trek paragon review

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Trek Paragon review

Joint-effort big wheeler

Russell Burton

Guy Kesteven

Gary Fisher were the first mainstream brand to go 29er a decade ago, and now they’ve been integrated into the Trek brand. So has all the extra effort and upheaval behind the integration been worth it?

Ride & handling: Unusual but rewarding position

The bars create the biggest first impression, putting your hands right back towards your lap for an upright ride position. At first it feels weird in a flat-steering-wheel, bus-driver way. But give it time and the lightened yet authoritative feel helps the front float over rough sections.

It also offsets increased front wheel weight when you're lifting the bike up steps or wheelying across ditches or off drops, and keeps weight back on steep descents. Fans of backswept bars will say their wrists have never felt better, although some of our testers felt the shortened reach restricted breathing and enthusiasm for attacking the trail.

While switching to a straighter bar gives a more aggressive ride position, the Paragon is still a more relaxed character than other 29ers. The light G2 steering and stiff fork axle/tapered head tube mean front wheel placement accuracy and line holding is good on ground the tyres grip on.

The long rear end means a wide turning circle and a less snappy feel in the tighter stuff, and you’ll soon run out of corner if you try and push the pace too hard on snaking singletrack.

The tyres and wheels aren’t particularly light, which means a slow heave out of tight corners or stalling situations. However, the whole bike is pretty fat-free. It climbs and accelerates well in middle and big ring gears. The Bontrager rubber rolls well, making this a fast and easy cruising bike for long-haul riding.

It’s not the stiffest in terms of pedalling feel, but that’s repaid with a smooth overall ride. The jolt-reducing effect comes from a combination of quality fork and well-shaped frame, plus flex in the backswept bars and skinny seatpost.

The tubeless-ready compatibility of the rims and tyres mean softer, lower-pressure running is a couple of rim strips and squirts of sealant away. Lower tyre pressures would offset the tendency of the plasticky-feeling tyres to slide on harder, wet surfaces.

Frame: Well-suited to stiffness

As the top alloy-framed bike in the eight-strong Gary Fisher Collection hardtail range, the Paragon gets the most advanced hydroformed 6066 alloy tubeset. This includes a stubby top and bottom reinforced head tube for the tapered E2 steerer fork.

The down tube gets a subtle curve and expansion tweak behind the head tube. Both main tubes use a rounded geometric section that ends up ovalised at the seat tube for increased lateral stiffness.

The seat tube uses an extended top with three clamp slots to spread any potential crack/fatigue load, and there’s a bolted collar to hold the skinny 27.7mm seatpost.

Equipment: Unusual backswept bar

Out back, mid-section rectangular stays curve past crank and ankle areas to forged drop-outs. These include a rear-facing disc mount to reduce torque stress on the stays, although it’s still a heavier, fiddlier IS rather than post-style mount.

The braceless rear stays leave generous mud clearance around the tyres. Five frame sizes, from 15.5in to 23in, should cater for most riders. The Fox fork gets a 15mm QR axle with a custom 51mm G2 geometry offset at the fork crown.

A 185mm front rotor adds extra stopping power to the Avid brakes, while a Shimano/SRAM mix delivers a reasonable 30-speed transmission for the money.

Bontrager wheels and fat, low-tread tyres provide the rolling stock. The finishing kit is Bontrager too, including the backswept Big Sweep bar gripped in the short stem.

Whatever you think of the backswept bar, the Paragon is a naturally easy and efficient cruiser with the appropriate kit to enhance its relaxed ride. Low weight and fast tyres make it deceptively quick, although it’ll come unstuck if you try and push the pace too hard on tight, technical trails.

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Trek 2011 Paragon

1 Review for 2011 Paragon

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Gary Fisher/Trek Paragon

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I want to buy the 2011 Paragon HT but keep reading about broken frames!! I was told by TREK that there was a production change in May 2009 that fixed the issues. HAS anyone bought a Paragon after Summer 2009 and had frame cracks?? I am curious how much of a weight difference the Excalibur has to the Paragon, because I could live with the 2011 Excalibur with a brake upgrade. Weights anyone? Thanks, Al  

I am pretty sure the paragon and xcal frames are the same. They certainly used to be when I got mine.  

The xcal uses different aluminum this year and will be a little heavier. Paragon also has the tapered headtube.  

The '11 frames are different than the 08, 09, and 10 frames too.  

Thanks. I am still tending towards the X-cal with a brake upgrade. I don't mind a little extra weight vs. the Paragon, but I do not want a tank for a HT. If anyone knows the weight of a stock GF/TREK X-cal 2011 that would porbably solve the issue.  

2011, xcal 17.5 " changed to a heavier seat changed rear tire to heavier 2.2" kenda nevagal installed shimano 520 pedals weighs 27 lbs , on my bathroom scale  

the brakes on my xcal have been fine, what did you want to upgrade to?  

