By: David Gladdish
Light crests over a ridge, reflecting off the still mountain lake at your feet. The sun rays hit you, breathing new life into cold hands, taking the edge off the early morning chill. Having beaten the crowds, you have the place to yourself, an opportunity for peace and contemplation. You pull out your favorite insulated coffee mug, have a seat on a dewy rock, and watch the world come alive around you. Are you ready for this?
Spring is here, bringing hope, renewed purpose, and of course, new hiking opportunities! If you’ve been stuck indoors, trapped in the snow, or just too busy, spring is the perfect time to dust off the hiking boots, don your favorite sunglasses, strap on a new pack, and hit the trail.
Getting back to hiking can feel daunting, just like selecting a new pack may feel overwhelming. With so many hikes to choose from and so many Gregory pack offerings, how do you get started? Simply put, there is no wrong answer, just figuring out what is important to you.
For a simple, streamlined pack, perfect for easy organization, the Arrio bags (available in plus-size) are just right. Finding a nice rambling trail beside an easy-flowing stream is a great way to ease into hiking again.
If you trend towards the steep hikes of mountain trails, the Miwok and Maya are your friends. With the BioSync active suspension that mimics the way the tendons in your bodywork, you can move efficiently and quickly while maintaining comfort.
Spring is a great time to find desert trails before it gets too hot and during the short wildflower season. The Citro H20 and Juno H20 keep you cool with the ventilated VaporSpan suspension which keeps sweat and moisture off your back. With Gregory’s 3D Hydro reservoir included in your purchase, you have easy access to hydration when the afternoons get hot.
Urban parks can be an oasis in the middle of the busy cities that many of us live in. The Nano is a great solution for throwing together a quick grab-and-go bag. Simple and versatile, with fun colors and easy packability, these bags make it easy to get out the door.
The beauty of hiking is that there is no right or wrong way to do it, you just put one foot in front of the other. You can customize each adventure to your liking, whether it’s a flat trail, steep mountain, urban escape, or backcountry challenges. Each Gregory daypack is made to withstand whatever the elements throw at you this spring, it’s just a matter of which one suits your needs the most.