Gregory VS Osprey

Went to REI in St. Louis today. Pretty disappointing actually. I thought they would have tons of packpacks, and cooksets. Had very few. Well, for someone my size anyways. They only had Gregory Baltoros in med. They did have an Osprey Aether 70, in XL I was able to try out. The guy working there was a hiker, and very knowledgeable. As soon as he saw me, he didn't think he'd have a pack to fit me, because, as he said, I'm thick from my chest to my back, and very broad shouldered. Anyways, he measured my torso length, and adjusted the backpack for me, etc. He put 40 lbs in it, and I walked around for awhile. At first, I didn't think it was all that great, but after "acclimating" a bit, I really liked it. He said he didn't feel the Gregory Baltoros would work for me, because of my size. So, that's mainly the disappointing part, I didn't get to try a Gregory on. I wish the Osprey Aether series came in better earth type tones. Not crazy about the colors, but that's probably what I'll end up getting. BTW, the Aether 70 is a huge pack. I may up getting the 60.
 
Ordered and received a Gregory Baltoro 75. Really nice pack. Haven't quite got it adjusted right yet, but am really liking it, and will probably end up keeping it. I found it for a good deal. Plus, they have a 60 day return policy. Figured I couldn't go wrong. Here it is next to my Kelty MAP 3500:

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I've had a Gregory fo over 20 years. It's been fine, but I'm more of a minimalist now that I've grown older.
 
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