The first thing you’re likely to notice after putting on the Gregory Mountain Products Diablo backpack (MSRP: $59) is that the hip belt is really more of a belly button belt, maybe even a diaphragm belt. That’s by design. The feature is part of Gregory’s new Bio-sync suspension system, featured on eight new packs of varying sizes introduced this spring.
The smallest of the bunch, the Diablo (and women’s specific Dipsea) is a 6-liter grab-and-go trail-running and cycling-specific day pack with just enough room for a midsize hydration system, energy bars, spare tools and tubes and a light extra layer. The torso-hugging Bio-sync system snugs the load comfortably by making use of four elasticized attachment points where the shoulder harness and waist belt connect to the pack.
The notion behind the technology is to create suspension that mimics your upper body in action, although if it’s really working you shouldn’t notice it at all. Features you may notice include internal mesh separator compartments and surprisingly roomy zippered pockets on the waist belt. The integrated “tube management system” keeps the hydration hose out of your face by snapping it back to the shoulder strap and Velcro-ing into place.
Get it: at
