2012 Gorilla First Impressions

Nice report and pics. Thanks.

I really like the neck cradle shape of the stay – sometimes I wish the stay in my SMD Swift had a similar bend across the top.

Looks very nice- what do you think of the new top pocket? What kind of size is it?

Top pocket is 8"x9.5" seems big enough for whatever you would want to have close at hand. I could fit my 1st aid and some snacks plus my steripen no problem

"Magnet closure"?

A superfluous addition that adds no functional value to the pack. Where do they come up with this stuff?

Stuff your junk in the pack and roll the thing up.

It seems like you don't roll this pack up, with the buckles on the lid you kind of tuck and fold. The lid pocket is not separate but sewn on the extension collar.

Cody, how are the shoulder straps now sewn onto the pack? Straight across or at a curve? Are thy still so wide that they rub the user's neck? Thanks

On the GG website you can see the straps are sewn on a curve. Still pretty wide.

The straps are still wide but they have been narrowed by 3/4". Old straps were 4" these are 3 1/4". I'll have to load it up to make a call on weather this was enough. On my old gorilla I used pipe insulation to get it narrower.

That is interesting the way that the top flap is actually integrated into the extension collar. I was expecting an actual flap… I still wish that the top pocket wasn't there though. It doesn't seem like it would be of much use anyway if the "flap" is being used for vertical compression…seems like it would make the pocket flat and useless…hard to actually use. I dunno, what are your thoughts on the top pocket Cody?

I'm holding off on making a full judgment until I get a chance to load it up, which will be tonight. It does seem that it would become unusable if you maxed out the volume of the main compartment but thats just a guess based on the fact that there is not much extra fabric to let it expand away from pack.

It looks like GG are also using thiner webbing than the flat weave nylon webbing in the photo. It in between cross grain ribbon and flat weave they are using the ITW Nexus waveloc series of buckles made for thiner webbing. The buckle are pretty beefy in the waveloc series with a smaller foot print.
I really like the photo of the magnet closer they look neodymium magnets,How many magnets closers are their in the pack. It will be a lot better than velcro that can get dirty with brush on the fussy side of the velcro.
Terry

There is only one magnet closure on the top center of the main compartment. I agree that they are most likely neodymium magnets. They have quite a bit of power.

Is the weight pretty close to the listed specs?

So I went out last night for a little stealth camp to try out the pack. Shoulder straps feel great. They are about as wide as they could be without rubbing on my neck. Side pockets still are easy to get water in and out of but it does take an extra 1/2 second due to the tighter elastic. Top pocket fit my snacks no problem with the light load in the main compartment. Gotta say I love the updated pack

I also ordered this pack.

My very brief impressions:

The magnet is cool concept, but that combined with the pocket on top, makes for an annoying entry way because when full, it is weighed down and flops over constantly.

It also begs the question, why? It doesn't add much function but does add a little weight.

The shoulder pads are really comfortable and the new stay wraps nicely around your back.

I wish the pockets on the waist belt were larger. They are too small for what I want to put in there.

Finally, the sternum strap on mine broke 2 days after receiving it while just filling the pack and trying it on in my living room. It came undone at the threading on the right shoulder strap. I am quite disappointed with that – and alas, the pack is going back to GG.

I agree that larger hip belt pockets would be ideal. I loved keeping my steripen in there so I could treat water without taking the pack off. I actually got into the habit of just scooping up a liter with my cut bladder while crossing waterand treating while walking. I might have to get a shoulder strap pocket to keep this ability. Thanks for the heads up on the sternum strap, I will be keeping an eye on it. I'm still indifferent to the magnet. It closed the bag so it did its job.

Thanks for the great info on this pack. I am leaning towards getting one.

From what I have seen, the sternum strap attachment design is needlessly complicated. Being barrel chested, I find I do need a sternum strap but I will likely cut this one off and just sew on my own with a Speedy Stitcher. Sounds like the magnet may need to be cut off too.

I'd be very interested in hearing how well this pack carries heavier loads. I try to go as light as anyone but sometimes I'm the family mule and I need the capability of a good internal frame.

I have carried around 25lbs in the old model with little discomfort. With the upgraded hipbelt and harness I expect this to carry even better.

My understanding is the lid is good for small items, I can see it being used for maps, BUT where is the MAGNET in relationship to the pocket when it's folded over, should there be any concern with carrying a compass in the lid?

The magnet closure and top lid seem a bit gimmicky and i'm not sure I want to spend 200 bucks on a pack and have the sternum strap break so quickly. I'm also leery of the durability of the compression system (and the whole pack, for that matter).

Looking forward to seeing how this pack holds up over a hiking season.

I will say that though I'm returning it, the pack is beautiful and seemingly well made. The design is great and a breath of fresh air. I love the material. From a style perspective….it is the sexiest pack I have ever seen…or at least close to HMG packs.

I just wasn't sold on the top pocket and magnet. I filled the pocket with compass, bear bag kit, an epipen(since the waist pockets don't fit it) and my bandana and I found it pretty annoying trying to get in the bag because the weight of the contents in the pockets flopped it over constantly. The magnet also seemingly serves no purpose – it is folded over regardless of the magnet when you tie it down…though some may disagree on that point.

In the end, I was going to keep it, because I could not use the top pocket and remove the magnet and be done with it, but having the sternum strap rip out of the shoulder strap obviously sealed the deal. I was shocked that my brand new bag that costs $205 broke the second time I tried it on in my living room. I don't blame GG for crappy craftsmanship, this often happens with "1st generation" models. There are always kinks to work out.