Gregory Citro 24 H2O vs Gregory Kiro 24
Quick take: The Gregory Kiro 24 costs $60 less; the Gregory Kiro 24 is lighter (1.54 vs 2 lbs).
Which one to buy
$60 apart at the same 24 L, and nearly all of that gap is the Citro's 3 L reservoir and the hardware around it. The Citro 24 H2O adds a ventilated VaporSpan suspended back, a hydration sleeve and hipbelt pockets. The Kiro 24 is frameless, 0.46 lb lighter, has a perforated foam back and a wrap-over harness, and includes a rain cover the Citro lacks.
If you drink from a bladder, the Citro is the better pack and arguably the better deal, since its reservoir is bigger than what Osprey bundles with its equivalent and its sleeve keeps any leak away from your gear. If you carry bottles, the reservoir is a third of what you're paying for, and the Kiro does the job for $60 less with no sleeve or hipbelt pockets to miss.
Neither adjusts for torso length, though the Citro has a women's-fit sibling, the Juno 24 H2O, if its harness doesn't sit right. The Kiro states a 20 lb limit, which on a frameless pack is the practical ceiling; Gregory publishes no maximum for the Citro. For rain, the Kiro's cover sits in its own zip pocket under the lid, while the Citro needs a dry bag or an aftermarket cover. Gregory's lifetime warranty covers either one.
Gregory Citro 24 H2O
For bladder users who want a 3 L reservoir included, a suspended mesh back for hot days and hipbelt pockets.
Gregory Kiro 24
Best for bottle carriers who want a light, simple daypack with a rain cover for $60 less.
| Spec | Gregory Citro 24 H2O | Gregory Kiro 24 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $180 | $120 |
| Rating | 4.5★ (86) | — |
| Type | Daypack | Daypack |
| Frame Type | Internal Frame | Frameless |
| Capacity | 24 L | 24 L |
| Weight | 2.0 lbs | 1.54 lbs |
| Max Load | Not specified by Gregory | 20 lbs (9.1 kg) |
| Torso Fit | One size | One size |
| Material | 210D honeycomb CryptoRip nylon with 420D high density nylon | 210D HD 37% recycled nylon with C0 DWR, 420D HD 40% recycled nylon |
| Back Panel | VaporSpan ventilated suspension | Perforated 3D foam with printed mesh |
| Adjustable torso | No | No |
| Ventilated back | Yes | Yes |
| Raincover included | No | Yes |
| Hipbelt pockets | Yes | No |
| Removable lid | No | No |
| Hydration sleeve | Yes | No |
| Fits BV500 bear can | No | No |
| Warranty | Gregory lifetime warranty | Gregory lifetime warranty |
Pros & cons
Gregory Citro 24 H2O
- ✓A 3 L reservoir is included, larger than the 2.5 L bladder Osprey bundles with the Manta 24.
- ✓2.0 lb undercuts the Osprey Manta 24 by 1.4 lb for the same volume and a bigger bladder.
- ✓$180 is $30 less than the Manta 24 despite the larger reservoir.
- ✓210D honeycomb CryptoRip nylon resists tear propagation better than plain weaves of the same denier.
- ✓Ventilated suspended panel keeps airflow behind a pack that is often worn on hot days.
- ✓Hipbelt pockets included.
- ✓The women's Juno 24 H2O is the direct counterpart at the same price.
- ✓Gregory's lifetime warranty.
- ✗No torso adjustment.
- ✗Gregory publishes no maximum load figure.
- ✗The bundled reservoir is wasted cost for anyone who prefers bottles.
- ✗No rain cover included.
- ✗210D is lighter-duty than the 400D ripstop on the Zulu 24 LT, which costs $10 less.
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 Citro 24 H2O vs Gregory Kiro 24: common questions
Is the Citro 24 H2O worth $60 more than the Kiro 24?▾
If you use a hydration bladder, yes, since a 3 L reservoir, a suspended ventilated back and hipbelt pockets come with it. If you carry bottles, the reservoir is a large share of the price, and the Kiro holds the same 24 L.
Which one handles rain better?▾
The Kiro 24, which includes a rain cover stowed in a zip pocket under the lid. The Citro has none, so use a dry bag for electronics or an aftermarket cover.