Detailed Evaluation of Gregory Facet 55 Backpack

In the realm of ultralight backpacking, the Gregory Facet 55 stands out as a spacious and well-featured option for multi-day adventures. However, it's essential to consider other top contenders in the market to make an informed decision. Here's a comparison of the Facet 55 with some of the best ultralight backpacking packs of 2025.

| Backpack | Capacity | Weight | Key Features & Pros | Comparison to Gregory Facet 55 (55L, ~1.65 kg) | |---------------------------|-----------|------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | **Gregory Facet 55** | 55 L | ~1.65 kg (1646g) | Spacious, well-featured with mesh pockets, adjustable back, good load transfer, but somewhat bulky straps | Solid volumetric capacity and comfort for multi-day trips but bulkier straps | | **Outdoor Vitals Skyline**| ~38-40 L | 1 lb 9 oz (approx 0.76kg) | Lightweight, durable stretch fabric, rolltop entry, fits winter sleeping bag or bear can, versatile fit | Much lighter, smaller volume, great for fastpacking and short trips | | **Pa’lante Joey** | 24 L | 13.9 oz (0.39 kg)| Extremely light, dual shoulder pockets, simple design, limited capacity | Significantly lighter, but much smaller capacity, better for minimalist load | | **ULA Equipment Ultra X Nexus** | 40 L | 22.3 oz (0.63 kg) | Frameless, sewn-in hip belt, durable, good storage, designed for 20-25 lb kits | Lighter and smaller, focused on durability and ultralight load range | | **Gregory Maven 55** | 55 L | 1646g (same as Facet 55) | Spacious, great pocket organization, adjustable back system, bulky stiff straps (similar issues to Facet 55) | Similar weight and volume, similar fit issues with straps |

Ultralight backpackers who prioritise a 50-55L capacity may find the Gregory Facet 55 competitive, offering excellent volume and useful features for multi-day backpacking with ultralight gear. However, for those who prioritise ultralight weight, packs like the Pa’lante Joey (24L, 0.39 kg) or the Outdoor Vitals Skyline (approx 0.76 kg) are far lighter but come with much smaller capacity.

The ULA Equipment Ultra X Nexus strikes a balance with a frameless, durable design, lighter weight, and 40L capacity, suitable for fastpacking or lighter loads. The Gregory Maven 55 is a close sibling to the Facet 55 in weight and volume but shares some similar fit constraints.

The Facet 55's materials are fairly standard compared to other ultralight packs in its price range. For instance, the REI Co-op Flash uses 100 and 420-denier nylon, while the Osprey Eja 58 uses 100-denier nylon in the body and bottom, with 400-denier nylon patterned throughout. The Facet features thinner materials compared to Gregory's top-of-the-line Deva.

The Gregory Focal 58, designed for men, offers three liters more capacity, weighs slightly more, is available in three men's specific sizes, and features a blue colorway rather than the Facet's red. Gregory claims to have reduced the Focal and Facet's overall footprint by about 29 percent, including lowering carbon emissions, water pollution, smog formation, and energy use.

The pack comes with an included rain cover and detachable weather flap. The Osprey Eja 58 is the most direct competitor to the Gregory Facet 55, with a similar feature set, load limit (35 lbs.), and price point ($240). However, the Facet 55 does not include a sleeping bag compartment.

The Gregory Facet 55 is an ultralight backpack with a simplified design, weighing 2 pounds 8.8 ounces for the women's size small. It has one access point to the main compartment and six external pockets. The pack features a ventilated suspended mesh backpanel for air passage between the pack and the body. The women's Gregory Facet comes in three sizes: extra small, small, and medium.

For ultralight backpackers seeking a balance between size and weight, the Gregory Facet 55 offers a spacious 55L capacity and useful features, making it competitive for multi-day backpacking trips.
In comparison, the Pa'lante Joey (24L, 0.39 kg) and the Outdoor Vitals Skyline (approx 0.76 kg) are lighter options with smaller capacities, ideal for fastpacking or minimalist load backpacking.
The ULA Equipment Ultra X Nexus provides a balance with its frameless design, lighter weight, 40L capacity, and durability, suitable for fastpacking or lighter loads.
In the realm of fashion-and-beauty, the Gregory Focal 58, designed for men, shares a similar weight class with the Facet 55 but features a blue colorway and three men's specific sizes, offering an additional 3L capacity compared to the Facet.
The technology aspect of the Gregory Facet 55 includes an included rain cover and detachable weather flap, with its direct competitor, the Osprey Eja 58, featuring a similar feature set, load limit, and price point, but lacks a sleeping bag compartment.