r/backpacking • u/Atomic-pangolin • 2d ago

Wilderness Gregory Backpack help

I bought a Paragon 68 but never got the chance to use it as my trip was cancelled last minute. I have a Baltoro 65 on hold at REI for the same price as I bought the paragon for (like 190). Should I exchange the paragon 68 for the baltoro 65? One of my biggest concerns is ventilation, I know the Baltoro is more of a workhorse. I don’t know what type of backpacking I want to do as I’m still getting into it and have yet to do my first trip, but I know I want to do some. Thanks for the input

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u/UngruntledFed 2d ago

I have the Baltoro 75 and two Paragon 58 packs. Ventilation is going to be about the same between them. I find the Baltoro more comfortable but that’s because it’s padded for more weight. If you can fit what you need in the smaller pack, maybe go with that because the pack itself is going to be lighter. There’s a trade off between comfort and pack weight. They are both great packs.

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u/Ok_Baseball_5409 2d ago

I bought the 68 when REI had them on clearance. I don’t have any thing to compare it with, but I love it and it served me well on the Pemi a few weeks ago

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u/RaylanGivens29 2d ago

I have a Baltoro 65 and Paragon 68. I like the Paragon a lot more, it’s much lighter.

It is 2 lbs lighter which makes a huge difference in my opinion. I think they both carry well and the Paragon has less bells and whistles, which in my opinion get annoying when you get dialed in.

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u/Atomic-pangolin 2d ago

Is it worth having both for someone who really has no idea what I’m doing? Because it is a really great price to grab it. I live in north Texas so options to travel and backpack are a little light, this is all for future plans

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u/onppurr 2d ago

Honestly no. They are similar in size and probably have similar features. I would go to REI have them load up the packs with weights and return the one that you don't like.

This is how I got my latest bag.

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u/RaylanGivens29 2d ago

I don’t think so. I have the paragon for family trips and a ULA for solo trips. I don’t take my baltoro anymore because it’s heavy and has less space it was my first pack and I love it for that. I really think the paragon is where it is at.

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u/Op_arnold1734 2d ago

You haven't even done your first trip yet so i'd stick with the paragon, ventilation matters way more than a workhorse until you know what you actually need

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u/Effective_Willow4109 1d ago

I would retain the Paragon if ventilation is important to you; the mesh back panel truly enhances comfort, and it's more than sufficient for a beginner.