Gregory Serrac 45 Pack Review

I generally despise small cragging packs, I mean who can really get all their stuff into such a tiny space? I tend to roll pretty heavy to the cliffs, and I also hate walking around with a rope bag slung around my neck, unless it’s a quick flat walk, like at Rifle. That being said, 45L seems to be the minimum volume that works well for me, so with that in mind I decided to take the Gregory Serrac 45 for a spin. I’ve been using it for several months now, at crags from Rifle to Indian Creek, and here’s what I’ve found.

To begin with, the suspension is highly adjustable, allowing you to easily dial in the right fit. To that end, they even have a PDF on their website explaining how to properly size and fit the pack. The molded foam backpanel felt a little rigid at first, but after a half dozen times out it conformed well to the shape of my back, and now carries heavy loads with ease. I’ve carted a pack full of an unholy number of cams up talus cones with no trails, and I never once felt like the pack carried poorly. The weight comfort zone is listed at 35lbs, but I’ve loaded it up with more, and didn’t notice a major decline in performance. It will easily handle a rope and standard trad rack, or an Indian Creek sized rack and water, clothes, etc.

Perhaps my favorite feature is the side zipper that allows quick access into the depths of the pack. For cragging this makes unpacking, and then repacking when you move to a new climb, super simple and quick. It also allows you to easily access items that are buried in the bottom of your bag without having to dig through everything on top. After having used this feature for several months now, I don’t think I could go back to a pack without it, at least not without some serious emotional scars.

The fabric is burly and appears to be able to handle a lot of abuse. Time will tell, but for now it’s hardly shown any wear being thrown around on rough limestone and coarse sandstone. The top lid is big, with a zipper that wraps around the entire length, so you can easily access whatever is inside. Many packs boast outside water bottle pockets, but they rarely work well when the pack is full of gear. These are super stretchy and I found no problem getting my Klean Kanteen in there when the bag was loaded down with a ton of cams.

Perhaps my second favorite feature on this pack is something small but useful that I have come to really enjoy. There is an outside front pocket that is perfect for things you want quick access to, like your flip flops, dog bowl, etc. I also tend to stash the guidebook in there, as I can walk around the base of the cliff without holding it in hand, but when I want it I don’t have to dig through my bag to get it. Combined with the side zipper, I think this is as close to pack nirvana as I’ll ever get.

For winter, you can switch out the flops for a set of crampons, there are ice tool attachments, and you can carry skis on the sides. Everything that someone looking for fun in the woods in the winter would need. Also, the ice axe loops stow away when not in use, keeping things as streamlined as possible.

The bottom line is that the Gregory Serrac 45 is a pack that’s loaded with useful features for the cragger, and would also work well for alpine climbs, overnights, ice climbing and whatever other freaky stuff you might be into. If you’re like me and you want one big pack to throw everything into, be sure to check this one out next time you are in the market for a new bag.

Retail is $159.95, more information and sizing info is available over on the Gregory website.

Disclaimer: The FTC wants you to know this product was provided to SplitterChoss.com for the purpose of reviewing. Like that makes a difference on how much we beat the crap out of it …