How Good Is The Gregory Zulu 40?

Gregory Zulu 40: bit.ly/39XXnah
How good is the Gregory Zulu 40? After several months and a lot of trips/hikes, I am sharing my review of the Gregory Zulu 40 liter backpack. Truly an awesome pack with a lot of great features that make the pack work well for a lot of different activities.
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[@GetUpTheMountains]

I run a Gregory Citro30 as a lightweight or local day hike pack. When I get up in the mountains, need to carry extra clothes, or additional food and supplies then I'll grab the Zulu40. The extra 10L plus the U-shaped front access really take this pack to the next level for day hikes. Too small for me to fit overnight gear, that's when the Baltoro emerges. Greg all day for me!

[@RetrieverTrainingAlone]

I have a Gregory backpack I bought when I lived in Logan, Utah in the 1980s...I still use that pack today...40 years and still going strong! That backpack was "Made in the USA". Unfortunately, Gregory backpacks are no longer made in the USA. For heavy hauling applications there are still many excellent "Made in the USA" companies: Exo Mtn Gear, Seek Outside, Stone Glacier, Kifaru, etc. There are also ultralight packs "Made in the USA", for example Hyperlite, etc.

[@shaudre]

I bought the Zulu 40 M/L. The pro is it's light weight and the comfort afforded by the free-float suspension. Cons: the bag does not have a lot of external features. It doesn't come with traditional straps to carry your sleeping bag, foldable thermal mat, etc on the outside of the bag. I have light weight very compactable caping gear yet struggled to fit a light 15 degree sleeping bag, small 2 person tent, and a light weight inflatable sleeping pad. Once the bag is packed there is very little room at the sides for a 36oz Nalgene bottle. You can slide socks and a sweater in but the bag shows clear sign of being stretched to it's limit. I have other 40Litres that are heavier but definitely fit more stuff and is more practical for camping.

[@jamesthornton3339]

Bought a Gregory for my wife, while I stayed with Osprey. I am now looking for a pack around 40 to 45 liters, for summer. Good rundown on this pack. Thank you.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Thank you!

[@dogsbyfire]

Nice, thorough review. Thank you!

[@larryl4881]

I've been spreading the word of Zulu for a bit as well. I've hiked with my zulu 40 small on multi week hikes and day hikes with my partner. It's also a great starter backpack for someone looking to upgrade from their beginner bag. I got the 2018 version and still going strong.

[@TheCarmacon]

Don't get the 2019 version. It feels so wobbly compared to the old one. in my opinion that flex hip belt system only works if the hip belt is rather large like on the Osprey Atmos. Otherwise there's not enough contact area to support such a flexible suspension system. Yes the backpack does not limit your range if motion that much. But that also means that your core and torso need to do lots of structural work to keep posture due to the lack of support. For hauling heavy gear, I'd take the old Zulu, Baltoro or Osprey Atmos.

[@SewGood]

I always feel silly at how my "UL/Overbuilt-pack Principles" go out the window when I go on a day hike. Can you say the same? -Love me a heavy-duty daypack!🌲👍🌲 Nice look at the pack, thanks for the vid, Devin.🌲

[@BackcountryExposure]

TheBestBackpacker totally agree! Some of my favorite packs are my day pack/over night packs

[@TheWasatchGearReview]

That pack it's definitely well thought out, Gregory for the win! Great review Dev!

[@neemancallender9092]

I have the Gregory Stout 45 An excellent multi day comfortable and lightweight pack Carried 15 kg easily Highly size adjustable I am a man with a small torso and it adjusts all the way to small The lid holds volume And the bottom opening adds to versatility Also bottom straps

[@BackcountryExposure]

Neeman Callender right on! I just like it when you find a piece of gear that makes sense.