Hey Dan you're Great. 27 Lbs. not bad with Pedals. I could upgrade to Elixir 5 for another 250 USD. This shop takes trade-ins so I would throw my 7 year old hardtail against that amount. I already have Juicy 5s on my Fully, and would prefer to stay away from Juicy 3s on the X-cal being 6 ft. 3in. and 185 Lbs.  

i've got juicy 3 brake on my gary fisher hi fi 2010, i wanted to upgraded it with used juicy 7 but the hose were too short and it didn't brake well. I've put back the oem juicy 3 and it work great, since then 40 miles rolling qith juicy 3  

osorio said: I could upgrade to Elixir 5 for another 250 USD. T. Click to expand...

The breakage issues were HIGHLY exaggerated. The only broken Trek 29er I've seen in the last 4 years working at a Trek dealer was a Superfly that was taken off a ten foot drop. I've never seen a broken aluminum frame. All aluminum Fisher 29ers until the 2011 model year had the same frame. Strange to read things like the X-Cal broke more often than the Paragon despite being the same exact frame. The 2011 Paragon in a better buy than the X-Cal. The X-Cal has Juicy 3s which aren't nearly as good as the Elixir and are really an obsolete design that SRAM should ditch. Also the Paragon gets a Fox F29 RL with a tapered head tube. If you can find a shop that has a 2010 X-Cal in stock. Buy it. The 2011 bikes aren't spec'd as nice as some of the 2010 bikes. 2010 X-Cal had a Fox fork and Duster rims.  

The Paragon will also have the BB30 bottom bracket!  

After looking at all the above info, I agree with everything. The Paragon is a better buy vs. a 250 buck X-Cal upgrade in the 2011 models. The MAIN problem is just reading MTBR's history of reviews on the Paragon right on this Website. There's an unusually high amount of broken frame stories in the area of the seat tube. Again, Trek wrote to me and confirmed and said it was fixed. But yes, what GTR-33 says about "how can the same frames have a different rate of cracking, because both frames were identical prior to 2011? I can't answer this one either... The other argument is, Take the Paragon anyway because TREK will surely cover with a new frame if it is a defect. Thanks again to all.  

the 2011 frames are a different than the ones that were known for breaking  

did trek say there was a production change in 09? what does that mean??? Prior to that there were multiple local frame changes which didnt work throughout 06-09. I think more frames broke after they initiated the extra gusset at the TT/ST junction. Other 29er HT manufacturers have been working fine without such extra gussets ehich makes me think the issue was maybe inconsistent welding? Consider in mind that the lifetime warranty is pretty unique to GF as far as big brands go. They stopped that now so i reckon frame break warranties will drop too !  

mozami said: did trek say there was a production change in 09? what does that mean??? Prior to that there were multiple local frame changes which didnt work throughout 06-09. I think more frames broke after they initiated the extra gusset at the TT/ST junction. Other 29er HT manufacturers have been working fine without such extra gussets ehich makes me think the issue was maybe inconsistent welding? Consider in mind that the lifetime warranty is pretty unique to GF as far as big brands go. They stopped that now so i reckon frame break warranties will drop too ! Click to expand...

I bought a used Paragon frame and built it up and have had no problems with it, but I do stand up and take better lines with it knowing about frame breakage issues-since I do not have a waranty. Nothing I have ridden rides better (I think), and you can't beat a Paragon for price and warranty compared to other top end aluminum hardtail 29er's . If it breakes you might end up getting a Superfly frame which is worth 4x's what the Paragon frame is worth. For me it was a good starting point for my first 29er, and figured if it did break I would just buy a Niner or Vassago or Salsa frame NEW to replace it.--- But everyone I know who had a Paragon has had a cracked frame in the same place  

EVERY joe,dick and henry around my neck of the woods rides fisher bikes and not one person has ever had a frame fail on them. its just on this web site is where all the imfamus breakage is. im gonna save,lie cheat and steal this winter for either a paragon or giant xtc1. for 2k those two rides cant be beat. but i think mabey one of the trek dealers can get me a paragon for around 1850.00ish.  

I bought a 2009 Paragon loved it ..It cracked,I was given a 2010 replacement frame. I didn't miss a single minute on the trails with the issue warranty is awesome and after being sceptical to Trek fixing the issue I am now convinced. I have now done a years riding weighing 120 kg on the 2010 without issue and I ride hard and "race" 6 8 and 24 hour events on it! A real good mate has the Giant xtc1 29 and it is also a great bike,stiffer up front BUT the issues he has had with "turkey wobble" on the rear seat stays causing all sorts of breaks to squeal leaves me happy with my choice!  

Giant switched to Shimano brakes for 2011. The Avids squeeled, supposedly. I rode a Paragon and an XTC 29 1. both are killer bikes. Even though i've had a Trek for the last 13 years, i'm leaning toward a 2011 XTC 29er 1. The G2 didn't jive with me as much as i'd hoped.  

osorio said: I want to buy the 2011 Paragon HT but keep reading about broken frames!! I was told by TREK that there was a production change in May 2009 that fixed the issues. Click to expand...

osorio said: I am curious how much of a weight difference the Excalibur has to the Paragon, because I could live with the 2011 Excalibur with a brake upgrade. Weights anyone? Click to expand...

Thanks for awesome close up pics of the Paragon!  

