Gregory Zulu 30

[@vincentaurelius2390]

One of the best reviews of a pack I've seen. Thanks for filling it out so that the true form of the bag is visible and also for actually putting in on your back, which is in my opinion an important part of the review.

[@SnareMan]

Thanks Vincent!

[@Northof49ncold]

Ditto! Top notch review which helped me scoop up a deal over at Altitude Sports: www.altitude-sports.com/products/gregory-mens-zulu-30l-backpack-llll-gre-68431?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIppfswvnR3wIVBL3sCh0Ucwt0EAQYASABEgLs5PD_BwE . $107.99 CDN = $80 U.S. Steal! I went with the last Medium they had since I was more interested in a large-ish daypack at 30L. With a raincover thrown in, no less. I found the OutdoorGearLabs review a wee bit disingenuous www.outdoorgearlab.com/topics/camping-and-hiking/best-daypack/ratings especially since the Stratos is much heavier yet had a better weight rating.

[@SHAYDAV1]

Your bag reviews are the best!

[@SnareMan]

Thanks!!

[@neowojtek]

Thank you for this great review video. I was considering buying one of Gregory's backbacks recently. I knew that the company was about to present the Zulu series for 2016 so I decided to hold on and wait for some users feedback. How would you compare the Zulu 30 backpack to its predecessor - the Z30? Is it worth buying the newest version of the backpack or should I get the previous one for half the price? Many thanks!

[@Oculus729]

Thank you for your comprehensive review. We will soon be at the two year mark since the video? Any follow up comments? Does the frame squeak like the Osprey metal frames? Is it a true 30 liters or does the trampoline take up a lot of space?

[@SnareMan]

Glad you liked the vid. I actually ended up returning it and going with some Ospreys so I can't really say on the long term use. I haven't heard any complaints of the squeaking, but my Osprey AG certainly do from time to time

[@Oculus729]

@@SnareMan Thanks.

[@rkf2746]

Craig, just my two cents worth. I bought the Gregory Zulu 30 soon after it was introduced, and have used it extensively. For my experience, the frame has not developed a squeak. Also, this past Elk season, here in Colorado, I took the pack for a seven day trip. Its' use was just short of abuse. The pack show's no undue wear. It's all personal preference. I recently bought two 55 L packs. An Osprey Atmos and the Gregory Zulu. Knowing I would return one. The Atmos is a fantastic pack. It's Osprey--say's it all. But, in the end, my preference still pointed to the Gregory, and I returned the Osprey. I loaded each pack with my full kit. Took each one on a quick, four mile hike. Both in the same day. Where I live easily allowed that. This is just one man's view, but I found they each offered pretty much equal comfort. Oddly enough, the Atmos squeaked the whole time. One frustration I have with Gregory, vs Osprey, and as the gentleman pointed out in his great video, is the Gregory will have nothing to do with being set flat on its' bottom without falling. Anyway, just saw your question, thought this might help somewhat. Happy Trails! Roger

[@SnareMan]

@@rkf2746 Thanks for the long term use comments Roger.

[@rkf2746]

@@SnareMan You're welcome. I hope I didn't cross over into your lane too far. I just thought that another perspective might help Craig some. Also, in total honesty, my selecting the Gregory over the Osprey was probably due to brand familiarity. That Atmos is a heck of a pack. Had I never used a backpack, and that was the first one I tried, no doubt it would be hanging in my gear closet now. :-) Have a great day. Roger

[@Genjokoan]

Shiny! Another just-right review. It looks like the Osprey carries more weight in the bottom where the Zulu is more tubular? That might explain the different feel you noticed.? I bought a Gregory Rock Creek in 1983. It came with a card with the usual marketing blurbs and one truly bold statement - IIRC - "Congratulations. You have just bought the finest backpack on planet earth." After my first trek with it, I could not disagree with that statement. ;) I heart Gregory gear.

[@SnareMan]

Thanks. Yea, the Gregory seems to carry its stuff up a little bit higher. Still a great pack though. I just put the light things in the bottom of my Osprey.

[@Qstick333]

I've been torn about replacing my Stratos 24 with this. It seems like the Gregory has a better shoulder strap system then the Osprey, which, no matter what I do, doesn't seem to lay flat against my shoulders and instead lifts up a bit at the top of my shoulder. Curious if you ever got any trail time with this bag and if you think they are comparable and which you prefer now? Thanks, your reviews are great!

[@SnareMan]

I haven't tried the Stratos 24, but ended up keeping my Stratos 34 over this one. Maybe our backs are shaped a little differently.

[@jackchn23]

Have you ever looked into some of the Mystery Ranch packs? I would be curious to see your reviews if you would.

[@SnareMan]

I've looked at them a little. Looks like nice stuff. They, as with most companies, don't have pics of the inside of their bags. Hence the need for a review by me. :-) Now if I could only get them to send me some..

[@nickswan9563]

Don't bother, I already know his anwser, Osprey is better.

[@chachomask]

Hey, can you explain how to attach a sleeping mattress to the bag? Gregory's website says there is a way.

[@fagouma]

I really liked the review. I want to buy my first backpack and i am between this(Zulu 30) , Osprey Stratos 26 or Osprey Kestrel 28. Any suggestions?

