Gregory Zulu 24 LT vs Arc'teryx Aerios 18
Quick take: The Gregory Zulu 24 LT carries more (24 vs 18 liters); the Arc'teryx Aerios 18 is lighter (1.3 vs 2.3 lbs).
| Spec | Gregory Zulu 24 LT | Arc'teryx Aerios 18 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $180 | $180 |
| Rating | 4.7★ (13) | 4.2★ (22) |
| Type | Daypack | Daypack |
| Frame Type | Internal Frame | Internal Frame |
| Capacity | 24 L | 18 L |
| Weight | 2.3 lbs | 1.3 lbs |
| Max Load | Not specified by Gregory | Not specified by the manufacturer |
| Torso Fit | One size | One size |
| Material | 40% recycled 400D polyester ripstop | 210D Cordura nylon with twisted 200D Vectran grid |
| Back Panel | VaporSpan ventilated suspended panel | AeroForm thermoformed back panel |
| Adjustable torso | No | No |
| Ventilated back | Yes | Yes |
| Raincover included | No | No |
| Hipbelt pockets | Yes | No |
| Removable lid | No | No |
| Hydration sleeve | Yes | Yes |
| Fits BV500 bear can | No | No |
| Warranty | Gregory lifetime warranty | Manufacturer warranty; terms not published |
Pros & cons
Gregory Zulu 24 LT
- ✓The VaporSpan suspended panel is a true trampoline-style back, not a channelled foam pad pretending to ventilate.
- ✓400D polyester ripstop is far more abrasion-resistant than the 100D fabrics on comparable lightweight daypacks.
- ✓40% recycled content in the main fabric.
- ✓Hipbelt pockets are included, which several packs at this price omit.
- ✓2.3 lb is lighter than the Osprey Sirrus 24 at 2.69 lb for the same volume.
- ✓$180 sits below Osprey's Stratos 24 at $190 with a comparable suspension.
- ✓Gregory's lifetime warranty covers manufacturing defects for the life of the pack.
- ✓The LT designation means it is the lighter of the two Zulu day options rather than a stripped-down budget model.
- ✗No torso adjustment; one size only, unlike the Osprey Stratos which adjusts 17-22 in.
- ✗Gregory publishes no maximum load figure for the line.
- ✗2.3 lb is still heavy against a Sportlite 25 at 1.7 lb for 1 L more.
- ✗No rain cover included at $180.
- ✗Only one volume could be confirmed with a current price.
- ✗The suspended panel consumes depth, so packed volume is less than 24 L implies.
- ✗gregory.com blocks automated access, so pricing rests on a single gear-media source.
- ✗Bear-canister fit is not stated and is irrelevant at this size.
Arc'teryx Aerios 18
- ✓The AeroForm thermoformed panel holds its shape under load rather than compressing like foam.
- ✓210D Cordura with a twisted Vectran grid is one of the most tear-resistant fabrics at this weight.
- ✓20.8 oz is light for a pack with a structured back panel.
- ✓Arc'teryx build quality and finishing are a genuine step above the rest of this group.
- ✓The close, structured fit suits scrambling where a loose pack shifts.
- ✓Vectran is a high-modulus fibre normally reserved for far more expensive gear.
- ✓Strong resale value.
- ✓Backed by Arc'teryx's warranty and service network.
- ✗$180 for 18 L is expensive, and the Gregory Nano 18 covers the same volume for $75.
- ✗18 L limits it to short days or fast-moving trips.
- ✗No hipbelt pockets.
- ✗No published maximum load figure.
- ✗The thermoformed panel fits a narrower range of backs than an adjustable system.
- ✗No rain cover included.
- ✗One size only.
- ✗Technical construction is wasted on general day hiking.