If you haven't noticed it, then you must spending more time inside that outside, but backpacks are becoming lighter and lighter. This is a trend I favor, and I hope to see continue. There is no reason why a backpack can't be light and comfortable, and still be large enough to carry all your needs. With the advent of new lightweight fabrics and materials, and clever design, there is no longer any reason to heft an unnecessarily overweight pack.

Another trend that has developed over the past few years, and one that is still going strong, is creating backpacks for specific purposes. For example, there are backpacks for trail running, adventure racing, kayaking, cycling, climbing, mountaineering, expeditions, fastpacking, and even plain old backpacking. Each backpack has been tailored for a specific use (or in business parlance, for a specific target market). I also think this is a good trend, as it is forcing manufacturers to become more clever in order to differentiate (and hopefully improve) their products.

Both of these trends can be found in the Advent Pro backpack from Gregory Mountain Products, long known for their well-designed backpacks. The Advent Pro is a lightweight pack designed for adventure racing, or more generally, for anyone who wants a lightweight, technical backpack that holds from 2,050 to 2,400 cubic inches.

Here's what makes the Advent Pro world class:

• Like most Gregory backpacks, the Advent Pro comes in multiple sizes (to fit your torso), which allows you to select the size that best fits you, which greatly contributes to the overall comfort of the backpack. The Advent Pro is available in these sizes:
  
   
  • Small: 2,040 cubic inches, 2 pounds 6 ounces
    
     
  • Medium: 2,200 cubic inches, 2 pounds 7 ounces
    
     
  • Large: 2,400 cubic inches, 2 pounds 8 ounces
    
     
• Note the light weight above for each of the Advent Pro sizes. These are a pound or more lighter than many similar size backpacks.
  
   
• Gregory calls the main fabric used in the bag their G fabric. This is a silicone impregnated, 30 denier fabric that is not only ultralightweight, but tear resistant. When you first look at it and feel it, it kind of gives you the impression of crepe paper. But don't let that fool you. It is a very tough fabric. The bottom of the bag is made out of a 210 denier Cordura nylon fabric for extra abrasion protection.
  
   
• The shoulder straps are contoured and foam-padded, and include Gregory's Auto-Adjust Harness. This allows the harness to automatically adjust to your shoulder and current activity. I found the shoulder straps to be very comfortable, never cutting into my shoulders.
  
   
• Gregory's Gullwing waistbelt is sewn-in and well-padded. Although it is very lightweight, it did a good job of supporting the weight of the backpack on my hips. In fact, most of the weight is supported by your hips, not your back, greatly adding to the overall comfort of the bag.
  
   
• The bag's mesh back panel is well padded and breathable, and includes a channel to allow air to more easily move through it, helping to reduce moisture build-up.
  
   
• As this backpack is targeted toward adventure racers, Gregory has designed this bag to make it very easy to quickly access anything stored in or on it. And you don't have to be an adventure racer to appreciate this feature. Here's the "easy access" features of the Advent Pro:
  
   
  • The backpack is divided into two main compartments. The top compartment can be accessed from the top (as you would expect), and also from the back. The bottom compartment is also accessed from the back. This way, you can more easily divide your gear up to make it easier to find.
    
     
  • At the top of the bag is a storage pocket, much like you find in many backpacks. Under it is a battery pocket for a head lamp.
    
     
  • There is a hydration pocket (including two ports) that allow you to store two 70 ounce reservoirs, or one 128 ounce reservoir.
    
     
  • At the back of the pack is a large mesh pocket that can hold a helmet, shoes, or other large gear.
    
     
  • Attached to each side of the waste belt are small mesh pockets to store gear close at hand. On the left backpack shoulder strap is another mesh pocket that can be used to hold your sunglasses, or other small items.
    
     
  • The pack has oodles of straps, lash points, bungee cords, and loops to store almost anything on the outside of your back, including trekking poles, ropes, ice ax, and so on.
    
     
• As you would expect from a Gregory product, the Advent Pro is quality made, and should last you a long time.

Whether you are an adventure racer, or just want a lightweight, technical backpack for your adventures, the Advent Pro is definitely a winner.

Using the Gregory Advent Pro in the Real World

I'll be honest with you, I am not an adventure racer. Sure, I envy these tough guys and gals, but I am just not cut out for extreme sports. But I do like to take advantage of the technology developed for them.

I have found this backpack to be most useful to me (and your opinions will vary) for day hiking, 1-2 night fastpacking, and trekking. Why? First, because of its light weight. Second, because all the pockets, compartments, and other attachments make it easy to organize and access my gear when I want it. Have you every been in a hurry to find toilet paper?

The two mesh pockets on the waist belt often come in handy for storing my compass, knife, snacks, glasses, and other gear, as appropriate.

I also take advantage of the bag's hydration pouch so I don't have to stop to take a drink.

Up to about 20 pounds or so, the Advent Pro is very comfortable to wear. Most of this weight is transferred to your hips, assuming you tighten down the waist straps enough. And even when tightly fastened, the hip belt is always comfortable.

When wearing the pack in hot, humid weather, I didn't find the pack uncomfortable, although no pack is extremely comfortable under these conditions.

Recommendation

If you are into adventure racing, climbing, or technical fastpacking, you will definitely want to check out the Advent Pro. And even if you aren't into these exotic outdoor adventures, but you like the pack's features (such as its ability to organize your gear), you should still check it out for its light weight and overall comfort.

Product Notes

The Advent Pro is currently available in three sizes (see above) and two colors. The MSRP is $129.00. If you like the Advent Pro's light weight, but don't need all the extra "adventure racing" features, check out Gregory's G-Pack.