ProView – Gregory Verte 18 Review
As I gear up in the morning in the locker room as a ski patroller, I lug a giant, heavy airbag onto my pack and attempt to shove all my possessions into it. The job of a ski patroller is diverse. First, as most people are aware — there is the medical response, which requires advanced medical certification, detailed training, and carrying a plethora of medical supplies (weighing 10+ pounds) to respond to a wide variety of injuries. Second, patrollers maintain safety of the resort including tower pads, rope lines, and more. The last big category is avalanche mitigation. During storm cycles, triggering avalanches with explosives or ski cuts. Now, I need a pack that can carry my supplies so I can do all of these things. I hate carrying my air bag on non-storm days because it is uncomfortable, bulky, heavy, and fits less than I want. I’ve tried to create a makeshift bag out of para cord, nylon rope, and bungee straps. It functions, but is a constant adjustment and bounces awkwardly on my back. Finally, I found a pack that is the perfect blend of size, fit, accessories, and has versatility for both my long patrol days and fun laps (both resort and short backcountry trips) on days off: the Gregory Verte 18. Below are details that make this pack one-of-a-kind and my now go-to for work as a ski patroller.
Gregory Verte 18
Product Name: Gregory Verte 18
Product Description: Sometimes half the fun of a day on the hill is riding the chairlift. It’s never been easier or more comfortable with the Verte 12. A clean design, without unnecessary loops or webbing, this pack provides easy access to essentiThe Freeride hibbelt moves with your body, while durable, recycled materials protect your precious gear. An insulated hydration sleeve helps keep your water from freezing, while the simple design makes transitioning from chairlift to the slopes efficient and easy. Made with recycled materials, a body-hugging hipbelt, and a simple design, the Verte 18 is built for a perfect day on the hill.al items, while being comfortable and easy to use. The Verte 12 is on and off easily from chairlift to ski slope. Snack and drink comfortably, and glide downhill effortlessly, every time.
Offer price: MSRP: $149.95
Currency: USD
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Quality
(5)
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Features
(4.8)
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Fit
(5)
Summary
The Gregory Verte 18 is the perfect size pack for playful in bounds ski days or short trips in the backcountry. The pockets and organizational structure keeps all my gear where it needs to be and fits well to my body. The elastic hip belt is a dream come true and adjusts to my various amount of layers and dynamic movements while skiing. Add on an insulated hydration sleeve for your bladder and hose and this pack has all the essentials for a fun ski day.
Overall
4.9Pros
- Great for inbound or short tours
- Elastic hip belt is comfortable
- Various features make it user friendly
Cons
- Not large enough for a full ski tour day
Size/Fit
The 18L pack is the perfect size for both work days, quick laps out in the backcountry, and fun play days in bounds. The larger outside zipper-pocket holds my shovel, probe, and snow saw with ease in nice organizational pouches. Closer to the back is a larger zipper pouch that expands. It easily holds my 2L bladder reservoir, an extra layer, nalgene bottle, snacks, and snow study kit. A nice feature is the big pocket has a side of fabric that inhibits the bag from fully opening 180 degrees. In my other ski packs, I frequently loose all my belongings in the snow. The Gregory Verte 18, it opens wide enough to allow easy access to even the smallest item buried in the bottom. The medium/large fit me perfectly (5’11, 175lbs, 31 waist, 38 in chest) even with a variety of layers on. The bag contours well to my body and does not bounce around when skiing groomers or bumps. All the adjustable straps and buckles make it easy to cinch with my gloves on. There are two additional smaller pockets for goggles or phone storage. If you’re looking for an all-in-one ski touring bag, this may be a challenge as the size does not allow for me to take all the supplies I need for a longer ski tour.
Hip Belt
My waist is small/medium, but my torso/height is medium large. So, finding a pack that can fit both my small waist and larger torso has ALWAYS been a struggle – regardless of the pack/sport. The Gregory Verte 18 hip belt is AWESOME! I was skeptical at first about an all elastic hip belt, but I love how it adjusts to my movements as I ski. Even when adding/shedding layers I do not have to keep adjusting it. The large buckle makes it easy to clip with gloves. Not to mention it has a cool geometric pattern, which makes it even more visually appealing.
Hydration Hose
I previously worked in outdoor education where students don’t always take care of their gear – so I’m always worried about bladders being punctured or freezing. I still have hesitations surrounding hydration packs and am slowly integrating them into my life. Inside the backpack is a spot for your hydration pack and an insulated sleeve pocket for your hose. The sleeve pocket is lengthy to allow for different brands and lengths. I’ve never had great success with insulated sleeve pockets and a freezing hose, but Gregory designed this differently. It WORKS! Even during snow storm days, I had no issues with the hose freezing or clumping up with ice.
The Final Word
The Gregory Verte 18 is the perfect size pack for playful in bounds ski days or short trips in the backcountry. The pockets and organizational structure keeps all my gear where it needs to be and fits well to my body. The elastic hip belt is a dream come true and adjusts to my various amount of layers and dynamic movements while skiing. Add on an insulated hydration sleeve for your bladder and hose and this pack has all the essentials for a fun ski day.
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About the Gear Tester
Mike Reilly
Mike worked in outdoor education for almost ten years with a variety of organizations in the mountain west including High Mountain Institute, NOLS, and Wilderness Adventures. His adventures have taken him all across the world and to all 50 states with students. Now, Mike can be found in Park City, Utah where he works as a ski patroller and is also enrolled in nursing school. Outside of work and school, Mike enjoys hiking, climbing, camping, skiing (both resort and backcountry), and meal prepping. His newest passion is woodworking, but he still considers himself an ameature. You can connect with him on instagram @mikereilly4.
