Gregory Zulu 30 vs Deuter Futura 21 SL
Quick take: The Gregory Zulu 30 carries more (30 vs 21 liters); the Gregory Zulu 30 is lighter (2.4 vs 2.54 lbs).
| Spec | Gregory Zulu 30 | Deuter Futura 21 SL |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $150 | $150 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | Daypack | Daypack |
| Frame Type | Internal Frame | Internal Frame |
| Capacity | 30 L | 21 L |
| Weight | 2.4 lbs | 2.54 lbs |
| Max Load | 30 lbs | 7-13 lbs (3-6 kg) |
| Torso Fit | Adjustable 16-22 in | Adjustable, 38-48 cm (15-19 in) |
| Material | 210D recycled nylon | 600D recycled PES with 210D recycled PA |
| Back Panel | FreeFloat suspended mesh | Aircomfort suspended mesh over flexi spring steel frame |
| Adjustable torso | Yes | Yes |
| Ventilated back | Yes | Yes |
| Raincover included | Yes | Yes |
| Hipbelt pockets | Yes | No |
| Removable lid | No | No |
| Hydration sleeve | Yes | Yes |
| Fits BV500 bear can | No | No |
| Warranty | Gregory lifetime warranty | Deuter lifetime repair policy |
Pros & cons
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.
Deuter Futura 21 SL
- ✓The 38-48 cm SL range sits a full 6 cm shorter than the standard Futura at both ends, which is the whole point of the fit.
- ✓Both sizes have published weights and prices, so the 25 L at $170 is a directly comparable step up.
- ✓Suspended Aircomfort mesh gives the same class-leading ventilation as the standard Futura.
- ✓Rain cover included at $150.
- ✓Pull-forward hip fin adjustment is the easier direction to tension once the pack is on.
- ✓ActiveFit pivoting shoulder straps rather than a shortened copy of the men's harness.
- ✓50% recycled yarn content with PFAS-free DWR.
- ✓Lifetime repair policy.
- ✗1,150 g for 21 L is very heavy for the volume, and the SL fit saves only 30 g over the standard 23.
- ✗3-6 kg maximum load is restrictive for anything beyond a standard day kit.
- ✗The suspension gap reduces usable depth, so it packs smaller than the badge.
- ✗Only two SL sizes, both small; anyone wanting a larger women's day pack is pushed to the Futura Pro.
- ✗The rigid curved frame makes it awkward to stuff into luggage.
- ✗Hipbelt pockets are not listed in the specification.
- ✗The ventilation advantage largely disappears in cool conditions.
- ✗Bear-canister fit is not stated by Deuter.