[@xrv404]

Wonderful review! I have the zulu 30. Im 183cm, 70kg and 48cm in the back, I got the M/L, I think its good, it sits nice. I have the back-adjuster in the spot between M and L. Im no expert, but I fit gregory better than osprey. But you are absolute right, because I am quite slim I dont have much strap left when tightening the waist belt. Only 3-4cm on each side. But that brings the side pockets closer to me, wich I kind of like actually. Im gonna get the zulu 40 this year, just so I can carry a bit more so my girlfriend can size down from jade 38 to jade 33 and enjoy the outdoors even more with a lighter pack.(Actually downsizing from jade 36 to jade 31 because she uses the xs/s and it takes 2 liters off the bag)

[@arcana1973]

I bought the 50 to replace my exos 48. Yeah it's heavier but my gear is lighter. Wanted the bottom access for my mirrorless camera gear in the tenba BYOB insert. So far I'm enjoying it

[@BackcountryExposure]

Arcana73 right on! Someone on their design team has definitely done something right.

[@MarcelloLins]

For those wondering, the 45L is the updated version of this bag. Size is the only change, with the 45 being the one being sold now instead of the 40L.

[@ronaldrose7593]

Hello Devin, thank you for sharing this very informative video. I need to replace a pack that was stolen. I will check out the Gregory Zulu. All the best to you out there on the trail. 🤗

[@geauxherd762]

Not all areas have nice soft forest floor or grass to set your pack on. If you are hiking exposed areas in Utah, California, Nevada etc and tossed a DCF pack around it would break down much quicker then a heavier reinforced nylon like this pack. You can still go lightweight with these packs just carrying it with all your other ultralight gear inside. I also prefer a pack like this for winter when you have to carry more gear cause they ride more comfortable with heavier load then dyneema packs (typically, atleast in my case)

[@dmn3773]

As I have mentioned before regarding this pack (on your videos) I love it! It's perfect for overnight trips or the loop hikes on the weekend close to the Phoenix MSA. Personally, I think this is a great pack for everyone to have in their collection of gear!

[@lamineaim5562]

I've ordered the zulu 55 from Gregory website to be shipped all the way to ALGERIA in north africa , it's one of my favorite brands and I'm pretty exited to use it when it comes counting the days 😁

[@FernTheCamper]

That's one awesome looking pack. Looks like Osprey has some competition :-) Love your adventure room too - it's so organized!

[@BackcountryExposure]

Yeah, they have done a nice job of designing some compelling packs. Thanks!

[@MulliganAl]

Great review, I almost purchased this pack from REI but I was concerned that it would be slightly too large to carry on and I hate checking my bags. With Covid I have some time before I travel outside the US, but if anyone has traveled extensively with this backpack and carried it on I'd be interested to know if it was an issue.

[@bobflynn2798]

I used it as a carry on on Icelandair. The pack wasn’t totally full, so I was able to stuff it into the size tester thing.

[@dallashill23]

I got the Gregory paragon 58 and my girlfriend has the Gregory jade 53, really awesome packs, super well thought out.

[@BackcountryExposure]

That Paragon is a good looking pack.

[@brandithrall2621]

My hisband is a die hard Osprey fan, I have a 45 liter Osprey that is usually for day hikes ( I treat every day hike like a training hike), but my heavy duty Gergory Diva is so perfect for how we backpack currently. It's heavy, but SOOOOOOO comfortable on the hips. When we go out we always bring our kids, so I end up carrying way more stuff (including our 5 lbs 3 person tent) - so I need a pack that can accomidate. I dream of the day when my boys are bigger and can carry their own and I can use my 45 L for overnighters......

[@BackcountryExposure]

Brandi Thrall I like your style.

[@jeremypierce1979]

Now!! Please do a review on the right size Zulu medium large and tell us what you really think?

[@HikeCamp]

I love Gregory and Osprey... Great packs just don't own one... Maybe one day... Great review.. 👍👍

[@MarieHalle]

I bought an older 2018. I think, model amber 60. My only complaint is reaching bottles, I bought a hydration bladder to address the issue. Comfortable, fair weight 3.6 pounds. People overlook Gregory for the bird brand. For a classic pack, Gregory fills the bill. My phone fits, google pixel 3. But bigger pockets for them all in future would be nice. Great review.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Thank you. Even though I haven’t loved earlier designs from Gregory, they have been making quality packs for a long time.