Mark Strong said: The Paragon will also have the BB30 bottom bracket! Click to expand...

hootsmon said: Also pls don't quote me, but I *think* the Excalibur has an identical frame, just a different parts selection Click to expand...

blunderbuss said: Sorry for quoting you. Paragon is unique this year. Different alloy, tapered headtube, BB95 Click to expand...

Yes, The 2011 Paragon has a higher level Aluminum compared to the 2011 X-Cal. Just based. I think it is a 6066 on Paragon vs. 6061( and something about T6 meaning heat treated and aged) Only 2011 models have the difference between X-cal and Paragon. I will go with Paragon because the Rims and Fork plus the (Higher Quality Frame) alone more than justify the cost. Finally, Everyone I read or hear from that had a Frame break on an original purchase got a free replacement, so no big deal. I Like Trek and am very happy with my 2007 Top Fuel 8 and want to "stay in family" with my first 29er HT purchase. Thanks for the PICS  

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Trek Paragon review

• by Cyclesgo

Gary Fisher were the first mainstream brand to go 29er a decade ago, and now they’ve been integrated into the Trek brand . So has all the extra effort and upheaval behind the integration been worth it? The bars create the biggest first impression, putting your hands right back towards your lap for an upright ride position. At first it feels weird in a flat-steering-wheel, bus-driver way. But give it time and the lightened yet authoritative feel helps the front float over rough sections.

It also focus jarifa 6.8 offsets increased front wheel weight when you’re lifting the bike up steps or wheelying across ditches or off drops, and keeps weight back on steep descents. Fans of backswept bars will say their wrists have never felt better, although some of our testers felt the shortened reach restricted breathing and enthusiasm for attacking the trail.

While switching to a straighter bar gives a more aggressive ride position, the Paragon is still a more relaxed character than other 29ers. The light G2 steering and stiff fork axle/tapered head tube mean front wheel placement accuracy and line holding is good on ground the tyres grip on. The long rear end means a wide turning circle and a less snappy feel in the tighter stuff, and you’ll soon run out of corner if you try and push the pace too hard on snaking singletrack.

The tyres and wheels aren’t particularly light, which means a slow heave out of tight corners or stalling situations. However, the whole bike is pretty fat-free. It climbs and accelerates well in middle and big ring gears. The Bontrager rubber rolls well, making this a fast and easy cruising bike for long-haul riding. It’s not the stiffest in terms of pedalling feel, but that’s repaid with a smooth overall ride. The jolt-reducing effect comes from a combination of quality fork and well-shaped frame, plus flex in the backswept bars and skinny seatpost. 

The tubeless-ready compatibility of the rims and tyres mean softer, lower-pressure running is a couple of rim strips and squirts of sealant away. Lower tyre pressures would offset the tendency of the plasticky-feeling tyres to slide on harder, wet surfaces.

Frame: Well-suited to stiffness

As the top alloy-framed bike in the eight-strong Gary Fisher Collection hardtail range, the Paragon gets the most advanced hydroformed 6066 alloy tubeset. This includes a stubby top and bottom reinforced head tube for the tapered E2 steerer fork. The down tube gets a subtle curve and expansion tweak behind the head tube. Both main tubes use a rounded geometric section that ends up ovalised at the seat tube for increased lateral stiffness.

The focus jarifa 6.8 seat tube uses an extended top with three clamp slots to spread any potential crack/fatigue load, and there’s a bolted collar to hold the skinny 27.7mm seatpost.

Equipment: Unusual backswept bar

Out back, mid-section rectangular stays curve past crank and ankle areas to forged drop-outs. These include a rear-facing disc mount to reduce torque stress on the stays, although it’s still a heavier, fiddlier IS rather than post-style mount. The braceless rear stays leave generous mud clearance around the tyres. Five frame sizes, from 15.5in to 23in, should cater for most riders. The Fox fork gets a 15mm QR axle with a custom 51mm G2 geometry offset at the fork crown.

A 185mm front rotor adds extra stopping power to the Avid brakes, while a Shimano/SRAM mix delivers a reasonable 30-speed transmission for the money. Bontrager wheels and fat, low-tread tyres provide the rolling stock. The finishing kit is Bontrager too, including the backswept Big Sweep bar gripped in the short stem.

Whatever you think of the backswept bar, the Paragon is a naturally easy and efficient cruiser with the appropriate kit to enhance its relaxed ride. Low weight and fast tyres make it deceptively quick, although it’ll come unstuck if you try and push the pace too hard on tight, technical trails.

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Gary Fisher Paragon 29er Hardtail

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Frame, Fork, Rear Der, shifters,

Stock Tires/Seat/Avid Elixr 5 brake levers/brake shoes/chain

Bought the '11 last year on closeout at a LBS for $1300 and change. The stock brake shoes appear to have been contaminated and despite several attempts to clean and break-in they reside in the trash as of last weekend (replaced with Serfas). Also the brakes were not properly bled and the shop was not willing to fix for free (go figure). I tossed the seat (always do) and grips and cut down the bars a few inches (at 6'2" the bars are still 4" too wide). I think the bike is overpriced at MSRP (when specialized bikes come with better builds at the same price point) and my review is based on the price I paid. I changed out the tires (to a 1.9" small block pattern) and think the wheels are a little weak for a 200# rider. Rebuilt the rear wheel last saturday with DT stainless (not anodized) spokes and it should hold up. Bottom line, use some of the money you save to buy a bleed kit (Jenson was cheapest) and brake pads (you should bleed these Avids every year). It's a solid bike and with 1400 miles on mine, it seems to be holding up well.

