Gregory Zulu 24 LT vs REI Co-op Traverse 35
Quick take: The REI Co-op Traverse 35 costs $1 less; the REI Co-op Traverse 35 carries more (35 vs 24 liters); the Gregory Zulu 24 LT is lighter (2.3 vs 3.25 lbs).
| Spec | Gregory Zulu 24 LT | REI Co-op Traverse 35 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $180 | $179 |
| Rating | 4.7★ (13) | 4.7★ (21) |
| Type | Daypack | Daypack |
| Frame Type | Internal Frame | Frameless |
| Capacity | 24 L | 35 L |
| Weight | 2.3 lbs | 3.25 lbs |
| Max Load | Not specified by Gregory | Not specified by the manufacturer |
| Torso Fit | One size | One size |
| Material | 40% recycled 400D polyester ripstop | 210-denier ripstop nylon with 400-denier recycled nylon shell |
| Back Panel | VaporSpan ventilated suspended panel | Contoured foam pad |
| Adjustable torso | No | No |
| Ventilated back | Yes | No |
| 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.
REI Co-op Traverse 35
- ✓35 L is the largest capacity in this daypack group and genuinely covers a light overnight.
- ✓A 400D recycled shell over 210D ripstop is a durable combination for the price.
- ✓$179 undercuts the Osprey Stratos 34 by $36 for 1 L more.
- ✓REI's return policy and in-store fitting.
- ✓Recycled content in the main shell fabric.
- ✓The extra volume suits shoulder-season days when layers bulk up.
- ✓Contoured foam pad rather than a flat panel.
- ✓Widely stocked and easy to service or return.
- ✗52 oz is the heaviest daypack in this catalog, heavier than several 55 L backpacking packs.
- ✗No frame at 35 L, which is a lot of volume to carry on foam alone.
- ✗REI publishes no maximum load figure.
- ✗Foam pad construction ventilates poorly on a pack this size.
- ✗No hipbelt pockets.
- ✗No rain cover included.
- ✗At 35 L and this weight, a light backpacking pack may serve better.
- ✗One size only.