Gregory Zulu 55 vs Gregory Jade 28
Quick take: The Gregory Jade 28 costs $20 less; the Gregory Zulu 55 carries more (55 vs 28 liters); the Gregory Jade 28 is lighter (2.63 vs 3.7 lbs).
| Spec | Gregory Zulu 55 | Gregory Jade 28 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $220 | $200 |
| Rating | — | 4★ (53) |
| Type | Traditional Pack | Daypack |
| Frame Type | Internal Frame | Internal Frame |
| Capacity | 55 L | 28 L |
| Weight | 3.7 lbs | 2.63 lbs |
| Max Load | 40 lbs | Not specified by Gregory |
| Torso Fit | S/M and M/L with 4 in of adjustment; hipbelt 27-51 in | Women's fit, one size |
| Material | Recycled nylon | 400D polyester ripstop |
| Back Panel | Ventilated suspended mesh panel | Ventilated suspended panel |
| Adjustable torso | Yes | No |
| 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 | Gregory lifetime warranty | Gregory lifetime warranty |
Pros & cons
Gregory Zulu 55
- ✓$220 for a ventilated 55 L pack rated to 40 lb is strong value against the Osprey Rook 65 at $205.
- ✓Four inches of torso adjustment across two frame sizes is generous at this price.
- ✓The hipbelt spans 27 to 51 inches across the size range, wider than most packs here.
- ✓40 lb is a genuinely useful ceiling rather than an optimistic number.
- ✓Suspended mesh panel gives Gregory's best ventilation outside the Focal.
- ✓Hipbelt pockets included.
- ✓The women's Jade is the direct counterpart if a women's fit is wanted.
- ✓Gregory's lifetime warranty.
- ✗OutdoorGearLab does not publish the fabric specification for this pack.
- ✗3.7 lb is heavier than the Paragon 60 at 3.5 lb despite holding 5 L less.
- ✗Only the 55 L volume could be confirmed with a current price.
- ✗No rain cover included.
- ✗The review has no formal spec table, so several figures are drawn from narrative text.
- ✗Less refined than the Paragon, which costs $80 more.
- ✗Gregory's site blocks automated access, so pricing rests on a single gear-media source.
- ✗Bear-canister fit is not stated.
Gregory Jade 28
- ✓28 L is the largest women's daypack here, covering 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 24 LT as a direct men's counterpart for couples buying together.
- ✗At 42 oz it is the heaviest women's daypack in the comparison group by a clear margin.
- ✗$200 is expensive for a daypack, above the Osprey Sirrus 24 at $190.
- ✗No torso adjustment.
- ✗Gregory publishes no maximum load figure.
- ✗No rain cover included.
- ✗Only one volume could be confirmed with a current price.
- ✗gregory.com blocks automated access, so pricing rests on a single gear-media source.
- ✗The weight makes it a poor choice for fast-moving days.