Gregory Palisade Backpack Instructions

Gregory Packs are familiar to those who take to the trails for day or multi-day backpacking trips. The Gregory Palisades is just one of the many different multi-day packs offered by the company. The Palisade is available in small, medium and large sizes, with volumes ranging from 4699 to 5370 cubic inches. In order for the pack to function properly, and for you to avoid blisters or back pains, the Palisade needs to be fit properly.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the distance between your C7 vertebrae (at the base of your neck) to the top of the iliac crest (where your spine meets the tailbone). Write down this measurement in inches.

    • 2

      Pull the adjustment straps on the shoulder harness plate (on the back of the Palisade) so they are loose. Put the pack on and pull the straps until the shoulder strap harness is level with your armpits. Remove the pack and place up to 20 pounds of weight into the main pack and push it down to the base of the pack.

    • 3

      Put the pack on and clip the sternum strap closed. Wrap the waist belt around the upper part of your hips. Do not tighten the waist strap over your diaphragm, nor around your hip bones. Rest the waist belt between the two and tighten fully. Let the weight of the pack rest on your hips and waist strap and less on your shoulders. It should be approximately 70 percent weight distributed to the waist and 30 percent on the shoulders.

    • 4

      Remove the pack and take out the dry weight. Pack your Palisade with the backcountry gear of your choice and keep the weight lower and symmetrical in the pack. For example, if you have two five-pound objects, place them next to each other so there is equal weight on the left and right side of the pack.

    • 5

      Put the fully loaded pack on. Reach up to the shoulder harness straps and pull them forward and down to snug the pack up to your shoulders. Tighten the waist belt and hike. Make micro adjustments to distribute the weight throughout the hike, pulling and loosening the straps as needed.