As the previous reviewer did a very fine job of explaining many of the features of this FIVE STAR pack, I prefer to instead focus my review on the importance of sizing this pack correctly, which in my opinion, is absolutely crucial to your happiness. The pack itself comes in three sizes, the belt also comes in three sizes, and the adjust-a-cant system can be set at three different hip angles. While there are of course other fine adjustments to be made, these three main adjustments are the most crucial for a proper and comfortable fit.
First, the pack comes in small - torsos 16 to 18 inches, medium - torsos 18 to 20 inches, and large - torsos 20 to 22 inches. These sizes relate to different overall pack storage amounts of 100, 106, and 115 liters. This is definitely not a case of you getting to choose your desired storage capacity. It is about correct torso sizing only. You must have your torso properly measured, either by a local backpacking professional, or by using the guidelines listed at numerous websites. An incorrect torso size, either too big or too large, will cause the pack to sit uncomfortably on your back and could also cause excess swing (movement up and down) and sway (movement side to side.) Both will cause at the least, discomfort, and at the worst, suffering when carrying heavy loads. In addition you will be wasting a fair amount of your energy. You absolutely must get your torso size correct!
Second, the hip belt comes in small, medium, and large. When you wrap the belt around your waist the padded portion should come to no closer than 4 inches from your belly button, 5 inches would be even better. (Hopefully, the dealer you go to will have more than one belt size for you to try.) If you don't have the proper distance from pads' end to navel, the pack's weight will not properly distribute around your hips and again, you will suffer. One size may not fit you for any length of time so you must be prepared to switch out the belt if you gain or loose weight. Personally, I have gone from a large to a medium, and am now going to switch to a small. Even if your dealer doesn't have your belt size, or you buy online here at Amazon.com, so you can't test different belt sizes, this is not a major issue, as you can order a new belt set directly from Gregory/Black Diamond Customer Service in Salt Lake City.
Third, the adjust-a-cant waist harness can be set at three different angles depending on the slope of your hips. In general, men will set it to the least or medium slope and women will set it the medium or greatest slope. Try the cant at more than one angle so that you can get a better idea of which slope angle works best for your hips' slope.
It is true that the pack is loaded with straps everywhere. However, each set of straps serves a very different purpose and it should take no time at all to understand each strap's function. I use and appreciate every strap.
A nice feature of this pack is its removable top, which converts into a very roomy lumber day pack. It has its own belt with its own belt clasp set, or if you don't want to carry two clasp sets, you can remove the belt clasps from the pack itself and use them with the lumber pack. I usually carry a Marmot shoulder strap with me to provide extra stability and security when I use the lumbar pack by itself.
I don't know if it is still the case, since Gregory sold-out to Black Diamond, but in the past, the Denali Pro was the only major product in the Gregory line made in the United States. The quality of American workmanship (versus Asian workmanship, which is where all of their other packs are manufactured, the Philipines I think.) shows remarkably and this is another great plus with this pack. It is tough as nails!
After all of these years, this pack is still the be-all-end-all of expedition packs, a veritable tank. As the previous reviewer has very well pointed out, don't be put-off by the pack's seemingly high empty weight. There are darn good reasons why this pack is on the heavy side when empty. It is due to its outstanding quality, durability, features, and last but not least, its unrivalled ability to carry heavy loads comfortably.
This pack is somewhat expensive, but as far as I am concerned, it is worth its weight in gold. In fact, I consider the Gregory Denali Pro to be the gold standard in expedition backpacks.
