Gregory Zulu 30 vs Gregory Jade 28
Quick take: The Gregory Zulu 30 carries more (30 vs 28 liters); the Gregory Zulu 30 is lighter (3.04 vs 3.05 lbs).
Which one to buy
A woman shopping Gregory's day packs will land on exactly this choice, because the Jade 28 is Gregory's women's counterpart to the Zulu. At the same $200, the spec sheets are close: both weigh about 3 lb (3.04 against 3.05), both use 400D recycled polyester ripstop, both have adjustable torsos, and neither includes a raincover. The Zulu is rated to 40 lb against the Jade's 35 and holds 2 L more.
The Jade's case is fit. Its harness and hipbelt are shaped for narrower shoulders and different hip geometry, a distinct build rather than a recolored Zulu. It comes in XS/SM and SM/MD, each with 3.5 in of torso adjustment, against the Zulu's single 16-22 in range. It suits people who keep running out of room in a 22-24 L pack, and it can handle a compact summer overnight. Set the fit with the pack loaded.
The Zulu's mesh back bows into the bag, so it packs more like 26-27 L, which closes most of the capacity gap. Owners also mention awkward bottle pockets and small hipbelt pockets. Neither pack includes a rain cover, and the shared 400D polyester handles brief showers but will eventually wet through in sustained rain, so plan on a cover or liner. Both carry Gregory's lifetime warranty. If the Zulu's harness sits well on you, its higher rating makes it the slightly more capable pack; the Jade wins when a women-specific shape fits and the Zulu's does not.
Gregory Zulu 30
For anyone the adjustable 16-22 in harness fits well, including women: a 40 lb rating and 2 L more at the same price and weight.
Gregory Jade 28
Best if the Zulu's harness does not sit right on narrower shoulders or your hips, and a women's shape with two size options fits better.
| Spec | Gregory Zulu 30 | Gregory Jade 28 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $200 | $200 |
| Rating | 4.4★ (70) | 4★ (53) |
| Type | Daypack | Daypack |
| Frame Type | Internal Frame | Internal Frame |
| Capacity | 30 L | 28 L |
| Weight | 3.04 lbs | 3.05 lbs |
| Max Load | 40 lbs | 35 lbs |
| Torso Fit | Adjustable 16-22 in | Women's fit, XS/SM and SM/MD, each with 3.5 in of torso adjustment |
| Material | 40% recycled 400D polyester ripstop with 420D nylon | 40% recycled 400D polyester ripstop with 420D nylon |
| Back Panel | FreeFloat suspended mesh | Ventilated suspended panel |
| Adjustable torso | Yes | 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 | No | 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 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.
- ✓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 3.04 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.
Gregory Jade 28
- ✓28 L covers long days that a 22 L pack cannot.
- ✓400D polyester ripstop is the most durable fabric of any daypack in this comparison group.
- ✓A suspended ventilated panel rather than contact foam.
- ✓Hipbelt pockets included.
- ✓The women's fit is a distinct construction in Gregory's line, not a colourway of the Zulu.
- ✓Gregory's lifetime warranty.
- ✓Better suited to shoulder-season loads than the lighter 20-24 L options.
- ✓Pairs with the Zulu 30 as a direct men's counterpart for couples buying together.
- ✗At 49 oz it is one of the heavier women's daypacks here, though the Osprey Mira 24 and Deuter Futura Pro 34 SL weigh more.
- ✗$200 is expensive for a daypack, the same as the Osprey Sirrus 24.
- ✗No rain cover included.
- ✗The weight makes it a poor choice for fast-moving days.
Gregory Zulu 30 vs Gregory Jade 28: common questions
Is the Jade 28 just a women's Zulu 30 with a different name?▾
Not quite. The Jade's harness and hipbelt are a distinct women's construction, sized XS/SM and SM/MD with 3.5 in of torso adjustment each. The fabric is the same 400D polyester ripstop, and Gregory rates the Jade to 35 lb against the Zulu's 40.
Can a woman just buy the Zulu 30 instead?▾
Yes, if it fits. Its torso adjusts across 16-22 in, so length is rarely the problem; shoulder strap shape and hipbelt angle are. Try both loaded if you can, since that is where the Jade's women-specific build makes its difference.
Which is better for a light summer overnight?▾
Zulu owners regularly use theirs that way with compact gear, and the Jade can manage a compact summer kit too. Gregory rates the Zulu to 40 lb, with a pivoting hipbelt, and the Jade to 35 lb, so for a fuller overnight load the Zulu has a little more headroom.