Similar Products Used:

SRAM X9, Juicy 5 Brakes, Fox shocks, Superlight, Great looks, Climbs like a goat, rolls over everything in it's path

Seat, nothing else yet

This is my first 29er, which I bought used a couple years old. I have owned 7 or 8 26"ers before and everything they say about the 29er is true! Fast, rolls over everything, who needs full suspension, buy a 29er, what a change in biking....wish I would have bought this bike a year ago! This is by far the best bike I have owned and it's replacing my Giant ATX 870 26"er, which I now have up for sale. I still have a Trek 26" that I will keep, but I have a feeling I will be riding this bike every chance I get. I looked at all the reviews on this bike and most of them are all true, not too much wrong with this bad boy. I have the Powder Blue one, which at first I was unsure about, but now I just love it, the color grows on you and with the right accessories it's a pretty sick looking bike. I truly love my GF 29er! If you can get your hands on one of these bikes, don't hesitate, grab it, you will not be disappointed. Buy it used and save yourself a pile of money. Mine is 2 years old, bought new for $2200.00 and I purchased it for $620, what a steal!!!! Start saving today, this bike is all the bike you'll ever need!!!

Strong responsive frame, incredibly light, great color.

None that I can tell so far

Bought my Paragon used from a buddy. Running Sram XO components, stans wheel set, reba race fork. Love this bike. Flies along the single track like a dream. Super light bike, my neighbor has a carbon superfly HT, almost same weight!

Great components, my model was a 2011, came with x9. I have had no problems with the drivetrain. The fox 32 f100 rl that it came with has taken a lot of punishment from small jumps and hauling balls down hills and has held up exceptionally well. The bontrager mustang wheel set have been great, no problems whatsoever or any tacos thank god. The paragons frame just makes you want to go faster, I go up and down hills as fast as the trail and my body allows and have never felt like my bike was struggling to keep up. It's just a great bike. And the color is pretty awesome I don't know why everyone's hating on it

Elexer 5 brakes, I didnt include these brakes in the rating because I feel they do not represent the quality of the bike. The brakes have Been bled 3 times, replaced pistons, replaced both organic an steal pads, and have spent many nights in the shop but still the lever will hit the grips without full braking force.

This is a great bike, it does what it's supposed to, bomb down hills and get up just as fast. In the 2 years I have had this bike I have had no problems. If you want a 29er I would recommend it.

I like the fact that I got this for way under the MSRP. It's light, strong, and very nimble. It doesn't flex and feel cheap. It's sturdy and gives you that feeling to keep riding. The shock on it, it AWESOME. You can make it almost like a solid shock or make it soft. It's nice because you can change it as your riding. I drove this home in over an hour and a half in the rain. Didn't wipe it down and rode it 2 days later. It never missed a beat. Buy a cheap bike and the gears probably wouldn't work properly. The brake also work great in the rain

I also got the LBS to let me take it out and ride it with other bikes way over the price of the Paragon and way under price. Probably alot more bike then I needed but I figured if I spent this much I would ride it and not let it sit going to waste. I would say for the money I got a well built bike.

Rolls over everything, light, tracks very well, comfortable, nimble, good fork and wheels. Tubeless set up was a breeze.

color scheme is a combination of matte light gray, matte medium gray and matte charcoal gray. The salesperson called it "stealthy" but it's really very gray. Not much of a weakness, though. I'm getting a little gray myself. A major weakness was the Schwalbe Rocket Ron tires. They were more airless than tubeless. The rear constantly sprung leaks along a seam in the sidewalls. The front was fine until a month after purchase when it blew off the rim while on a bike rack. Neither I nor two bikes shops could keep it on the rim past 20 psi. LBS gave me two Bontrager 29-3 tires in exchange. These are a HUGE improvement.

29ers in general: I rented a 29er before buying one to see how it would be. Sounds like a cliche, but I couldn't remember having more fun on a mt bike in years. Pretty much everything people have said is true: they roll better, they are generally faster everywhere cross country riders ride, I haven't missed my full suspension bike, blah, blah blah. It's all true, but I wonder what it will be like when all of us 29er converts get on brand new full suspension 26" "clown bikes" in 10 years. We'll see. Whatever happens, riding a bike is fun, so who cares? Paragon in specific: very stiff laterally; surprisingly compliant in the rough stuff; very stable; tracks like a champ - you point it and it shoots; though it's a size larger than I thought I would need, it is actually nimble - I took it on tight single track up at Tahoe and it never had a problem zipping around the ax heads, trees, boulders, bear scat, etc.; Schwalbe Rocket Ron tires had to be replaced - wouldn't hold air, wouldn't stay on the rim - replaced with Bontrager 29-3s with no muss, no fuss, no more tire sealant spraying all over creation; I'm getting used to the very wide, sweeping handlebars, but they're ergo and light; the saddle is a little on the soft side but fine; the brakes are fine but who wants to slow down?; the crankset is chunky but it works fine. I did a lot of shopping and I don't think you can get a better bike for the money.

