Gregory Zulu 30 (& Jade 28) Hiking Daypack - 6 Month Review

ZULU 30: Amazon amzn.to/3aDOTLg - REI bit.ly/3NheqYZ
JADE 28: Amazon amzn.to/3tdkOZm - REI bit.ly/3x1eLs1
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I've been using the Gregory Zulu 30 (and the women's version is the Jade 28) for about six months, and I think it's an excellent fit for most hikers who want one daypack for all seasons. The comfort and fit are superior; the pack can hold lots of gear and is well thought out; it's durable and reasonably priced.
#hiking #nature #adventure #healthyliving #outdoors #explore #backpacking #naturalbeauty #hike #hikerchat #naturelovers #optoutside #trails #getoutdoors #neverstopexploring #trailtime #hiker #52HikeChallenge #backpacks #hikingbackpacks @gregorymtnproducts @gregorypacks
0:00 Introduction
0:05 Men: Zulu 30 Woman: Jade 28
0:54 Please use my affiliate links to help support these hiking & gear guides
1:18 Do you need a day pack this big?
1:24 Small / Med: 28L Med / Large: 30L
1:56 Osprey Hikelite 18 Review Link Under Video
4:22 Perimeter alloy frame and fiberglass anti-barreling cross-stay
8:01 Sunglass QuickStow system on shoulder harness for quick, secure and scratch-free access to your shades.
11:02 Osprey UL Pack Liner

[@abandonedwest]

I've been considering this pack for ages and checking out every review I can find. Your video is by far the most straight forward, information-packed, and practical rundown that I've found. Very helpful, thank you!

[@Hikingguy]

Thank you 👍👍👍

[@joshuakaufman5000]

Recently bought the Zulu 30 to go on a trek on the West Highlands Way this fall. This review was super helpful.

[@projekt3658]

Awesome review. I bought Jade 28 and this morning I was dubious about my decision, but your review helped me to convince that it’s the right backpack for me! Big thanks!!

[@austinturney745]

I have other packs, but like my Zulu 36 best. It works well for an oversize daypack in Colorado mountains where due to altitude, temperature variations or rock scrambling risks you have to pack more layers and emergency gear and communications than you would on most level ground hikes. Weight of pack to me is way overstressed - I'd trade off an extra 10-12 ounces of pack weight for adjustable design, solid construction, convenience features and most of all the no sweat trampoline back. Still use light 18 and 24 liter packs for "front country" hikes with people around, but for real hiking in the mountains where you tend to carry more gear, Zulu 36 is great and the trampoline back is worth every bit of the 6 ounce or whatever weight penalty you pay for it.

[@ronaldprucha7690]

Great review! Thanks. I thru hiked the AT in ‘89 with a Gregory pack. Keep up the great work and thanks for doing what you do.

[@zmoore5555]

That was an awesome review! Thanks for putting this out, it helped me see all the features very well!

[@OldPackMule]

I would say it's more the Toyota Tacoma of backpacks. A little smaller than the F150, durable and versatile. I love mine, it caries lighter than it's specified weight. Super comfortable. It holds enough for a serious day hike, an overnight or an ultralight trip. Holds about 20-25lbs before feeling overloaded.

[@timdetmer]

Thank you. I am thinking of getting the Z30 by mail so I can't check it out before buying. This really helped.

[@timpaul5165]

I love my Zulu 30. Thanks for the great review. One thing missing though is a track to slide on/off my in reach mini. I don’t like it just hanging on the carabiner.

[@rostinfarm]

I've been looking at small packs for a while now, but I think you've convinced me to go with a larger pack. I trail ride mules, but this is my first pack for hiking on foot :) Thanks for the great review !

