From volcanic-desert highlands and river crossings to relentless wind and hard-trudging days, Gregory’s Paragon 50 proved itself a comfy, capable companion on Iceland’s Laugavegur Trail.
Laugavegur’s 55 punishing kilometres demand a more than capable backpack. In August, our tester Neil loaded up the Gregory Paragon 50 and headed into Iceland’s 47,000-hectare Fjallabak Nature Reserve with a mission to hike fast and light. He hadn’t upgraded his pack since 1997, so it was time. (His old pack was a Gregory, “and it’s still fine,” he reports. “But since it was older than my daughters, and I’ve become a gram-counter in my old age, I wanted an upgrade.”)
His new Gregory was winning even before the hike started. He weighed the new and old packs empty, and the Paragon 50 (at 3.6 lbs.) was 3 lbs. lighter. “It was already a winner in my books,” he said. “That was basically the weight of my water saved.”
Through six days on the trail, it became clear that Gregory has built a pack that offers equal measures of comfort, organization and durability.
Comfort (+ Stability) First
One of the standout features of the unisex Paragon 50 is Gregory’s FreeFloat suspension system, which pairs a dynamic hipbelt with a ventilated AirCushion back panel. The hipbelt is designed to move naturally with the body rather than feeling rigidly attached to the pack frame. It sounds like a marketing feature, but on the trail, it genuinely works.
“Even when the Gregory Paragon 50 was empty, it was already winning.”
The Laugavegur Trail is far from flat. Long climbs out of geothermal valleys and rolling volcanic terrain constantly shift your balance. “Thanks to the hipbelt and back panel, the Paragon moved naturally with me, so I never felt like I was fighting against it, even during sketchy traverses and descents,” says Neil.
Even carrying enough gear and food for a six-day trip, the load transfer remained excellent. “Most of the weight stayed firmly on my hips, keeping my shoulders pretty fresh during long days,” says Neil. “The adjustable torso also made it easy to dial in the fit at the beginning. Then I never felt the need to fiddle with much after that.”
“The Paragon moved naturally with me, so I never felt like I was fighting against it, even during sketchy traverses and descents.”
Ventilation Star
Iceland isn’t known for sweltering temperatures even in summer, but the grind of up-and-down backpacking still generates a lot of body heat. The AirCushion mesh back panel creates a noticeable gap between the pack and your back, improving airflow compared with traditional foam-backed designs. “During steep climbs toward Hrafntinnusker, I still worked up a sweat, but my back never felt soaked or clammy,” says Neil. “When winds blew across ridges, the airflow helped dry things super quickly. Good venting is one of those features I appreciate every day of a trek.”
Smarter Storage
Fifty litres is a sweet spot for hut-to-hut hiking or lightweight backpacking, and the Paragon makes good use of every single litre. The pack offers top-loading access alongside a full-length side zipper that allows quick entry into the main compartment. “At first I wondered whether I would use the side zipper much,” says Neil, “but by the second day, it had become one of my favourite features. Instead of unpacking half the bag to find my shell or stove, I could simply unzip the side panel and grab what I needed.”
The pack offers top-loading access alongside a full-length side zipper that allows quick entry into the main compartment.
The oversized front stretch pocket is perfect for storing rain gear, a towel or wet layers. The large side pockets can hold sizeable water bottles, while the hipbelt pockets keep gels, phone and keys within reach.
A particularly useful detail is the shoulder-strap “On-The-Go” pocket. Gregory designed it for devices such as a Garmin inReach, but it also works well for sunglasses and quick-access snacks. Organization feels thoughtful rather than excessive. There are enough pockets to keep gear accessible without turning the pack into a maze of compartments.
Some hikers may find the numerous straps and adjustment points a little overwhelming at first. And while the pack handles moderate loads exceptionally well, dedicated expedition travellers carrying heavy gear may want something bigger with a more robust suspension. “Gregory calls this a pack for a weekend, but I travelled light, so the 50L was more than enough space for me for six days,” says Neil. “I used all the outside loops and buckles to hold my tent, trekking poles and other random gear as needed.”
Built for Icelandic Conditions
Iceland can be tough on equipment. Volcanic sand gets everywhere, winds can be fierce and rough lava rock can easily tear weak fabrics. But according to Neil, “the pack felt durable throughout the trip, and after several days of being dropped onto rocky ground and stuffed into huts, it showed no sign of wear.” The materials are also PFAS-free, with recycled content incorporated into several components of the pack.
Gregory Paragon 50: Adventure Catalyst
The Paragon 50 feels purpose-built for rough-and-tumble adventures like Iceland’s Laugavegur Trail. It carries comfortably, ventilates well, offers excellent organization and remains stable over pretty much any terrain. “What impressed me most wasn’t any one feature but how everything worked together,” says Neil. “After several big, tiring days, the pack was just a central part of our routine. Knowing it was comfortable and up to the task, I could take in the scenery and focus on not spraining an ankle!”
For hikers looking for a versatile multi-day pack that prioritizes comfort without sacrificing functionality, the Paragon 50 deserves a place at the top of the shortlist. –Ned Morgan
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