This is my first 29er. Replaces my Santa Cruz Superlight. Had a series of hardtails, both steel and alu before that.

Good geometry for my body type (6'3", long torso). Makes me a better rider. Rigid - good for climbing while standing. Strong - frame did not bend when a car crashed into my back wheel and the bike and I hit the road hard. Classy but low-key paint job.

Stock 17 degree sweep handlebar concentrated pressure on heels of my hands = pain. (Trek has now noticed and changed stock to 12 degrees.) I switched to Niner Flatbar w/9 degree sweep - a big improvement. Seat is a bit gnarly - want to upgrade to WTB Rocket. Avid Elixir brakes often rub/squeak event when centered - the shop guy told me this is a chronic problem with them. Why could Trek not have chose something better?

A superb bike. Needed some upgrades to get the cockpit dialed in and comfy, but aside from that, great. Worth every penny.

None. Have not had a mountain bike since 1990. Been riding a Bianchi Axis cyclocross bike since then up until I got the Paragon this spring.

Very stiff and snappy. Excellent geometry for tall riders. They have improved the weld at the seatpost site. I broke my old Paragon there and the new frame is definitely more solid struturally.

None so far

This bike rips....period. I owned an older stock but broke the frame. Fisher sent me a 2011 and they have corrected the previously flawed frame. It is rigid and I'm up to speed immediately after a few strokes. A great deal b/c the value of this bike exceeds the price.

A 2007 Paragon

Best bike I have owned by far. I'd rather ride this bike than any full suspension bike I have owned on any xc trails. Its a great climbing bike and descends well on all but really rocky rough trails. Great combination of durability and weight reduction.

NONE....have put this bike through the ringer since 2006 and have not had one issue.

Its not a Free Ride Bike or a DownHill bike....its a moderately priced Race equipped XC bike.

Fisher Tass, Fisher Marlin

Lightweight, solid groupset, not too much to upgrade (IMO), Decent wheels, durable.

Big Sweep Bars-might be ok for the West Coast, but here on the East Coast riding with those things would be suicide. Waaay too many tight spots on our trails.

I was blown away with this bike. I actually switched from a 29er ('07 X-Caliber) for a 26er (2010 Trek 8000). I didn't like the handling of my old X-Cal, and wanted faster acceleration and nimble handling, so I went with the Trek 8000 and sold the X-Cal. After doing some research on the new Trek/Fisher Collection bikes, I decided to try the big wheels again. They suit the racing I'll be doing better (endurance and XTERRA tri), as well as seem to be the 'missing link' between hardtails and FS. Anyway, I pulled the trigger on the Paragon and have absolutely no regrets. Straight out of the box this bike handled very similar to my Trek 8000 26er. It accelerates slightly slower, but more than makes up for it once things get rolling. It's stable and nimble, with pinpoint steering. This bike is just as whippy as any 26er I've ridden. Bottom line is it's an unbelievable value for the price you pay, and more than race worthy right out of the box. Simple upgrades would make it even lighter, rivaling even the carbon HT's Trek offers. Contrary to what most say, I actually find the stock saddle (Bontrager Evoke 2) to be rather comfy. I'm used to a firmer saddle, but the extra cusion of the Bontrager saddle was in just the right places and didn't feel too squishy at all. If you have any reservations about purchasing this bike, don't! You won't regret it. Trek and Fisher have combined for an amazing product.

Gary Fisher X-Cal 2007

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Gregory Paragon 58 Backpack Review

Gregory’s lightweight pack is competitively priced, highly adjustable, and nicely appointed.

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Gregory Paragon 58

Price: $230 Weight: 3 lbs. 9.3 oz. (size MD/LG) Fabric: Nylon (100D, 210D, & 420D) Capacities: 48, 58, 68L What we like: Very well-balanced design at a great price. What we don’t: Thin hipbelt padding has a modest impact on carrying capacity.  See the Men's Gregory Paragon 58    See the Women's Gregory Maven 55

Best known for their heavy-hauling Baltoro, the Paragon backpack from Gregory cuts weight to appeal to the core overnight and weekend crowd. We really liked the original, and they recently updated the design with a mesh-heavy suspension system and side zippered access to the main compartment. After testing the pack on multiple backpacking trips in Patagonia, we think the revamp was a success: the Paragon still isn’t a standout in any one particular category, but its competitive price, adjustable fit, and good mix of weight and features make it a well-rounded option. Below we break down the Paragon’s overall performance. To see how it stacks up, see our article on the best backpacking packs .  

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Carrying comfort, organization, ventilation, build quality and durability.

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• What We Like/What We Don't

Comparison Table

The competition, performance.

