Gregory Focal 58 vs Gregory Zulu 55
Quick take: The Gregory Focal 58 costs $10 less; the Gregory Focal 58 carries more (58 vs 55 liters); the Gregory Focal 58 is lighter (2.65 vs 4.18 lbs).
Which one to buy
Both run suspended mesh backs and hipbelt pockets, and both carry Gregory's lifetime warranty, so the choice is between a lighter pack in fixed sizes and a heavier one that adjusts. The Focal 58 weighs about a pound and a half less and holds 3 L more. The Zulu 55 adds 3.5 inches of torso adjustment in each of its two frame sizes, a hipbelt spanning 27 to 51 in across the range, and a 50 lb rating.
Fit is where most buyers should decide. The Focal comes in S (16-18 in), M (18-20 in) and L (20-22 in) with no adjustment, and few stores stock it to try on; landing between sizes is the strongest argument for an adjustable pack. The Zulu is exactly that, and few packs at its price fit as many body shapes.
Load is the other split. Heavier users report about 30 lbs as the Focal's practical comfort line despite its 35 lb rating, while Gregory rates the Zulu to 50 lb, enough for a week of food and three-season gear. If you carry heavier, the Zulu is the safer pack.
The Focal's advantage is carrying lighter loads in comfort: it's one of the most comfortable packs under 3 lb, reviewers credit its pivoting hipbelt with less hip chafe, and nearly every review praises hipbelt pockets that fit large phones. Both backs share the trampoline trade-off, which eats a little volume, and in the Focal a BV500 rides vertically. Plan on a liner or cover for both.
Gregory Focal 58
A good match for hikers who know their torso size and keep loads near 30 lb, where a lighter pack with a pivoting hipbelt pays off.
Gregory Zulu 55
For hikers between sizes, with wider hips, or carrying up to 50 lb, since its torso adjusts 3.5 inches within each frame size.
| Spec | Gregory Focal 58 | Gregory Zulu 55 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $270 | $280 |
| Rating | 4.5★ (33) | — |
| Type | Ultralight Pack | Traditional Pack |
| Frame Type | Internal Frame | Internal Frame |
| Capacity | 58 L | 55 L |
| Weight | 2.65 lbs | 4.18 lbs |
| Max Load | 35 lbs | 50 lbs |
| Torso Fit | S 16-18 in, M 18-20 in, L 20-22 in | S/M and M/L with 3.5 in of adjustment; hipbelt 27-51 in |
| Material | 100% nylon | 40% recycled 400D polyester ripstop with 420D nylon |
| Back Panel | FreeFloat suspended mesh | Ventilated suspended mesh panel |
| Adjustable torso | No | Yes |
| Ventilated back | Yes | Yes |
| Raincover included | No | No |
| Hipbelt pockets | Yes | Yes |
| Removable lid | No | No |
| Hydration sleeve | Yes | Yes |
| Fits BV500 bear can | Yes | No |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship, original purchaser | Limited lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship, original purchaser |
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 2.65 lbs (size M) it undercuts the Exos while including more standard features.
- ✓Gregory's limited lifetime warranty covers manufacturing defects for the original purchaser.
- ✓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.
- ✗Gregory rates it to 35 lbs, but heavier users report about 30 lbs as 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 55
- ✓A ventilated 55 L pack rated to 50 lb at $280, with FreeFloat hipbelt and U-Zip access.
- ✓3.5 inches of torso adjustment across two frame sizes is generous.
- ✓The hipbelt spans 27 to 51 inches across the size range, wider than most packs here.
- ✓Gregory's 50 lb rating gives real headroom for food-heavy trips.
- ✓Suspended mesh panel gives Gregory's best ventilation outside the Focal.
- ✓Hipbelt pockets included.
- ✓The women's Jade is the direct counterpart if a women's fit is wanted.
- ✓Gregory's lifetime warranty.
- ✗4.18 lb is heavier than the Paragon 60 at 3.72 lb despite holding 5 L less.
- ✗No rain cover included.
- ✗Less refined than the Paragon, which costs only $20 more.
Gregory Focal 58 vs Gregory Zulu 55: common questions
Which fits better if I'm between torso sizes?▾
The Zulu 55, with 3.5 inches of torso adjustment in each of two frame sizes and a hipbelt range of 27 to 51 in. The Focal's sizes are fixed, and landing between them is the strongest argument for an adjustable pack.
Will the Focal 58 handle a week of food as well as the Zulu?▾
Not as comfortably. Gregory rates the Zulu to 50 lb, enough for a week of food with three-season gear. Heavier Focal users report about 30 lbs as its practical comfort line despite a 35 lb rating, though it carries that range very comfortably.