[@MarieHalle]

@@BackcountryExposure Why mess with tried and true? :)

[@HuckOutdoors]

My Zulu 55 treated me well for a couple years. Thing was bombproof!

[@BackcountryExposure]

Love it! Still wish I had my Optic.

[@octoberfox3399]

2 Problems with this pack. 1. It's too dam good! I love it so much. I want to replace my other packs with this one. 2. They don't make the Zulu in an 80-85L, which is one of my packs I want to replace. Great video. I'll be checking out more of your channel. XD

[@Z0MB13Redfield]

Thanks for another great review

[@BackcountryExposure]

👍🏻👊🏻

[@PaoloFrancesco99]

I just acquired the Zulu 30 in S/M and M/L to try both for size. I can vouch that one should go up in size if maxed out on the S/M. The hip belt is much closer as you mentioned but till works for me. The shoulder straps and load lifters are much better. I understand that Gregory used to have S /M/ L sizes. Being in the middle is tougher now with just the two sizes. I have an Osprey 34 coming as well and might do a comparison video if I find the time. I'm torn between the two.

[@CraigandJoan]

Great review!

[@douglass69]

I love my Deuters, but I love the two way access to the main body.

[@BackcountryExposure]

I agree. I’ve loved all the Deuter packs I’ve owned. One of my favorite day packs is the Speedlite. 👊🏻

[@maksenDK]

going for a hike in norway in the summer. Without much research and bad information from the local store, i got the Gregory Baltoro 75 liter pack. And it's waaay too big. So. I might have to sell it and get the Zulu instead.

[@JagerOtter]

Nice thought out design. My day pack goes for ultralight yet durable, but less cool features than this pack. Love my day pack but long for the day when I can can point and click the features I want on mountain smith packs kinda how UGQ does things with sleep system. Cause I love my mountainsmith gear Wouldn’t that be rad? Great exposure vid brother. 🤟

[@D3robotics]

Can this bag pass as carry on?

[@trailgoodsco]

Sick video as always dude!

[@BackcountryExposure]

Word!

[@micahbowen184]

Getting this in hopes it fits in the overhead

[@dangerpudge1922]

I just bought this pack for a lot of the reasons you mentioned (and then some) however your assessment of the hip belt pockets is way off. I've got a Samsung Note 9 and it fits just fine in there with plenty of room to spare. Perhaps that could be a difference in construction between the S/M and M/L packs. It might be something to note for those interested who might dismiss the pack for that reason.

[@AK-pg3tn]

I would like it more if they located reservoir outside the main compartment. How do you think?

[@rreitz28]

Are the hip straps removable or able to be tucked in when no using them?

[@jessywanders8829]

I just bought the large size but it's too big. I measured myself several times and I get a different number each time. 17 to 18 1/2 inches. My brother is going to keep it for himself.

[@idhamrodzali6091]

Im torn whether to buy Zulu 30, or Zulu 35 or Zulu 40. Im going solo backpacking in Europe next year for 3-4 months, and I need a backpack that would fit into carry on flight (safer for Zulu 30) . I'm a minimalist 5'9 170lbs guy, and i would bring few clothes with me. In terms of tech, I would probably bring 13' macbook pro because I do video editing, and travel book. I also will bring Fujiflm XT4 camera with 1 kit lens. Im going summer next year so I dont need too heavy/thick clothing. What do you think I should buy? Or any other backpack suggestion that you give me? Thanksss!

[@user-tn8jw3vp3b]

I have the previous 40L version. Unfortunately it had no adjustments for the back panel and the Large size didn't fit great on me with 22 pounds on a 50+mile trip I did. (Which I found out the hard way). Now I got the Levity 45 and I m planning a 120 mile hike. Hopefully it will end up fitting better at the end. This new model you got looks sweet :)

[@BackcountryExposure]

Yeah the design updates from the previous Zulu is a big upgrade. I’m sure you’ll enjoy that Levity. Super comfortable pack.

[@JeroenCoelen]

Great video! How tall is the frame? I'm looking to maybe use it as a carry-on and not fully pack it.

