REASONS TO BUY
Great value
Adjustable hip cushioning and torso height
Useful features
REASONS TO AVOID
Suspension can bulge out against the back
Front stretch pocket doesn't expand that much
Gregory Stout 60L Review
A pack with a lot of the same features as more popular packs, but at half the price
Credit: Gregory
RELATED: Best Budget Backpacking Packs
Our Verdict
The Gregory Stout 60 is a pack well versed in the needs of a backpacker. Whether you're a beginner looking for your first pack, or a veteran looking for great value for a backpacking pack, this pack has a simple no-frills design but also includes many of the valuable features of many higher-end packs with twice its price. Features like a sleeping pad strap, shove-it pocket, rain cover, bottom zipper access, and adjustable back panel make this pack a great value. All of this, plus the ability to comfortably carry loads up to 35 to 40 pounds, earns this pack a high spot on our list.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Gregory Stout 60L | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  |  |  | | |
| Price | $179.10 at Amazon Compare at 2 sellers | $129.95 at Amazon Compare at 2 sellers | $199 List $199.00 at REI | $169 List | $83 List $82.46 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Pros | Great value, adjustable hip cushioning and torso height, useful features | Handles heavy loads well, adjustable, two large side zipper pockets, affordable | Light-weight, comfortable, easily personalized, inexpensive | Inexpensive, durable, highly adjustable, comfortable | Very affordable, durable fabric |
| Cons | Suspension can bulge out against the back, front stretch pocket doesn't expand that much | Lid pocket is hard to access, side pockets can interfere with tall bottles, heavier than most | lacks durabillity, not made for heavy loads | Small water bottle pockets | Uncomfortable, bulky straps and buckles, difficult to use pockets |
| Bottom Line | A pack with a lot of the same features as more popular packs, but at half the price | Our favorite budget pack that features unique pockets and a high carry capacity, all at a great price | It may not be a heavy load hauler, but for moderate loads, this pack is comfortable and has an amazing set of features, all at a great price | This pack is just as comfortable and has all the features of backpacking packs that cost twice as much | This is an inexpensive pack that can get the job done if you look past its shortcomings |
| Rating Categories | Gregory Stout 60L | Kelty Coyote 65 | REI Co-op Flash 55 | Decathlon Forclaz M... | Teton Sports Scout... |
| Suspension and Comfort (45%) | |||||
| Weight (20%) | |||||
| Features and Ease of Use (20%) | |||||
| Adjustability (15%) | |||||
| Specs | Gregory Stout 60L | Kelty Coyote 65 | REI Co-op Flash 55 | Decathlon Forclaz M... | Teton Sports Scout... |
| Measured Weight | 3.8 lbs | 4.3 lbs | 2.6 lbs | 3.7 lbs | 4.3 lbs |
| Volume | 60 L | 65 L | 55 L | 50 L + 10 L | 55 L |
| Access | Top | Top | Top | Top, side, bottom | Top |
| Hydration Compatible | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Materials | 90% nylon, 10% polyester, 210D nylon, 420D high density nylon | Poly 420D Small Back Stafford | Main Body: 100D ripstop nylon Bottom: 420D nylon |
100% Polyamide | 600D Diamond Ripstop / 600D PU |
| Sleeping Bag Compartment | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
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Our Analysis and Test Results
Need an adjustable pack at a reasonable price? The Stout 60 can be dialed in to fit your body type and has plenty of useful features that will keep your gear just a zip away.
Performance Comparison
The Gregory Stout 60 is an all-around pack that preformed well in the Bear River Range of Northern Utah.
Credit: Bennett Fisher
Suspension and Comfort
This pack is meant for multiday trips at a price that won't break the bank. It uses a wishbone alloy frame that meets at the base of the back. The frame runs along the edge of the pack with a bar in the middle of the back that adds structure. While heavy loads around 40 pounds are transferred to the hips nicely, this middle bar is noticeable when the pack is stuffed full. It feels fine at first, but after wearing the pack for an extended time, the bulge of the support bar can make your back feel sore/tired. The back panel features a breathable foam pattern that creates a flush fit on the lower back that works well until the crossbar adds too much bulk.
The padding for the shoulder straps is soft with a mesh covering for increase breathability, and in our testing, we found the padding to compress under the weight of a heavy load. This compression causes the straps to lose their comfort quicker than straps that use a denser foam.
This pack uses mesh covered straps for increased breathability and a wishbone shaped internal frame for added support.
Credit: Bennett Fisher
The hip belt uses thicker padding that stays supportive during long carries. It is also covered in a mesh to improve breathability, and we found it to work well. The waist belt moves with the body allowing for a smooth ride even with a bulky pack.
Weight
At 3.8 pounds, we wish the pack was a bit more comfortable under a heavy load. That being said, for loads under 35 pounds, this pack rides well and is easy to use.
The stretch pockets feature a pleat that keep items like tent poles away from your water bottle.
Credit: Bennett Fisher
Features and Ease of Use
With enough features to get the job done, the Stout 60 will either feel familiar to a seasoned backpacker or intuitive to a new one.
The hip belt pocket is always a great place to store chapstick or a snack.
Credit: Bennett Fisher
The hip belt pockets are slightly on the slimmer side but make a great spot for a few bars to snack on the go. A stretch pocket is located on the front that works well for drying wet gear or storing a dirty groundsheet. The two-sided stretch water bottle pockets have two openings making it easier to grab and store water while moving or work to keep tall items from slipping out if strapped to the side of the pack. An included rain cover is held under the top lid for when the weather is on the forecast or can be removed to save weight when there are blue skies ahead.
The lid on the Stout 60 is roomy, good for first aid, toiletries, and a guidebook.
Credit: Bennett Fisher
Adjustability & Fit
The Stout is one size fits all with a sliding velcro panel to adjust torso height from small to large, a range of five inches. We found it easy to unstick and slide while still holder firm with the pack on. The waist belt padding can also be adjusted, allowing you to increase the distance the padding travels around your hips. Overall there is enough range to comfortably dial in the fit to most body types and sizes.
Size markings show exactly where to line up the shoulder straps for your height.
Credit: Bennett Fisher
Value
Highly adjustable with plenty of storage options at a reasonable price makes this pack a great choice when searching for a pack. We feel that this pack is worth the price because it is equipped with many features of a pack twice the price, and it executes them all rather well.
The adjustability and ease of use for this pack make it a valid option for a growing youth.
Credit: Bennett Fisher
Conclusion
The Gregory Stout 60 is a well-rounded backpack with features you will find on most popular packs but at half the price. This is an adjustable pack at a fair price that can handle moderate loads and many body types, making it a great choice to be shared between family or for a fast-growing kid. We think you will appreciate how Gregory designed this pack at the crossroads of function and affordability.
—
Bennett Fisher
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