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Fit and Sizing 

Other Capacities of the Gregory Paragon

Women’s-Specific Gregory Maven 55

What We Like

• At $230 and around 3.5 pounds, the Paragon is affordable and reasonably light but still fully featured and durable. 
• Mesh-heavy build and adjustable shoulder straps and hipbelt do a nice job keeping the pack close to the body, which minimizes excess movement and inspires confidence over tricky terrain. 
• Mesh-heavy backpanel is a major step up in breathability compared to the first-generation Paragon.
• Built-in rain cover and side zippered access to the main compartment are nice additions for a pack in this price and weight range.  

What We Don’t

• Not a heavy hauler. For loads greater than 25-40 pounds, we recommend stepping up to an option like Gregory’s burlier Baltoro.
• You can go lighter in the 55- to 65-liter range.

Many backpacking packs we test get stacked up in some way to Osprey’s very popular Atmos AG 65 . To start, the Osprey clearly is the more luxurious option: it can comfortably haul a bit more weight (we’ve been happy with the Atmos up to 45 pounds), has more exterior storage and noticeably better ventilation, and its materials have a higher-end and more durable feel (it uses a blend of 100 and 630D nylon on the body). Where the Paragon has the edge is weight (it’s almost 1 pound less), zippered access to the main compartment, and $40-lower price tag. Backpackers who get out a lot and occasionally need to haul a heavy load probably will prefer the Atmos as the better all-around pack, but the Paragon meets our weekend needs at a lower weight and friendlier price.

Another pack to have on your radar is Granite Gear’s Blaze 60 . Stacked up to the Paragon, the Blaze is lighter at 3 pounds even, similarly durable with a mix of 100 and 210D robic nylon, and highly adjustable with moveable shoulder straps (these can be shifted up or down to fit your torso length) and a removable hipbelt. Further, we've found the Granite Gear to be a little more comfortable when loaded down (we carried around 35-40 pounds in the Grand Canyon without issue). That said, the Paragon is the better breather with more mesh in the backpanel, and the Blaze is $40 pricier at $270. In the end, the Paragon is a great value for shuttling lighter loads, but the Granite Gear wins out as the more well-rounded option.

Last but not least, an interesting budget option to the Paragon is  REI Co-op’s $199 Flash 55 . This pack clocks in almost a pound lighter at 2 pounds 10 ounces and maxes out at 30 pounds, putting it squarely in the fast-and-light category (although we carried 35 pounds on a trip into the Grand Canyon and it did just fine). Feature-wise, the two packs have their organizational strengths: the Flash can be stripped of its top lid and other accessories to shave significant weight, but the Gregory comes with a rain cover and the option to adjust the torso and hipbelt. Plus, the Paragon is tougher with its panels of 210D nylon (the Flash has 100D in all places except the 420D bottom). In truth, both are solid options for the majority of overnight and weekend backpackers, and a final decision should come down to features, durability, and how much you plan to carry.

Price Comparison for Gregory Paragon 58 backpack

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93-Year-Old William Shatner ‘Might Consider’ Returning as Captain Kirk in New ‘Star Trek’ Project Through De-Aging: ‘It Takes Years Off of Your Face’

By Zack Sharf

Digital News Director

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William Shatner recently told Canadian Press that he wouldn’t rule out returning as Captain Kirk in a new “ Star Trek ” project if the script impressed him. While the actor’s age might pose an issue as Shatner turned 93 years old in March, that’s nothing a bit of de-aging technology couldn’t fix.

“It’s an intriguing idea,” Shatner said about returning as Kirk. “It’s almost impossible. But if was a great role and so well-written and if there were a reason to be there not just to make a cameo appearance, but if there were a genuine reason for the character appearing, I might consider it.”

Popular on Variety

“[It] takes years off of your face, so that in a film you can look 10, 20, 30, 50 years younger than you are,” Shatner said.

Another issue around Shatner’s “Star Trek” return is Kirk’s death in the 1994 film “Star Trek Generations,” which is the last time Shatner appeared in the iconic franchise. He’s already brainstormed a plot device that could serve as a workaround and have his version of Kirk come back to life.

“A company that wants to freeze my body and my brain for the future might be a way of going about it,” Shatner said. “‘We’ve got Captain Kirk’s brain frozen here.’ There’s a scenario. ‘Let’s see if we can bring back a little bit of this, a little salt, a little pepper. Oh, look at that. Here comes Captain Kirk!’”

Variety exclusively reported in March that Steve Yockey, creator of the Max series “The Flight Attendant,” had signed on to write the script for “Star Trek 4.” The movie is being designed as the final installment for Pine and the cast. Several attempts to get a fourth “Star Trek” movie off the ground with this cast have failed over the years. One version of the project was to be directed by Matt Shakman (“WandaVision”) and written by Lindsey Beer (“Sierra Burgess Is a Loser”) and Geneva Robertson-Dworet (“Captain Marvel”). Shakman left the project to direct Marvel’s “The Fantastic Four” instead.

Other “Star Trek” projects remain in development at Paramount as well. The studio is working with screenwriter Seth Grahame-Smith (“Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter”) and director by Toby Haynes (“Black Mirror: USS Callister”) on an origin story movie, while a project with screenwriter Kalinda Vazquez (“Fear the Walking Dead”) that was first announced in 2021 also remains in development.

