Loyal customer lost: $425 pack, no raincover, and "garbage bag" advice
I have been a loyal Gregory user for years, recently investing in a Paragon 50 ($425 CAD) for an upcoming 200 km trek. To my shock, Gregory has phased out the included raincover—an essential piece of gear for serious hikers.
While their support team claims this is to "reduce environmental impact," it feels like a cost-cutting measure disguised as sustainability. For a premium technical pack at this price point, a custom-fitted raincover should be standard to prevent the fabric from soaking up water and adding unnecessary weight during a multi-day expedition.
The most disappointing part? When I raised this with their authorized retailer (MEC Canada), I was officially told to "use a garbage bag inside the pack" as a sufficient alternative. When I shared this insulting recommendation with Gregory’s own customer service, they simply brushed it off, stating they have "no control" over their dealers.
As a hiker who has spent over $2,000 on high-end gear recently, being told to resort to a trash bag for a $425 technical investment is a slap in the face. Gregory used to stand for quality and community; now, it seems they prioritize profit margins over the basic needs and loyalty of their customers.
I chose Gregory for reliability, but after this experience, my next pack will likely be from a brand that actually respects its users' expeditions








