Gregory Maven 45L Backpack for Women

2020-07-09T20:00:00

I do a lot of extended day hikes and occasional overnights. Although I don't often need a larger pack, I opt for one because it provides better suspension and comfort than many day packs, even if it's half empty! When I evaluate a pack, I'm looking at 1. Fit – shoulders and hip; 2. Hip belt pocket large enough to hold my cell phone, a Samsung Note 9; 3. Ventilation So, how did the Gregory Maven 45 fare against my top 3? For fit, I could adjust the shoulder straps and hip belt with markings to help me fine tune the fit, heavy duty closed loop fasteners to hold it in place. After a couple of false starts, I used my existing pack as a guide to adjust the shoulder straps for the perfect fit. The hip belt is substantial and there are additional panels, again adjustable. It may take a time or two, but once it's sized correctly, it falls naturally on your hips and shoulders. I scrambled up and down steep trails and rocks and always felt like it moved well with me without hotspots. The waist pockets are large enough to hold my large cell phone, as long as I don't have a battery pack attached. The loop zipper pull makes it easy to find it to open and close while on the move.That said, I'd like it better if there were some stretch in the pocket. This weekend it was 84 degrees with a real feel 88, very humid, and I was interested in seeing how the ventilation worked. Can't say I felt a difference, but maybe nothing would have made one! Zippered side access panel was an unexpected feature that made it easier to access my camera toward the middle of my bag. Liked the included rain cover. If you use the sunglass holder, be careful the pack doesn't tip over and scratch a lens like mine did! Plenty of lash points and a floating lid give you the ability to expand your load if necessary. I wish the shock lock for hiking poles were a bit higher to keep the poles upright, but if that's my main complaint, you can say I'm am a happy hiker

JeansJourneys

Originally posted at

2020-06-30T20:00:00

Gregory is definitely my favorite backpack company. They just fit me perfectly. I was in need of a medium size pack- something that I could take on an overnight trip, but wasn't super huge. This pack was absolutely perfect. I was able to fit all my essentials for backpacking overnight. I only stayed 1 night, so this size of pack was ideal for me. I love the waistband, as well as the breathable frame. There is also plenty of extra space, with great storage. The pack fit me perfectly, no rubbing at all. I also really love this color. Overall, I would highly recommend this pack and I can't wait to use it more this summer.

Sasha

Originally posted at

2020-06-28T20:00:00

I'm 5'2" so most backpacking packs, ones big enough to fit enough for multiple days camping/trekking, aren't built for my frame. This was the first bag that was really truly comfortable for me. I ordered an XS-S and the adjustable sizing meant I could make it sit properly on my hips and feel like I wasn't constantly being pulled backward by a too-big bag sitting way too high on my shoulders. For a small person, this bag is a must. It is lightweight and the smaller sizes make it comfortable for someone with a shorter frame, while not compromising on space or storage. Great for multi-day treks. #sweepstakes

Lyssa

Originally posted at

2020-05-27T20:00:00

I have not hiked with this pack yet, but so far it's exactly what I need. I love the new side zipper! It will be fantastic to access my gear without creating a jumble of everything in the pack!

Sally C.

Originally posted at

2020-05-07T20:00:00

I love this bag. I wasn't sure if the 45 could handle all the stuff I needed but wow. It's perfect and does not seem to be too heavy or uncomfortable!

Brit H.

Originally posted at

2020-05-07T20:00:00

The Maven 45 has all the features I was looking for and more, I also checked out the Jade 33 for walking the Camino and it is similar in quality and features. I watched all the videos for competitors backpacks including one like my husbands ultra-lite pack and I found that the Maven and Jade are good to go as is and don't need to have add-ons like other companies ultra-lite backpacks. My husband had to add hip belt pockets, a separate pouch to carry items that could easily be placed in the top lid of the Maven. He has to dig to the bottom of the pack and take everything out where the Maven has access to the bottom of the pack. Overall, a very well made pack with features that others will need to add on. The weight is heavier than the ultra-lite packs, even that Gregory sell, but in the end, it will work out to be a similar weight to my husband's pack once he has all the add-ons. Plus the hip belt and shoulder straps are very comfortable, and the straps and buckles are not flimsy just to save a few ounces. The Maven 45 really has it all - a comfortable well-made women's backpack with the latest, greatest new features.. #maven45 #sweepstakes

Jacy

Originally posted at

2020-02-10T19:00:00

The Maven 45 is the perfect size to use for winter hiking trips in New Hampshire. It has plenty of internal storage capacity to handle all my extra winter clothing/supplies and by adding a few carabiners I can attach the snowshoes to the outside of the pack when I'm not using them. I really like how one of the side mesh pockets has side-trail access making it easy for me to stay hydrated.

Marie H.

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