhaps I'm not as
anal about what gets packed where.
If you're in the market for a
pack,
do your own research , but certainly consider the Palisade in your hunt; be sure to get properly-fitted, as well, for whichever pack you choose.
More information on the Palisade can be found through Gregory's site:
http://www.gregorypacks.com/.
1 http://www.gregorypacks.com/prod/adv/frame_palisade.html