 This Product
Gregory Amber 68 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best Overall Women's Backpack |  Best Bang for Your Buck |  Best for First-Time Backpackers | ||
| Price | $260 List Check Price at REI | $285 List Check Price at REI | $205 List Check Price at REI | $229 List Check Price at REI | $189 List Check Price at REI |
Overall Score  |
|||||
| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | Offering excellent support and versatile organization, this backpack is great for multi-day excursions, provided the large frame doesn't dwarf your body | This comfortable, well-featured women's backpacking backpack won our hearts because of its easy adjustment points and breezy back panel | Get back to basics with this comfortable and affordable pack that can handle heavy loads with grace while providing adequate ventilation | Both affordable and customizable, this pack comes equipped to tackle a variety of adventures, all in a very weight-conscious and beginner-friendly way | This pack offers inclusive sizing, though its stiffness and lack of hipbelt adjustability are drawbacks |
| Rating Categories | Gregory Amber 68 | Osprey Eja 58 | Osprey Renn 65 | REI Co-op Flash 55 | REI Co-op Trailmade 60 |
| Comfort (40%) | |||||
| Ease of Use (25%) | |||||
| Weight-to-Volume Ratio (20%) | |||||
| Adjustability (15%) | |||||
| Specifications | Gregory Amber 68 | Osprey Eja 58 | Osprey Renn 65 | REI Co-op Flash 55 | REI Co-op Trailmade 60 |
| Volumes Available | 34 L, 44 L, 54 L, 68 L | 38, 48, 58 L | 50, 65 L | 55 L | 60 L |
| Sizes Available | One size, adjustable torso; plus sizes available | XS/S, M/L, adjustable torso | One size, extended fit one size; adjustable torso | XS, S, M, adjustable torso | 15-19 torso with XS-L hipbelt; 15-19 torso with XL-3X hip belt; adjustable torso |
| Hydration Compatible | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rain Cover Included | No | No | Yes | No | No |
| Volume We Tested | 68 L | 58 L | 65 L | 55 L | 60 L |
| Measured Volume | 60 L | 45 L | 40 L | 45 L | 50 L |
| Measured Weight | 3.6 lb | 2.7 lb | 3.6 lb | 2.7 lb | 3.1 lb |
| Overall Weight-to-Volume Ratio | 0.85 oz/L | 0.74 oz/L | 0.89 oz/L | 0.79 oz/L | 0.83 oz/L |
| Access | Top, bottom | Top | Top, bottom | Top | Top, U-zip |
| Sleeping Bag Compartment | Yes, removable | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Bear Can Compatible | Yes - Vertical and Horizontal | Yes - verical and horizontal | Yes - Vertical and Horizontal | Yes - Vertical | Yes |
| Organization Compartments | Lid, side pockets, hip belt pockets, main compartment with divider | Lid, mesh side pockets, front stretch pocket, dual zippered pockets on hip belt, main compartment | Lid, side pockets, hip belt pockets, main compartment | Lid, double side pockets, front pocket, hip belt pockets, shoulder strap phone pocket, main compartment | Lid with pocket, front pocket, stretchy water bottle side pockets, hip belt pockets, main compartment |
| Main Materials | Recycled nylon, post-consumer recycled | 100D high-tenacity recycled ripstop nylon | 600D polyester | 100D robic ripstop nylon; bluesign approved | 100D ripstop nylon; secondary exterior: 400D recycled nylon |
| Women's Specific Features | Women's specific fit | Women's specific fit | Women's specific fit | Women's specific fit | Women's specific fit |
It is easy to see how the Amber 68's oversized back pocket provides ample storage for bulky gear. Backpackers who want to haul a lot for more than two or three nights in the backcountry will appreciate the capacity of the chasm-like main compartment. Moreover, considering how much this pack can hold, it weighs 3.6 pounds, which is similar to, if not lighter than, some smaller-capacity packs we tested.
The back panel of the Amber combines traditional padding with a trampoline-style suspension system for a balanced mix of support and airflow. This design helps reduce pressure points while fighting off a sweaty back during long hikes. It also provides a stable, secure feel that moves naturally with your body.
This pack offers a thoughtful mix of compartments that make organizing gear intuitive and efficient, which is especially important when carrying a lot of gear or spending multiple nights out in the wild. Key items can be stored in easily accessible pockets while bulkier gear stays securely in the main compartment. Multiple access points help reduce time spent unpacking and repacking on the trail.
The frame of the Amber can feel oversized, especially for women with smaller or average frames. It may sit taller and wider than expected, which can affect overall fit and balance. This size can make the pack feel a bit overwhelming if you have a shorter build.
This pack's large volume can also feel excessive for most one or two-night outings. It may encourage overpacking or leave extra, unused space. While having unused space in a backpack isn't necessarily a bad thing, toting more gear up a mountain than needed can certainly be uncomfortable.
This pack is a strong choice if you need a high-capacity pack for long expeditions. Its suspension system and storage design make it excellent for multi-day adventures where comfort matters most. However, if you have a smaller or average frame, the fixed, oversized structure may feel bulky. In short, it's a great long-distance hauler—but only if the frame size matches your body well. Most weekend backpackers would do better looking for a smaller capacity pack with a more comfortable fit.