[@pavelperina7629]

I have Gregory Citro 24, it looks almost identical with exception of adjustable back. It's perfectly comfortable, but then I saw someone with Osprey Escapist which seem similar with some extra features. Mine only minor issues with Citro are: there are only two pockets with zippers on front "lid" which make this part somewhat heavy and a bit collapsing down when backpack is not full. Also I'd like to have more pockets to keep stuff a bit organized (put I usually throw small items into pocket organizer anyways). It would be nice to have a rain cover with bright color/ some reflexive material (as one in this review) instead of dark gray and some reflexive elements too in general. Osprey usually has attachments for bike helmet, which is handy as well, for example when I mix bike trip with train and it does not include any point where some kind of back light can be attached by a clip. Deuter and Osprey have it. These are minor things for increasing safety while walking on roadside after sun set or biking. I'm not saying backpack is bad, but Gregory should learn few things from competitors. It's super comfortable for walks or bike, you can barely notice it, it's just lacking a few details for me. Still the best backpack for summer, lightweight, just enough padding, perfect ventilation.

[@Gadgeteer22]

That internal pocket that you mentioned for the keys and wallet, I am not sold on. The wallet could slip out since the zipper is on the bottom when you open the lid. I would keep my wallet elsewhere to avoid having it fall on the ground whereas the keys would stay in place with the key clip. Other than that, I am really liking this pack. I am deciding between the now discontinued Osprey Tempest Pro 28 and the current Gregory Jade 28. Thank you for your thorough review.

[@Berry_N]

I have a Jade 28, which I really like - fits really well, has all sorts of room for my dog an I. I also have the REI Trail 40 from several years ago, which doesn't fit as well.

[@amyberesik9902]

Do you use the Jade w/a reservoir? If so, does it take up a lot of room you'd need for essentials?

[@Berry_N]

@@amyberesik9902 No, sorry. I use Platypus soft 1L water bottles.

[@Gadgeteer22]

I am digging that rain cover pocket. It's not like other packs that have it open at the bottom, this one sits right side up. I would use it to store other gear in it and just use a rain poncho or a pack liner instead of the rain pack cover.

[@stephaniehenson7710]

Thanks for this video,. I’ve owned the Jade 38L for several years and love it. Large, but compresses down easily to be used as a daypack, and is great when I’ve needed to carry larger, bulky gear. One thing I’ve always liked about Gregory’s hip belt pockets is that they’re large and can usually easily fit large cell phones that are in cases. The sunglasses holder seemed a little gimmicky to me at first, but when you use both parts (the horizontal loop on the shoulder strap and the pull-out bungee court to put around the nosepiece of the glasses), your glasses are secure and won’t slip out. I’m an “everything has its place” type of person and love the organizational features offered by the Zulu/Jade series.

[@Hikingguy]

Good to know about the sun glass holder. I gave it about 2 minutes of a chance and then put my glasses back on my head. And yea, the hip belt pockets are great. They fit my iPhone 13 Pro Max without any problem and it's pretty beefy. Glad to hear the Jade is working out for you.

[@leonfisher]

That's the pack I use (same color) and it's been great. It's rarely filled, but compresses the load well.

[@Vasher121]

I have the zulu 35 and it really is the most comfortable backpack I have

[@gregoryc8208]

Excellent video. Most informative. Do you have any thoughts about the Zulu 30 versus the Talon Pro 30 you reviewed earlier? Any insights about your preference between the two is appreciated.

[@Hikingguy]

I like the Talon Pro better. It's very well balanced and light, and seems to be just right for about everything on a long day hike. The bladder pocket is a little tight but it's nothing too bad. The problem is that they're very hard to find. I'd say the Zulu is probably more practical for most people. It's smart and well thought out, and everything just works. But if you want the weight savings, the Talon is better. Otherwise a Zulu is probably a more pragmatic choice.

[@HuskyMike]

Have the older version of this pack (non-adjustable torso length and criss/cross frame). Love it. Perfect size for day hikes with the dogs or solo hikes with some extra room. Have not tried it overnighting yet. Might give that a shot this summer.

[@chrisraymer4904]

This was great thanks so much!!

[@thejman1323]

I use the older version of the Gregory Citro 30 h2O and I love it. I picked it up “used” from the REI used gear store but it appeared to be new including the wrapper on the bite valve and everything. It’s a great pack that appears to be very similar to this one however the Citro is just over 2lbs.