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Star Trek: Discovery Season 5, Episode 6 Review: “Whistlespeak” Deconstructs the Prime Directive

Star Trek: Discovery Season 5, Episode 6 takes the crew on a classic Star Trek mission but offers a unique perspective on the Prime Directive.

The following contains spoilers from Star Trek: Discovery, Season 5, Episode 5, "Mirrors."

For better and worse, when Star Trek: Discovery debuted on Paramount+ in 2017, it did a lot of things differently from past iterations of Gene Roddenberry's universe. While this seems like a smart thing to do in a six-decade-old narrative universe in order to keep things fresh, fans do expect certain kinds of adventures for these characters. Star Trek: Discovery got off to an awkward start with longtime Trekkies when it tried to be an epic space opera rather than a diplomatic procedural in space. Star Trek: Discovery Season 5 addressed this by going back to franchise roots, with Episode 6, "Whistlespeak," going as far as giving the USS Discovery crew a classic Star Trek away mission.

Here, Captain Michael Burnham and Lieutenant Sylvia Tilly are sent on an undercover away mission to retrieve the next clue on their hunt for the Progenitors' technology. The society on the planet is a pre-warp civilization, meaning the Prime Directive is in play. Sneaking around a pre-warp society is as classically Star Trek as it gets. It happened in Star Trek: Insurrection , the pilot episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds , and even Captain Pike's second Star Trek: Discovery episode . In all these previous cases, the ship's crew broke the Prime Directive and revealed themselves to the indigenous people by the episode's end. However, "Whistlespeak" added a unique twist that examined Starfleet's General Order Number One and tied in neatly to the season's overall quest. Meanwhile, on the ship, members of the crew dealt with the events of previous episodes that shook them to their cores. With only four episodes left in the series, this is likely the last time fans will get to see a mission like this on Stark Trek: Discovery .

“Whistlespeak” Put the Spotlight Back on Sylvia Tilly

Captain michael burnham and her old roommate get one last adventure together, star trek: discovery's alex kurtzman & michelle paradise talk final season.

Sylvia Tilly is a "Mary Sue" in the most idealized sense of the term. She's a fan-insert character who was practically perfect in every way. Yet, there is more to the infamous fanfiction caricature coined by Paula Smith in "A Trekkie's Tale." Smith's story satirized early Star Trek fanfiction writers who had a habit of bungling the legacy characters to prop up their self-inserts. Lieutenant Mary Sue doesn't represent bad writing because she was inherently awesome. Rather, it's because the amateur authors made James T. Kirk, Spock and the rest of the crew fools around her. Tilly is brilliant and beloved, but she doesn't "ruin" the other characters by being too good at what she did. Rather, they were defined by their relationship with her.

Tilly successfully completed the Mother Compeer's Journey, a ritualistic race that granted access to a sacred space. Along the way, she bonded with Ravah, the child of the society's high priest, Ohvahz (Alfredo Narciso). This was another subtle proof that Tilly's superpower was connecting with people, not being flawless. Even though they were competing on this journey, Tilly helped Ravah complete the race. Unfortunately, she discovers the "prize" for winning the race was sacrificing one's life to the gods the people believe control the weather. Naturally, Captain Burnham saved them, but only because of Tilly's ability to connect with Ravah.

Like what "Under the Twin Moons (Season 5, Episode 2)" did with Captain Burnham and Saru, "Whistlespeak" is a chance for the captain to have one last mission with her roommate and best friend, Tilly. At the start of the mission, Tilly was insecure about her effectiveness as a teacher, and unsure if she was actually reaching her students. The relationship she built with Ravah indicated that Tilly can't help but be effective in that role. From the moment the awkward and affable theoretical engineer was introduced in Star Trek: Discovery , it was clear that she wasn't the typical Starfleet officer. However, in the 32nd Century, Tilly was the best person Starfleet had on hand who could mold cadets into the kind of heroes they need to be.

Star Trek: Discovery Examines the Consequences of the Prime Directive

With great technological power comes at least some responsibility, 'they're not really villains': star trek: discovery's moll & l'ak actors defend their characters.

The undercover away mission in a less advanced civilization and the eventual revelation of the larger galactic society are staples of Star Trek storytelling. The Prime Directive was a creation of Star Trek writer Gene L. Coon, who was responsible for many of the iconic elements established in Star Trek: The Original Series . Instead of conquering other planets or revealing themselves to the locals, Starfleet doesn't interfere with developing societies. However, many of Coon's own stories for Star Trek: The Original Series were about breaking the Prime Directive for better and worse.

The Denobulans who built the weather control towers on Halem'no may not have even been Starfleet, thus the Prime Directive didn't technically apply . Nonetheless, they built these towers to save the indigenous society from catastrophic storms like the ones on their own planet. In their own way, they broke the Prime Directive out of genuine concern for others and a sincere desire to help. The Denobulans perhaps assumed the towers would buy time for the society to advance, discover the technology and eventually learn to maintain it. Instead, the locals built a religion around the towers, believing that the gods were punishing them when four of the five towers fell to entropy.

