Gregory Arrio 22 vs Gregory Kiro 24
Quick take: The Gregory Arrio 22 costs $10 less; the Gregory Kiro 24 carries more (24 vs 22 liters); the Gregory Arrio 22 is lighter (1.48 vs 1.54 lbs).
Which one to buy
Gregory charges $10 less for the pack with the frame. The Arrio 22 has an alloy frame and a suspended FreeSpan mesh back; the Kiro 24 is frameless. Both are one size and both carry Gregory's lifetime warranty, but the Kiro is rated to 20 lb against the Arrio's 15, and only the Kiro includes a rain cover.
What the Kiro offers instead is 2 L more, the higher load rating, a lid with the rain cover in its own zip pocket, and a wrap-over harness that spreads the straps across your shoulders. Its perforated foam back breathes without the depth of a suspended mesh, but it won't match the Arrio's airflow on a hot climb. It also has no hydration sleeve, which the Arrio includes.
For most day hikers the Arrio is the better buy: frame, airflow and a bladder sleeve for less money, and at 1.48 lb it is slightly lighter too. Its drawbacks are the 15 lb rating and no rain cover. Check which generation you're buying, too, since Gregory's outlet is clearing this Arrio and the newer Arrio 20, 24 and 28 are a different design.
Gregory Arrio 22
For most day hikers, especially in heat or with a hydration bladder, since it brings a frame and a suspended mesh back for $10 less.
Gregory Kiro 24
Worth it if you want an included rain cover in its own lid pocket, a 20 lb rating and a wrap-over harness, and you carry bottles.
| Spec | Gregory Arrio 22 | Gregory Kiro 24 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $110 | $120 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | Daypack | Daypack |
| Frame Type | Internal Frame | Frameless |
| Capacity | 22 L | 24 L |
| Weight | 1.48 lbs | 1.54 lbs |
| Max Load | 15 lbs | 20 lbs (9.1 kg) |
| Torso Fit | One size (fits 16-21 in torsos) | One size |
| Material | 210D Honeycomb CryptoRip HD nylon with 420D high density nylon base, PFAS-free C0 DWR | 210D HD 37% recycled nylon with C0 DWR, 420D HD 40% recycled nylon |
| Back Panel | FreeSpan suspended open-air mesh | Perforated 3D foam with printed mesh |
| Adjustable torso | No | No |
| Ventilated back | Yes | Yes |
| Raincover included | No | Yes |
| Hipbelt pockets | No | No |
| Removable lid | No | No |
| Hydration sleeve | Yes | No |
| Fits BV500 bear can | No | No |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship, original purchaser | Gregory lifetime warranty |
Pros & cons
Gregory Arrio 22
- ✓An alloy frame and FreeSpan suspended mesh back at a $109.95 list price, $60 under the Zulu 24 LT.
- ✓1.48 lb is light for a framed, ventilated daypack.
- ✓Hydration sleeve as standard.
- ✓Same lifetime warranty as Gregory's expedition packs.
- ✓Panel-loading zippered main compartment opens wide for easy access.
- ✗One size, with no torso adjustment.
- ✗No hipbelt pockets: the hipbelt is removable webbing.
- ✗This generation is being cleared through Gregory's outlet below its $109.95 list price, and the newer Arrio 20/24/28 are a different design, so check which version a listing is.
- ✗Only 15 lbs of rated carry, so it suits light day loads rather than full winter kits.
Gregory Kiro 24
- ✓1.54 lb, the lightest of Gregory's rain-cover-equipped daypacks.
- ✓Rain cover included, kept in its own zippered pocket under the top lid.
- ✓Perforated 3D foam breathes without the depth penalty of a suspended-mesh frame.
- ✓Wrap-over harness spreads the straps across the shoulders rather than hanging the pack from two points.
- ✓Three sizes from 20 to 28 L.
- ✓Gregory backs it for life.
- ✗Frameless, so the 20 lb rating is the practical limit rather than a conservative one.
- ✗$119.95 is $10 more than the Arrio 22, which adds an alloy frame and FreeSpan suspended mesh for the money.
- ✗An outlet is clearing units at $89.89, which usually signals a colorway or model-year change.
- ✗A single size with no way to adjust the torso.
Gregory Arrio 22 vs Gregory Kiro 24: common questions
Why is the framed Arrio 22 cheaper than the frameless Kiro 24?▾
Gregory prices them $10 apart in the Arrio's favor despite its alloy frame and FreeSpan mesh. The Kiro's extra cost goes to an included rain cover stowed under its lid, a wrap-over harness and a 20 lb rating against the Arrio's 15. It isn't lighter: 1.54 lb against the Arrio's 1.48.
Which one works better with a hydration bladder?▾
The Arrio 22, which has a hydration sleeve as standard. The Kiro 24 has none, so it suits hikers who carry bottles or don't mind improvising a bladder setup.