[@amyberesik9902]

I cannot decide between the Jade 28 and Juno / Citro 30!! Would 2L make that much of a difference? So nice to have the reservoir already in the H2O, esp since the Jade doesn't even come with a rain fly anymore...

[@garytutty3416]

The Zulu 30 in this video is no longer the Zulu 30. On the new one available on Amazon (bought mine in March 2023) there is no separation of mesh on the back, no included rain cover, no roomy mesh pocket on the back. In other words all the unique features that were so appealing.

[@Hikingguy]

Yea this video is from a while ago. I just ordered a new one and will test it out. If you don't need all 30L, I've been using the Osprey Stratos 24 for the last few weeks and it's very solid and comfortable.

[@user-os2yo8ib4c]

Nice review. I’ve got an Osprey Talon for EDC, but at time is just a little small for packing lunch, scrubs, and my Hokas. Looking to upgrade to a 28-30L. I will disagree with you on the hip belt/pockets. I absolutely love it on my Talon 22, use them everyday, sometimes carrying the pack as a shoulder bag or full backpack. Yes it would be nice to have them removable, but again I use the pockets literally everyday as I walk extensively. Thank again for the review, even though it’s the 28L now.

[@tgj251]

Good review. For overnight hiking I don't want to go with a large pack, but more than my 18L. So the Zulu seems to be a good fit for that. Not a big fan of hip strap pouches because the cost is added weight for minimal use - at least for me. I do like my packs to have a nice little admin pouch for keys and wallet for the same reasons you gave. I'll give this one a try since I'm looking for a pack that fits my back better. i like the customization options.

[@johnjohnson1141]

Thank you!

[@cribbsprojects]

Saying the F150 had me hooked... great metaphor. Your videos are better than REI's...

[@Hikingguy]

Ha thank you thank you, appreciate it 👍

[@angieamarillo]

Does this come on the shortest setting as the default or the tallest? 16-20 range…or maybe middle? Just wondering if it will fit out of the box

[@jim.matheny]

Just curious if (for you) this has surpassed the Osprey Talon Pro 30.

[@Hikingguy]

I still like my Talon Pro 30 best, it just feels more balanced on my back. But they've been impossible to find at times. I think overall for most hikers the Zulu 30 offers the best combo of features for the price.

[@jim.matheny]

@@Hikingguy Thanks for your thoughts. I noticed a lot of the Zulu 30s, especially blue, are limited in terms of inventory. I'm guessing it is because Gregory will start selling redesigned Zulu packs in February 2023. I came across that tidbit in an announcement made in July. The press release had some photos of packs but I'm not familiar enough to know if they were photos of the old versions or the redesigned packs. I don't know if KZbin will allow a URL in the comments to link to a photo, but I'll give it a shot. Here's the pic: sgbonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/GMPS23-e1658836377297.jpg And here's a link to the press release where the pic was included: sgbonline.com/pressrelease/gregory-mountain-products-redesigns-iconic-packs-for-spring-2023/

[@Hikingguy]

@@jim.matheny Nice thank you for sharing those - will review the new one when it comes out

[@danielrobertwarren]

How would you compare the Zulu 30 vs the REI Trail 40? Which one would you prefer? Thought you would be the person to ask since you have reviewed both.

[@Hikingguy]

I think the Zulu 30 is a better pack than the latest Trail 40

[@treehugger22]

Hi there! I've been looking at grabbing a Zulu 30. I can find both the older (i think 2019, the one in this video) and newer versions of the bag online but nowhere in the local shops, so unfortunately I can't compare in real life. Is there a big difference between the two versions?

[@daven.7685]

Is there any way to lash equipment to the bottom or top of this pack? Thanks.

[@Hikingguy]

nothing obvious, just an ice ax loop a the bottom - you could probably get creative and figure something out though

[@kenlehman3769]

Can the Zulu 30 work as a carry-on and fit under the seat in front of you?

[@Hikingguy]

Yea I think you can fit under the seat in front, might stick out a little bit.

[@bobbymcdonald4365]

have you looked at the zulu 34/35? Thanks for this taster, though.

[@Hikingguy]

Have not tried that model yet