Gregory Paragon 60L Review

Publication date: 17 Jun 2025

BackpacksGear

A backpack isn’t just storage—it’s part of the experience. If it’s uncomfortable, unbalanced, or hard to access, you’ll notice it on the trail. I took the Gregory Paragon 60L on the Madeira Crossing in May. It is a route packed with rain, relentless stair climbs, and long days carrying camping gear, and the pack held up great. By the end of the trail, it was hard to believe we’d been carrying so much weight for six full days, as the ergonomics of the pack kept me feeling strong.

The Paragon is my go-to for long-distance hikes after the Madeira Crossing. I’m able to pack it to the brim and feel like I’m not carrying anything because of how structured the FreeFloat frame is. I liked all of the access points and pockets throughout, which I find to be paramount to an organized trek. It’s easy to reach for this one when I’m heading out the door on my next adventure.

Editor

Elmar Teegelbeckers

Passionate hiker Elmar spends months of his time on the trail. He’s usually on the lookout for hidden gems in one of his favourite countries such as Slovenia, Switzerland and Japan. He founded hiking-trails.com in need for a community and detailed information about the trails. Before this, he worked for the Alpine asscociation in the Netherlands[ (NKBV) but lost his heart to the trails.

Not long ago, Elmar published the book (in Dutch) Hiking Trails – best long-distance trails in Europe. With this book, website and socials, he hopes to inspire and shape an inclusive community for hikers all over world. No matter your speed, experience or level, you can get out there to enjoy the trails and connect with the heartwarming hiking community. Life is so much better outside and he hopes to inspire hikers to take their first, or next, step on the trail.

You can reach Elmar at info@hiking-trails.com.

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Testing the Paragon 60L

The Madeira Crossing is no joke. They’re steep, unpredictable, and often wet. So, a pack that doesn’t distribute weight well or lacks easy-access storage can turn a tough hike into a miserable one. Luckily, the Paragon 60L didn’t disappoint.

First off, the pack is very comfortable and has good weight distribution. With a fully loaded pack, comfort is everything. The FreeFloat suspension system really made a difference, letting the pack move with me instead of working against me. Even on the relentless ups and downs of Madeira’s terrain with all of my camping gear on my back, the weight felt stable and well-balanced. The adjustable torso length and hip belt made it easy to fine-tune the fit, so it never felt like it was pulling in the wrong places.

person setting down his Gregory backpack

Then there’s storage and accessibility. The pocket layout is well thought-out, making it easy to grab gear on the go. The front stretch pocket was perfect for quick stashing rain gear (which we needed often!), while the hip belt pockets kept snacks and smaller items accessible. The hydration sleeve made water access simple, and the sleeping bag compartment at the bottom, while not massive, was enough to keep things organized.

Weather resistance was another highlight. It rained, a lot. The included rain cover did its job, and after multiple downpours, my gear still stayed dry. Consider me impressed!

About Gregory Packs

Gregory has been making backpacks since 1977, and their focus has always been comfort, durability, and functionality. They design packs that adapt to movement rather than restricting it, which is why the Paragon feels so natural on the trail. Whether you’re an ultralight hiker or carrying gear for multi-day treks, they have an option tailored to your needs.

Unlike many outdoor brands that started in broader gear categories, Gregory has always been about backpacks. Over the decades, they’ve refined their designs to focus on ergonomics, balance, and durability, making them the go-to for long-distance hikers and mountaineers. The brand is also committed to sustainability, incorporating recycled materials and designing packs built to last, reducing waste in the long run. Their reputation for quality means that even after years of heavy use, Gregory packs tend to hold up better than most.

About the Paragon

The Gregory Paragon 60L is made for long-distance trails. It balances comfort with load-hauling capability, and the FreeFloat dynamic suspension allows you to move without compromising stability. The aluminum frame is lightweight but strong, and the ventilated back panel helps keep airflow moving on hot days, which is very appreciated.

The pack’s storage is practical without overcomplicating things. The main compartment is top-loading, but there are additional zippered access points to help with organization. The rain cover is included, which isn’t always the case with backpacks, and the stretch mesh pocket up front is perfect for wet or frequently used gear. The Paragon series comes in 60L, 50L, and 40L sizes, and the Maven line is the twin pack with a similar fit and function for women.

Specifications

Gregory Paragon 60L
Dimensions	76H x 35W x 26D cm
Weight	1.69 kg
Recommended maximum carry weight	23 kg
Rain cover	Yes
Body material	100D High Density Nylon / 210D High Density Nylon with C0 DWR: Designed without PFAS

pro's

Very comfortable, the FreeFloat suspension keeps the weight manageable.

Balanced weight distribution feels stable even on technical terrain.

Well-designed pockets.

Included rain cover.

Size options available: 60L, 50L, and 40L, and the Maven line for women.

con's

Not fully waterproof without the rain cover.

Main compartment access is mostly top-loading.

Firm hip belt padding can take time to break in.

The sleeping bag compartment is a bit small, which means you’ll likely need an ultralight sleeping bag or a good compression sack.

Conclusion

The Gregory Paragon 60L isn’t just another pack, it’s a well-built, reliable option for serious backpackers. It handled the rugged Madeira Crossing without issue and stayed comfortable, with solid weight distribution and smart storage. While not fully waterproof and slightly lacking in front access, its ergonomic design and practical features make it a solid choice. If you’re after a trail-tested pack that won’t slow you down, this one’s worth a try.

Gregory Paragon 60L Review

About the Paragon

Specifications

Conclusion

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