In fairness, Captain Burnham didn't want to break the Prime Directive until she learned of the threat to Tilly and Ravah. Yet, in doing so, the captain helped the indigenous people learn to maintain and, possibly, repair the weather control towers. "Whistlespeak" showed how breaking the Prime Directive for even the best reasons can lead to regrettable consequences. Conversely, it also showed how breaking the rules can save others. This ethical dilemma fit right in with classic Star Trek's most famous interrogations of the Prime Directive.

The USS Discovery Crew Is Also on a Search for Purpose and Meaning

The crew are fully-fledged heroes in star trek: discovery season 5, but they want more, star trek: discovery's callum keith rennie shows a new side of starfleet.

In "Jinaal (Season 5, Episode 3)," Adira Tal broke up with the love of their life, Gray Tal, and then brought the Time Bug on the ship in "Face the Strange (Season 5, Episode 4)." In light of these, it makes sense that the capable young officer now feels insecure about their place aboard the USS Discovery. While some might expect Tilly, Paul Stamets or Dr. Hugh Culber to support them, it was actually the ship's new gruff First Officer, Commander Rayner, who helped Adira out. The people closest to Adira treated them with kid gloves because, in a very literal sense, they're still a kid. As of this writing, Adira is still a teenager. Commander Rayner showed confidence in their abilities, and his brusque style may be what Adira needed to rebound from the hits they took this season.

Tilly, Adira's training officer, also had her own crisis of faith, though it was far removed from this season's overarching story. Perhaps as setup for the upcoming spin-off Star Trek: Starfleet Academy , Tilly blamed herself for the surge of cadets dropping out of training. That Adira is so uncertain of their abilities and place in the bigger picture may be another blow to her confidence in her abilities as a teacher. Similarly, one of Adira's two found fathers, Paul, is desperate to crack the secret of the Progenitors' technology.

After Starfleet abandoned the project to recreate the USS Discovery's Spore Drive , Stamets began the season feeling aimless and despondent about his life's work. Yet, it doesn't seem like he's looking to replace the Spore Drive with this new discovery. Rather, he's likely hoping that the knowledge of the Progenitors will allow him to replicate the technology so it can still replace warp drive. Despite finally becoming the kinds of heroes Star Trek fans are used to seeing on TV, the USS Discovery's crew aren't done evolving and growing as people. With just a few episodes left in the season, fans now hope that the crew realizes their fullest potential before bowing out.

One Discovery Crewmember May Have Already Found What They’re Searching For

Dr. hugh culber is still struggling to process his personal journey, star trek: discovery's sonequa martin-green embarks on one final voyage.

The first scene with Dr. Culber in "Whistlespeak" builds on all the mentions he's made of his "abuela" this season. Dr. Pollard, the USS Discovery's other physician, developed a hologram technology similar to Tony Stark's B.A.R.F. system from Captain America: Civil War . The main difference was that instead of being made from programming software and provided data, the hologram was rendered from other people's memories of the digitally "resurrected" subject. As such, despite Culber's memories of his grandmother's spirituality, she reminds him that he's a man of science.

Ever since participating in the Trill zhin'tara ritual with Jinaal , he's felt strange. He learned that he was not only in good physical condition, but in good spiritual shape as well. Dr. Culber's journey across Star Trek: Discovery's five seasons was rough, even by Star Trek standards. He was killed in Season 1 and resurrected via the mycelial network. Just a few months later, he was whisked 1,000 years into an arguably worse-off future. Through solving the Burn and the planet-destroying Dark Matter Anomaly, he's been dealing with this trauma and serving as the ship's counselor. However, joining Jinaal and searching for, ostensibly, humanity's creators finally brought him a level of serenity.

As Dr. Culber stumbles into spiritual awareness, the exact opposite is happening on the planet below. His abuela may have raised him to be a doctor who trusts science, but the Progenitors' advanced science made him a man of faith. In a good use of irony, the revelation of advanced alien technology may rob Ohvahz and his people of their belief. He told Captain Burnham that past attempts to end the practice of sacrifice led to violence. Unfortunately, this well-crafted contrast just sort of sits there at the end of the episode. Perhaps it's a deliberate choice, because such things never align so easily in real-life either.

Star Trek: Discovery debuts new episodes Thursdays on Paramount+.

Star Trek: Discovery

• Offers a fresh perspective on Star Trek's Prime Directive philosophy.
• Excellent use of the ensemble on the ship in stories that were narratively and thematically germane.
• No villains or violence in the episode is another classic staple of Star Trek storytelling.
• While well-crafted, the lack of strong resolution for the stories about Faith may be a missed opportunity.
• Saru's continued absence makes his earlier arc feel disconnected from the Season's narrative and like an afterthought.
• The episode deploys a third Star Trek staple: vague sci-fi reasons robots or the transporter can't be used to complete the mission.

• Crosscountry
• Rider Notes

2010 Trek Paragon

A 29″ aluminum frame crosscountry bike with high-end components.

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