Meet Laura Walker and Her Gregory Deva 60

This post is part of a series in which ladies on the road offer a review of their backpack. Today’s review is from Laura Walker who has traveled around the world and is currently on a USA road trip.

I’m Laura Walker, and I run a travel blog called A Wandering Sole.

Last year I took an 8-month trip around the world to explore more of Africa and see what Southeast Asia is all about. I love to travel, run, and converse over tea. And when I’m not traveling, I’m usually planning my next trip.

I’m currently on the road to Portland, wrapping up a 2-month road trip across the US.

What’s your backpack brand and model? How much does this backpack typically cost?

Gregory Deva 60. It’s a pricier pack at over $200, but I found a great deal on it when I bought it. It’s definitely worth the investment.

>> You can buy the Gregory Women’s Deva 60 Backpack on Amazon.

How long have you had your backpack and where have you traveled with it?

I’ve had it for almost 2 years now. It’s been on an 8-month trip to 20 countries and on a 10-week trip to South Africa.

What factors were most important to you in choosing a backpack? How did you come to choose this one?

I did lots of research. I traveled for a summer with a backpack I borrowed from a friend and learned my lesson! That backpack was too large (if you have the space, I promise you’ll fill it up), it was too big for my torso, and just not comfortable. I wanted a pack that properly fit and had compartments particular to my travel needs. It had to be comfortable enough to walk a few miles with and not feel like my shoulders would fall off.

What do you like most about your backpack? Any down sides?

I love that you can order the Deva in different torso sizes because the adjustable packs never seem to stay in place. I like the compartments and the size of this pack as well. The only downside is that it’s top-loading instead of front-loading. You have to be organized to use it and sometimes you have to be willing to pull several things out to get to something specific.

Tell us about the fit and comfort level of your backpack.

Love it! But don’t take my word for it. Go to a store that specializes in this sort of thing and get properly fitted. I walked around with weights in this pack at the store to see how it would feel when it was actually packed full of my stuff.

If you want to take your backpack as carry-on luggage, can you?

Probably not. If it weren’t very full, you might be able to, but I think it’s a bit too large.

Have you found the size to be too small, just right, or too large?

I would say just right. I try to pack it to where it’s comfortably full but there’s a lot of flexibility to expand it at the top so you can throw in souvenirs on your way home. 

Overall, would you recommend your backpack?

Overall, I’d definitely recommend it. It has lots of compartments… at the top I put my running shoes, at the bottom I put my sleeping bag, in the front pocket I put my guidebook, and in the side pockets I put all those small things like Advil, padlock, pens, etc. It’s a great size, comfortable, and really durable.

Laura, thanks for telling us how you and your bag have fared as you’ve traveled together in 20 countries! Learn more about Laura, her experiences in Africa, and her world travels at A Wandering Sole. You can also connect with her on Twitter @awanderingsole and Facebook.