Can I adjust the Zulu 30 to fit my torso?

Yes — unusually for a daypack, it has an adjustable suspension covering roughly 16-22 inch torsos, plus a padded hipbelt with pockets. Shorter hikers and women can also look at the Jade 28, the women's-specific version of the same design.

Is the Zulu 30 enough pack for an overnight trip?

For a minimalist summer overnight with compact gear, yes — owners regularly use it that way, and it carries 25-30 lbs comfortably thanks to the real frame and pivoting FreeFloat hipbelt. Keep in mind the trampoline mesh bows into the bag, so it packs more like 26-27 liters than a true 30.

Does it handle rain out of the box?

No rain cover comes with the US version, so budget for one or use a liner (European versions sold as 'RC' include a cover). The 400D recycled polyester ripstop shrugs off drizzle on its own, but for real rain plan on a cover.

How well does it work with a hydration bladder?

There's a dedicated sleeve that takes a standard 3L reservoir without fuss. The water-related gripes owners actually report are elsewhere: bottle pockets that angle awkwardly for one-handed grabs, and hipbelt pockets that run tight for big phones.

Is it overkill for casual day hikes?

Honestly, yes — at 3.04 lbs with a frame, adjustable torso, and pivoting hipbelt, you're carrying features that only earn their keep with 20+ lb loads or big-mile days. If your day kit is 10 lbs of snacks and a jacket, Osprey's Hikelite 26 delivers the ventilated-back experience lighter and cheaper.

Daypack

~$200

Gregory

Gregory Zulu 30

Name: Gregory Zulu 30
Brand: Gregory
Price: 200 USD
Availability: InStock

★4.4(70 reviews)

The Zulu 30 is Gregory's big day-hiker and light-overnighter, pairing a ventilated FreeFloat suspended mesh back with a pivoting hipbelt and an adjustable torso. The women's version is the Jade 28.

Approx. price

~$200

Capacity

30 L

Weight

3.04 lbs

Best For

Big day loads, winter hikes, and minimalist summer overnights

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Specifications

What do these specs mean? →

Type

Daypack

Frame Type

Internal Frame

Capacity

30 L

Weight

3.04 lbs

Max Recommended Load

40 lbs

Torso Fit

Adjustable 16-22 in

Material

40% recycled 400D polyester ripstop with 420D nylon

Back Panel

FreeFloat suspended mesh

Warranty

Limited lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship, original purchaser

Raincover Included

Fits BV500 Bear Canister

Sizes Available

Capacity	Price	Weight
30 Lthis pack	$200	3.04 lbs
35 L	—	—
40 L	—	3.46 lbs
45 L	$200	—
55 L	—	—
65 L	—	—

Features

Adjustable TorsoVentilated BackHipbelt PocketsHydration Sleeve

Pros

✓The 30L size with a real frame bridges day hiking and ultralight overnights — owners call it the most versatile size in the roundup.
✓The FreeFloat pivoting hipbelt moves with your hips, which reviewers credit for comfort on 15-mile days.
✓Suspended mesh ventilation matches the Stratos while carrying more.
✓The adjustable torso plus padded, pocketed hipbelt gives full-size-pack fit features in a daypack.
✓The clamshell-style main opening makes packing far easier than top-tube rivals.
✓Carries 25-30 lbs comfortably, which the 22-26L class can't.
✓Gregory's lifetime warranty backs it.

Cons

✗At 3.04 lbs it's heavy if you only ever carry 10 lbs of day gear.
✗Bulky for travel — the frame and mesh don't compress into luggage.
✗The mesh trampoline bows into the bag, and 30L packs more like 26-27.
✗Bottle pockets angle awkwardly for one-handed grabs, a recurring gripe.
✗The suspended back stands the load slightly off your center of gravity on scrambles.
✗Overkill (in price and features) for casual walkers versus the Hikelite.
✗The hipbelt pockets are on the small side for big phones.
✗Fewer US retail touchpoints than Osprey for trying sizes.

Common Questions

Compare the Gregory Zulu 30

vs Black Diamond Distance 15 vs Exped Skyline 30 vs Gregory Jade 28

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Gregory Jade 28

4(53)

The Jade is the women's counterpart to the Zulu day line, at 28 L and built on the same 400D polyester ripstop and suspended ventilated panel. It sits between a day pack and a light overnight carry.

28 LWomen's Fit400D RipstopVentilated back

Weight

3.05 lbs

Capacity

28 L

Frame

Internal Frame

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~$180

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The Citro is Gregory's hydration day pack and ships with a 3 L reservoir included. At 2.0 lb it is lighter than Osprey's equivalent Manta 24 by well over a pound, and $30 cheaper, while bundling a larger bladder.

24 L3 L Reservoir Included2.0 lbsVentilated back

Weight

2.0 lbs

Capacity

24 L

Frame

Internal Frame

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The women's-fit Citro: 1.93 lb with a 3 L reservoir included and a 420D reinforced base, at $180. It matches the men's Citro on price while weighing marginally less and adding a tougher base fabric.

24 LReservoir Included20 lb Load RatingVentilated back

Weight

1.93 lbs

Capacity

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Frame

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Best for: Women wanting a light, well-ventilated hydration daypack at a fair price

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Gregory Kiro 24

Gregory's frameless hiking daypack is the Kiro 24: 1.54 lb, a perforated foam back instead of a suspended mesh, a wrap-over harness, and a rain cover stowed under the lid. It comes in 20, 24 and 28 L and lists at $119.95.

24 L1.54 lbsRaincover IncludedVentilated back

Weight

1.54 lbs

Capacity

24 L

Frame

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Also in 20 L / 28 L

Best for: Light day hikes where a frameless pack with a rain cover is enough

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~$110

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Gregory Arrio 22

The Arrio 22 sits a step below the Zulu LT in Gregory's daypack range: an alloy perimeter frame, a FreeSpan suspended mesh back and a zippered panel-loading main compartment at 1.48 lb. Gregory now sells this generation through its outlet, while the redesigned Arrio 20, 24 and 28 take its place in the main line.

22 L1.48 lbsFreeSpan Mesh BackVentilated back

Weight

1.48 lbs

Capacity

22 L

Frame

Internal Frame

Best for: Day hikers wanting a framed, ventilated Gregory for light loads at a low price

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~$100

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Gregory Terros 25

Near the bottom of Gregory's price list sits the Terros, a June 2026 addition: a frameless 25 L pack in heavy recycled polyester with a padded back, sold in 20, 25 and 28 L sizes from $89.95 to $109.95. Gregory files it under urban packs but writes it up as trail-comfortable, and the 20 lb rating and C0 DWR put it in line with its hiking daypacks.

25 L1.82 lbsUnder $100

Weight

1.82 lbs

Capacity

25 L

Frame

Frameless

Also in 20 L / 28 L

Best for: A sub-$100 Gregory for short hikes and daily carry

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