Gemma Expedition 75 is a great backpack. I could start and basically finish this review with that. However, the nagging feeling that such a review wouldn't be enough for most of you forced me to go back to the very beginning. Right to the moment I first learned that a backpack from the Czech company Gemma even existed...
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + durable material | - hip belt buckle design |
| + two compartments | |
| + duralumin reinforcement | |
| + adjustable top lid | |
| + five pockets | |
| + large number of loops and straps | |
| + expandable with two side pockets, small daypack, and bungee system |
How I met Gemma
Let's go back to 2009, when I decided to take my first trip abroad, straight to Alaska. Since I was planning to spend three demanding months there, during which I intended to hitchhike, live mostly in a tent, and hike every mountain trail I could find, I was looking for a backpack that could handle it all without me having to spend most of my travel budget. I spent quite a long time on the internet comparing various backpacks, but I still couldn't find the right one that would suit me.
Then one day I met a good friend of mine, to whom I confided my troubles with finding a suitable backpack. His answer was simple. "Buy a Gemma," he told me without hesitation. Since he was a friend who had already done some traveling and was in contact with many people of a similar mindset, my decision about the brand of my future backpack was made. Now I just had to choose the right type, size, and color, or consider buying additional accessories for the backpack.
Time-tested quality
After taking a closer look at the Gemma brand, I learned that it is a Czech company and has been manufacturing backpacks since 1983, which pleased me greatly.
I compared two types of backpacks, the Expedition 75 and the Turist 75, which were and still are the two largest types of backpacks Gemma has on offer. In the end, I decided on the Expedition 75. Since it is an older model, it seemed logical to me that it had already been tested by time, and if it weren't high quality, the company would have removed it from their offer long ago. And I must also admit that I like its old-school look, which contributed significantly to my final decision. As for the color choice, I was considering green or orange. But as soon as I found out that it was possible to order the backpack in my favorite black, there was nothing left to solve regarding the color. :-)
After placing the order, I finally received a black Expedition 75 backpack, two additional side pockets, and a small Klíště Expedition daypack.
Gemma under the microscope
So let's take a closer look at my new companion. As the name suggests, the backpack is suitable for longer trips and expeditions. We also learn from the name that it has a base volume of 75 liters, making it one of the larger backpacks on our market. It is also important to mention that it is made of Cordura, which is a very strong and durable fabric used, for example, in the production of military backpacks.
The inside of the backpack is divided into two compartments by a partition equipped with a zipper. You can use the interior space as one whole, or close the partition with the zipper and divide it into two compartments. It also has an X-shaped duralumin back reinforcement, about which I have one small but important observation. During the first demanding hike, this reinforcement "clicked" a bit, which I was worried about at first because I didn't know exactly what happened to it. In the end, I found out that the duralumin reinforcement simply adapted to the shape of my back, and from that moment on, everything was perfectly fine.
Pockets, pockets, and more pockets
Other important features include an adjustable back system and an adjustable top lid, which can be used to increase the total volume of the backpack. On the lid, you will also find two handy straps for attaching, for example, a sleeping mat, a sweater, etc. The backpack has a total of five pockets and a large number of loops and straps for attaching, for example, a tent, clothing, climbing equipment, or even a wet towel that you want to dry while hiking.
I can think of only one thing I would criticize about this backpack, and that is the hip belt buckle. Its closing didn't quite suit me, and I found out that customers at the store also have quite a bit of trouble with it.
I would also like to mention that you can buy side pockets, a crampon pocket, a "spider" (a bungee system for attaching equipment), and a "tick" (a small daypack that can also be worn separately) for this backpack.
Try it on your own back
And with this, we have reached the very end of this review. However, what I wrote at the beginning still holds true: Gemma Expedition 75 is simply a great backpack. :-)
If you have any questions or uncertainties, do not hesitate to call our hotline, where my helpful colleagues will be happy to answer your questions. Or stop by to see me at our Brno store, which is located on Křenová Street. I will be happy to demonstrate this backpack to you in person, and you can try it out with a load on your back in peace. You will see for yourself if it catches your eye like it did mine, or if you simply decide on a different one.
TIP: Already have a backpack but struggling with trek preparation? Don't miss our Step-by-Step series!
