Best Paragon 40 Rucksack Backpacking Rucksacks

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UOG TOP PICK – For Agile, Well-Balanced Overnights: With a breathable, body-flexing carry system and thoughtful design touches, the Gregory Paragon 40 offers lightweight comfort and stability for fast-paced weekends and minimalist multi-day trips.

Gregory says: 

Crafted for weight-conscious backpackers with serious goals, this pack strikes the ideal balance between comfort and functionality while remaining lightweight. The AirCushion mesh backpanel – composed of over 90% air – ensures you stay cool on the toughest trails. Plus, our convenient On-the-Go pocket is perfect for stashing a snack, your Garmin® inReach®, or sunglasses.

Our Verdict

The Paragon 40 delivers impressive comfort and stability at just 1434g (S/M), making it a strong choice for lightweight overnights or stripped-back multi-day walks. The FreeFloat hipbelt flexes with your stride rather than fighting it, while the mesh back panel does a great job of keeping airflow moving when the pace picks up.

Organisation is straightforward and effective. The floating lid offers useful storage and can be removed to save weight, though it also houses the rain cover, so plan accordingly. I liked the way the compression straps run beneath the side mesh — it keeps the outside clean and snag-free, even when the stretch pockets are fully loaded. Hipbelt pockets are roomy, and the harness adjusts easily to dial in the fit. The shoulder strap pocket is handy for a GPS or snack, but I’d still prefer one on each side.

It carries comfortably up to its 18kg limit, staying balanced and close to the body across mixed terrain.

A lightweight, breathable pack with a flexible carry system and just the right amount of trail-friendly features.

– Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear

Features

• FreeFloat Hybrid Suspension: Hybrid suspension featuring Gregory’s FreeFloat dynamic hipbelt and AirCushion mesh back panel
• Adjustable Torso Length: Adjustable torso length with Breathable AirCushion Mesh backpanel
• On-The-Go Pocket: On-The-Go shoulder strap pocket designed for the Garmin inReach®, your favorite trail snack, or sunglasses
• FreeFloat dynamic hipbelt flex panels that move with the natural movements of your body
• Adjustable torso length with AirCushion mesh backpanel that provides breathable, padded comfort
• 3D comfort cradle hipbelt with 3D construction for hotspot free, body-hugging comfort
• Perforated dual density shoulder harness with sternum strap and hose clip
• On-The-Go shoulder strap pocket designed for the Garmin inReach®, your favorite trail snack, or sunglasses
• Perimeter alloy frame and fiberglass anti-barreling cross-stay for stable load management and torsional flexibility
• Internal hydration sleeve with SpeedClip hydration hanger compatible with Gregory’s 3D Hydro reservoir (reservoir not included)
• Floating top pocket with large zippered compartment and an underside zippered pocket, reflective attachment points
• and key clip
• Dual side stretch mesh pockets, one with side trail access and pass through for over or under compression
• Front oversized stretch mesh pocket with secure buckle closure
• Quick-pull drawcord closure and top webbing compression
• Zippered bottom sleeping bag compartment with removable divider
• Custom molded attachment loop and upper shock lock for trekking poles or an ice axe
• Comfort-grip molded zipper pulls and molded webbing keepers for strap management
• Raincover included in dedicated zippered pocket under top lid for added organization

Specifications

S/M

• Weighs: 1434g
• Recommended maximum carry weight: 18 kg
• Volume: 40L

M/L

• Weighs: 1503g
• Torso length: M/L
• Dimensions: 70H x 35W x 24D cm
• Recommended maximum carry weight: 18 kg
• Volume: 40L

Material & Construction

• Body: 100D High Density Nylon / 210D High Density Nylon with C0 DWR: Designed without PFAS
• Base: 300D 40% Recycled Nylon Ripstop with C0 DWR: Designed without PFAS
• Harness/Hipbelt/Lumbar: Lifespan EVA Foam & AirCushion Mesh
• Chasis Support: Alloy Steel & Fiberglass anti-barreling cross stay & HDPE
• Lining: 40% Post-consumer Recycled 135d Polyester with C0 DWR: designed without PFAS
• Pack Hardware: Bluesign approved buckles
• Rain Cover: Yes

Help & advice:

• The Bluesign System
• The Ultimate Guide to Choosing an Ultralight Rucksack
• Time-Saver Guide to Choosing a Rucksack