Gregory Zulu 30 vs Gregory Juno 24 H2O
Quick take: The Gregory Zulu 30 carries more (30 vs 24 liters); the Gregory Juno 24 H2O is lighter (1.94 vs 2.4 lbs).
| Spec | Gregory Zulu 30 | Gregory Juno 24 H2O |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $150 | $150 |
| Rating | 4.4★ (70) | 4.5★ (82) |
| Type | Daypack | Daypack |
| Frame Type | Internal Frame | Internal Frame |
| Capacity | 30 L | 24 L |
| Weight | 2.4 lbs | 1.94 lbs |
| Max Load | 30 lbs | Not specified by Gregory |
| Torso Fit | Adjustable 16-22 in | Women's fit, one size |
| Material | 210D recycled nylon | 210D honeycomb CryptoRip nylon with 420D high density nylon base |
| Back Panel | FreeFloat suspended mesh | Ventilated suspended panel |
| Adjustable torso | Yes | No |
| Ventilated back | Yes | Yes |
| Raincover included | Yes | No |
| Hipbelt pockets | Yes | Yes |
| Removable lid | No | No |
| Hydration sleeve | Yes | Yes |
| Fits BV500 bear can | No | No |
| Warranty | Gregory lifetime warranty | Gregory lifetime warranty |
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.
Gregory Juno 24 H2O
- ✓$150 with a reservoir included is the best value of any hydration daypack in this catalog.
- ✓1.94 lb is lighter than the men's Citro 24 despite adding a 420D reinforced base.
- ✓A 420D high density base is real reinforcement on the panel that sees the most wear.
- ✓Undercuts the Osprey Mira 24 by $60 and by 1.34 lb.
- ✓210D honeycomb CryptoRip resists tear spread better than plain nylon.
- ✓Ventilated suspended panel rather than contact foam.
- ✓Hipbelt pockets included.
- ✓Gregory's lifetime warranty.
- ✗No torso adjustment.
- ✗Gregory publishes no maximum load figure.
- ✗Reservoir capacity is not stated in the source, unlike the men's Citro's 3 L.
- ✗No rain cover included.
- ✗Only one volume could be confirmed with a current price.
- ✗A bundled bladder is wasted money for bottle users.
- ✗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.