[@Oddball5.0]

Hi - I see no one answered so I’ll try to help. I own both a Zulu 40 and Zulu 30, both in SM/MD size. Frame length on both are the same: 51 cm. Speaking from personal experience, you can absolutely use the 40 as a carry on if you don’t pack it fully. I did this last year on international flights from US to Europe. Had no problem on American Airlines and British Air. YMMV on other airlines of course. But even on full flights they never even looked at mine, even when they were making people with carry on suitcases check their baggage.

[@JeroenCoelen]

@@Oddball5.0 Thanks a lot, appreciated.

[@angeloangeles9760]

Is this pack made in the Philippines? I'm about to buy 1 but I'm concerned if it's legit or not... TIA

[@dymo911ms]

Osprey Kestrel 38 or Gregory Zulu 40?

[@Frurin]

Really interested in an answer, too.

[@stomperr69]

I wonder what's the difference between zulu and stout series?

[@ivanj05]

Any thoughts on how this compares to the REI Trail 40?

[@BackcountryExposure]

I don’t have personal experience with the trail 40.

[@neemancallender9092]

I have the Gregory Stout 45 and the REI Trail 40, they are very different packs and carrys. The Stout 45 is an excellent very comfortable multi-day pack with an expandable capacity The Trail 40 is a good fixed size day pack, that I use to carry painting and camera gear, more a classic carry field pack

[@whiteflower5603]

Wow...you are up at the crack of insanity! Someday I hope to own such a pack 😍🙄

[@BackcountryExposure]

Save those pennies!

[@budzugan]

any possibilities to attach sleeping bag and a tent to it? I just got Zulu 35 and cannot figure it out, how :((((

[@robbynatividad6857]

I believe you can only put your sleeping bag inside or below the top head cover. How was your experience to 35L? Plan to buy one, but still thinking the volume.

[@budzugan]

@@robbynatividad6857 I did buy it. I love it very much but I must say it´s not very convenient for what I intended it to do - my idea was to use it in the city, to carry laptop around and food purchase and for hikes - it´s a little too big for the city and too small for overnight hikes, though you can manage it, I did fit my tent, sleeping bag and sleeping pad into/onto it. For one day hikes I really don´t need something this big. On the other hand it´s very comfortable and you can hardly feel it on you and I love the color. If you have a small, light sleeping bag and tent, so that you can easily fit those inside (my sleeping bag is quite bulky, tent is Saleva Denali 2), then it can be quite handy for overnight trips too.

[@JustaWagon]

I'm just about ready to pull the trigger on an Optic 48, I've watched your videos on it and getting rid of it for the levity, you seemed kinda disappointed. Would you pick the Optic over the Levity/Exos? I've tried on both the Optic and Exos, and the Exos is very comfy, but I'm still leaning toward the Optic.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Just a Wagon I regret selling my optic for the levity. I would personally get the optic again and likely will get another at some point.

[@afinteresting8817]

Does anyone know how long the metal frame is in this bag? Wondering if it will qualify as a carry on (55cm cut off)

[@giorgos.ketik_]

Yes, you can use it as a carry on. I use it as a carry on as well for six months now. It is very comfortable and beautiful backpack. I highly recommend it for you, if you have the amount of money.

[@giorgos.ketik_]

Also I forgot to tell you that I have the S/M size and the length of the metal frame is 50cm without the" brain" of the pack. So, when you want to use it as a carry on just remember don't fill the top pocket and you will be fine.

[@calisthenicrunner7080]

What's about the max weight capacity a Zulu could handle? I'm looking to put about 60-90 lbs in it but I didnt know if it could handle it

[@BackcountryExposure]

Calisthenic Runner ooh yeah, no way it could handle that much weight.

[@calisthenicrunner7080]

@@BackcountryExposure dang. Any suggestions on a pack that could?

[@GetUpTheMountains]

@@calisthenicrunner7080 Thats almost double the max Baltoro capacity.

[@shenlily5348]

Обзор хороший , но про боковые карманы под бутылки - бред., не хочешь не ложи.

[@neemancallender9092]

Jade is the women's line equivalent to Zulu

[@dbtravelnature6140]

my choice gregory optic 48

[@BackcountryExposure]

Such a good pack!