[@SnareMan]

Thanks! In the end after all of my reviews I ended up keeping the Stratos 34. The smaller ones are nice as well.

[@fagouma]

Thank you for your reply!

[@cccodfish]

I tried the zulu 30 for a 10 mile hike.. with just 3L of water a rain jacket few odds and ends like compass and maps.. The pack killed my collar bone. I tried adjusting many ways.. it was aweful. I have hiked for years and years with both a Bora 40 and Kata 37. Never had an issue like this.. I saw the reason..well part of it in the way the shoulder straps came off the pack. One edge of the shoulder strap dug into my collar bone.. No matter how it was adjusted it would do the same.. the Bora came off the pack different and laid nice across my bone. I'm 6'2 and find many packs too small. This was the same length of the Bora Kata but just not designed that well. Yes it was the Large size.

[@rudysal1429]

strange, i'm also 6'2" but possibly have larger trap muscles as I have had no collarbone pain. I use a Baltoro 75 for bigger loads and this for smaller hikes. Feels good but no idea why that is.

[@dedduck87]

another good for man. I am looking for a bag a bit bigger, maybe similar to the kelty reading 50. have any suggestions?

[@SnareMan]

I don't really have any experience with the bigger bags yet so I'm probably not much help there.

[@henno297]

I'm doing Everest base camp for charity, I don't want to be spending more on a new pack and I have a Deuter Rise Tour 45+, do you think this will be too big for my day pack? You know your stuff so thought I would ask you.

[@SnareMan]

I'm pretty sure there were people on our EBC trek that had something along the lines of 45L, so as long as you don't mind some dead space in your pack (assuming you're staying at tea houses and using porters for your big stuff) 45 would probably be ok, just with some extra room

[@henno297]

Ok, brilliant! Thanks so much for getting back in touch with me. I suppose best thing to do is a test pack with all the things i'll need day to day. I'll be using your packing list to help out with it anyway.

[@SnareMan]

(sorry for the delay) Yea, I'd say get a pack, put everything in it you'd plan on carrying and see how it fits

[@NE_Ohio_Hiker]

great video, looks like a good pack.

[@SnareMan]

Thanks!

[@melaniexoxo]

I was considering getting this pack but Mark Bauman has it... he has been walking (barefoot) across America with it for the last few months and it looks like the chest strap broke on him, so now I'm a bit hesitant.

[@SnareMan]

Hmm... I guess as long as you aren't walking coast to coast you might be ok. I'd think that it should be fine overall though.

[@melaniexoxo]

Well, hes only made it from RI to the FL panhandle... that doesnt seem very durable. He now has paracord looped through. Maybe if I get it very discounted ...

[@SnareMan]

Hmm.

[@v-xup6]

what's the zipper inside the main compartment for?

[@Northof49ncold]

Here's the first peek at the NEW 2019 model (it isn't even listed/pictured on the Gregory website yet): www.mec.ca/en/product/5063-340/Zulu-30-Daypack# . Note that there's a whole new trampoline support/ventilation system in place -- without the "Cross". MEC just listed this updated version on its website today. REI has it in the NEW blue and red: www.rei.com/product/145658/gregory-zulu-30-pack-mens (the smaller size is now 2L less than advertised = 28L and the larger size = the 30L = the advertised size).

[@SnareMan]

Thanks for the links. I hadn't seen the new ones.

[@Northof49ncold]

Some viewers might like the Lowe Alpine Aeon 35L instead of the Zulu 30: www.richardcreagh.com/lowe-alpine-aeon-35-review + kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6WVoaakfNSXoKs . The nice thing with the Aeon 35 is that it's a top loader BUT it has a hidden side zip that allows you to get into the guts of the pack without going through the top. Best of both worlds! I'm guessing that the "35" is closer to 34 or 33 litres so it's not a bulky pack. Both the Aeon and Zulu are top notch choices.

[@nickswan9563]

Is this a review for Gregory or for Osprey? Fricken bias much?

[@SnareMan]

Fricken... If I'm going to review an item and I think there are some areas that could be improved I'm going to mention them. If the Osprey's have those improvements I'll mention then.

[@nickswan9563]

@@SnareMan then that is a vs review not a product review. Complete bias.

[@SnareMan]

For my use I do admit that I think the Osprey's are better. YMMV. But I think this is a fine review of the Gregory with some comparison thrown in. If I'm going to point out some things that I think could be improved it's handy to show what they might actually be in that improved state.

[@1mariomolina]

Nice video, thanks!!!

[@SnareMan]

Mario Molina Salazar you're welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@drewdecuir5675]

Great review

[@SnareMan]

Thanks Drew!

[@DAVID1SCHO]

The Gregory Stout is better designed, better than the Osprey.

[@SnareMan]

Looks like a nice bag. I'm just not fond of top loaders.

[@mofi3641]

to be honest, i don't care about the osprey backbag.

[@SnareMan]

Ok. Good to be honest

[@red6743]

Sponsored by Osprey

[@SnareMan]

If I was only lucky

[@BuddyRHS1965]

Great review

[@SnareMan]

Thanks Buddy!