Is bigger, better? The Gregory Targhee 45 Ski Touring Pack

Gregory’s Targhee 32 is widely regarded as an outstanding ski touring pack, and calling it “great” doesn’t do it justice. Over the past 15 years, I’ve tested and reviewed more than 30 ski touring packs, as you can see here. The Targhee remains my all-time favourite. So when I heard Gregory had updated their 45L model, I couldn’t wait to try it out.

The Targhee comes in three sizes: 26L, 32L, and 45L. The main design difference is that the 45L features a fixed brain with two traditional straps, whereas the 26L and 32L have integrated brains as part of the pack. This design in the 45L lets it carry more gear but adds an extra step when accessing the interior through the top, rather than the back panel. The 45L model is also 175g (0.38 lbs) heavier due to its enhanced capacity.

While the 26L is best suited for brief slackcountry laps, the 32L is perfect for day tours. The 45L, however, is the professional’s choice and the workhorse of the lineup, capable of handling extended backcountry trips with heavier loads.

The Targhee 45 boasts solid carrying capacity, an ergonomic shape, and snow-shedding, abrasion-resistant materials that make it both comfortable and virtually bombproof. Top features include a storable built-in helmet carry, zippered back panel access, ski, snowshoe, and snowboard carry options, hydration compatibility, and a front zippered pocket designed for an avalanche tool.

You don’t have to take my word for it—try a Targhee Ski Touring Pack yourself and discover just how ergonomic and thoughtfully designed it is.



Features:

• Built with fabrics using recycled content, resulting in 40% reduction in the carbon footprint compared to a conventional nylon pack
• 1000D Cordura® front diagonal edge guard panel for protection from metal edges
• Anodized Aluminum hardware for easy, durable use in the cold
• VertFlex suspension with anti-barreling cross-stay for support with torsional flexibility
• U-Zip backpanel access with compression-moulded, snow-shedding backpanel design
• Padded shoulder straps with an insulated hydration sleeve and a sternum strap with an integrated safety whistle
• Hipbelt is shaped to work with a harness and includes a zippered pocket and gear loop with ice clipper attachment points
• Bottom reinforced loops for A-Frame ski/splitboard carry.
• Front straps with aluminum hooks can be configured for diagonal carry or vertical snowshoe/snowboard carry
• Internal hydration sleeve with hose routing loops, universal reservoir hanger, and hydration port
• Lightweight, durable bungee ice tool system with Aluminum toggles and pick sleeve
• Floating top pocket with underside zippered pocket and key clip and clearance for a helmet.
• Deployable helmet carry system in a front zippered compartment
• Quick-Pull drawcord closure with large reflective webbing puller.
• Front zippered pocket with sleeves for a probe, shovel handle, and shovel blade
• Dual-layered bottom panel for durability and tubular webbing reinforced haul handle
• Side compression with cam-locking buckles for secure ski-carry
• Custom comfort-grip moulded zipper pulls and glove-friendly hardware

Specs:
Price: $299.95CAN / $249.95US
Sizes: S/M, M/L
Weight: 1.57kg / 3.48lbs
Volume: 42L
Dimensions: 72x 29x29cm / 28.5x11.5x11.5in
Colour: Gamma Red