Gregory Focal 58 vs Gregory Zulu 30
Quick take: The Gregory Zulu 30 costs $120 less; the Gregory Focal 58 carries more (58 vs 30 liters); the Gregory Zulu 30 is lighter (2.4 vs 2.57 lbs).
| Spec | Gregory Focal 58 | Gregory Zulu 30 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $270 | $150 |
| Rating | 4.6★ (350) | 4.6★ (600) |
| Type | Ultralight Pack | Daypack |
| Frame Type | Internal Frame | Internal Frame |
| Capacity | 58 L | 30 L |
| Weight | 2.57 lbs | 2.4 lbs |
| Max Load | 35 lbs | 30 lbs |
| Torso Fit | Sized S-L, 15-22 in | Adjustable 16-22 in |
| Material | 100D/210D recycled nylon | 210D recycled nylon |
| Back Panel | FreeFloat suspended mesh | FreeFloat suspended mesh |
| Adjustable torso | No | Yes |
| Ventilated back | Yes | Yes |
| Raincover included | No | Yes |
| Hipbelt pockets | Yes | Yes |
| Removable lid | No | No |
| Hydration sleeve | Yes | Yes |
| Fits BV500 bear can | Yes | No |
| Warranty | Gregory lifetime warranty | Gregory lifetime warranty |
Pros & cons
Gregory Focal 58
- ✓Beats the Exos at its own game in most head-to-heads: similar weight, real hipbelt pockets, and a pivoting belt the Osprey lacks.
- ✓The FreeFloat suspended mesh breathes as well as anything under 3 lbs.
- ✓The dynamic hipbelt pivots with your stride, which reviewers credit for less hip chafe on long days.
- ✓Dual zippered hipbelt pockets fit large phones — called out approvingly in nearly every review.
- ✓The fixed lid-less design with a big top pocket keeps the silhouette clean without lid flop.
- ✓At 2.57 lbs it undercuts the Exos while including more standard features.
- ✓Gregory's lifetime warranty matches Osprey's on paper.
- ✓The 100D body with 210D reinforcement has held up well in long-term reviews.
- ✗Fixed torso sizes (no adjustability) is the biggest spec gap versus the current Exos.
- ✗The suspended mesh bows into the bag and complicates bear-canister packing, same as every trampoline design.
- ✗Availability is far thinner than Osprey's — few stores stock it to try on.
- ✗The 35 lb rating is optimistic per heavier users; 30 lbs is the practical comfort line.
- ✗The stretch front pocket is smaller than the Exos's and fills fast with wet gear.
- ✗No removable lid means no weight-stripping flexibility.
- ✗Bottle pockets require a shoulder-dislocating reach for some torsos.
- ✗Brand recognition lags in the UL scene, so resale is softer than Osprey or cottage brands.
Gregory Zulu 30
- ✓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.
- ✓An included raincover at $150 completes the ready-out-of-the-box package.
- ✓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.
- ✗At 2.4 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.