COMFORT
The combination of soft, wicking material anywhere that touches the body and an edge binding that resists chafing gives the Gregory Tempo 5 a really cozy feel, even a couple hours into a run. The shoulder straps are wide, spreading out the load. The sternum strap position adjusts up and down on a rail, helping to fine tune the fit. And it pulls from two different points on the pack, again dispersing any potential pressure points.

STABILITY IN MOTION
Excellent stability comes from two places on the Gregory Tempo 5. First a zig-zag strap system runs from the pack to the sternum strap and back to the pack. This pulls more of the pack towards the back, helping to hold everything still. Meanwhile the hydration bladder is split down the middle reducing sloshing and maintaining the water’s vertical position even as it empties.

HYDRATION
The Gregory Tempo 5 is equipped with a two liter baffled Hydrapak bladder. The baffle helps limit sloshing, but also makes it harder to clean out the bottom of the bladder. It stores in the main zip pocket and hangs from an easy to use tag. But we did accidently open the bladder while pulling it out a couple times. We quickly caught the mistake, and most of the time this would be an empty bladder. The hose has a magnet connect for keeping it at hand on the sternum strap.

STORAGE
Despite a clean and minimalist look the Tempo 5 offers plenty of options for storage and organization. Gregory says there’s five liters of room and which our testers agreed seemed about right. Two quick stash pockets sit on the vest sleeves where they’re easy to access, while a third zip pocket offers waterproof protection for electronics. Additional storage can be found with the bladder, plus another large zipper pocket with an internal valuables pocket. Two side pouch pockets could hold a layer or extra water bottles. A unique feature is a trekking pole pocket. Several packs here have some kind of pole storage, but this is the best of the bunch, designed to hold folding poles on the pack where they won’t be noticed. The Tempo 5 has plenty of room for marathons and beyond.

QUALITY OF CONSTRUCTION
Like most Gregory packs this one is backed by a solid return policy that speaks to its quality construction. Despite an abusive bushwhack hike it shows no signs of wear or tear. 

MULTI-SPORT VERSATILITY
We think this pack could work well for adventure races, hiking and mountain biking. The simple pocket layout and descent storage options are suitable for shorter, warm weather adventures.