Yep - I have a Denali Pro. I've had mine for, WOW, 7 years now. It is excellent. It has LOTS (maybe too many) of straps and bells and whistles, BUT there is nothing like it for hauling everything AND the kitchen sink - medium size is 6,450 cu., inches - plenty big!!!! It is my "every season but summer" pack.
It is the most comfortable pack i have ever worn (i used to work at an EMS part-time so had access to EVERYTHING), hands down. Dana's are nice, so are Arc'Teryx and Osprey, BUT no comparison to the Gregory Denali. Maybe a McHale would be better, but i don't know how. I've carried a measured 72lb Winter Load (and a couple other trips that i think were heavier), and though heavy, it wasn't uncomfortable. I don't even notice week long walks with 50lb loads in it. It rides very well. No shoulder or hip pain at all - make sure you get your torso length measured correctly and you won't have any problems.
I also bought a PetitDru Pro for my now wife (GF then) - identical as the Denali Pro, but smaller and the fabric is blue. She loves it as well (and is NOT a huge fan of backpacking so i gotta make it as comfy as I can!!!!)
I have reviewed it on summitpost (dot) com and elsewhere, but suffice to say, when (and if) i ever wear it out, i'll buy another one that same day. The bottom of the pack has this super tough fabric that is, well, super tough. I have managed to drag it, drop it and even threw it once and it looks ***almost*** like new. Except for some black scuff marks on the bottom, not even close to anything looking like wear, it has no abrasions, tears or anything, just the black skid marks on the bottom from the asphalt. It still looks great. I think they are still made in the States (Temecula, CA i think...). BTW, i don't work for them or have any other type of relationship other than appreciating their top-quality gear.
It's pretty heavy, even empty, but you won't notice 'cause the suspension, which pivots to match the angle of your hips and shoulders, is so well designed. The padding is not that cheap, cushy stuff found on less well-designed packs (sorry, i don't mean to bash other packs/brands), but actually provides some real support and padding. I can't recommend it highly enough. Buy one and enjoy.
Once you try it on and use it the first time, you will know the difference and won't regret your purchase. Also, you'll likely never need another pack, unless you take short trips in the summer.
Mm
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