Gregory Jade 28L Review
Compare prices at 3 resellers Pros: Large capacity, good back ventilation, adjustable torso, included rain cover
Cons: Runs small, heavy, expensive, large for average day hike needs
Manufacturer: Gregory
Our Verdict
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Gregory Jade 28L | |||||
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| Price | Check Price at REI Compare at 3 sellers | Check Price at REI Compare at 2 sellers | $119.95 at Backcountry Compare at 2 sellers | Check Price at REI Compare at 3 sellers | $98.95 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Pros | Large capacity, good back ventilation, adjustable torso, included rain cover | Comes with hydration bladder, very comfortable hip belt, good capacity, solidly constructed | Great ventilation, backpack-like comfort, useful pockets and attachments, well built, intuitive use | Adjustable torso length, very durable, great features and pockets | Good for on-the-go, secure fit, fits more than expected, many shoulder strap pockets |
| Cons | Runs small, heavy, expensive, large for average day hike needs | U-shaped top opening is smaller, some pockets are less convenient | One size only, heavy, lame hip belt webbing system | Runs a bit small, front stow pocket a bit small | Opens unconventionally, meant for more specific use, not rainproof |
| Bottom Line | The biggest and most comfortable daypack in our test group is great for heavy loads and big days out | A super comfortable pack with a unique waist belt system and included hydration bladder for the serious day hiker | All the comfort and security of a full backpack in a bite-sized daypack | A versatile, durable, and comfortable pack that works just as well on the trail as in town | A lightweight, securely fitting pack, cleverly designed for use on the go |
| Rating Categories | Gregory Jade 28L | CamelBak Sequoia 24 | Gregory Juno 24L | Osprey Tempest 20 | Chimera 18 |
| Comfort (25%) | |||||
| Versatility (25%) | |||||
| Weight (25%) | |||||
| Ease Of Use (15%) | |||||
| Durability (10%) | |||||
| Specs | Gregory Jade 28L | CamelBak Sequoia 24 | Gregory Juno 24L | Osprey Tempest 20 | Chimera 18 |
| Weight (oz) | 42 oz | 36 oz | 31 oz | 31 oz | 17 oz |
| Volume/Capacity (liters) | 28L | 24L | 24L | 20L | 18L |
| Back Construction | Crossflow suspension | AirSupport(TM) backpanel; mesh covered foam panels with air flow channels | VaporSpan ventilated mesh | AirScape backpanel; large spaced horizontal padding bars covered by large-holed mesh | FlashDry backpanel; lightly padded and covered in fine mesh |
| Hydration | Internal hydration sleeve | External hydration sleeve and 3L Crux reservoir included | Internal hydration sleeve | External hydration sleeve | External hydration sleeve |
| Hipbelt | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes, webbing |
| Compartments | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Rain Cover | Yes | No | No, but DWR finish | No | No |
| Additional pockets | 6 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 7 |
| Outside Carry Options | External stretch pocket, trekking pole holders, ice axe attachement, sunglasses loop and bungee, hip belt pockets, hydration hose clip | Trekking pole and ice axe attachments, side pocket, expandable overflow pocket, hip belt pockets (one zip, two stretch), daisy chain, hydration hose clip | Lare exterior stretch pocket, 2 stretch side pockets, 2 zippered hip belt pockets, 1 zippered pocket, hiking pole storage, ice axe loop | Lidlock helmet attachment, trekking pole quick-stow, large stretch front pocket, ice tool loop with bungee tie-off, side pockets, hip belt pockets, sunglasses shoulder stow, bike light loop | Trekking pole and ice axe attachment, side pockets, expandable front stuff pocket, four small pockets on shoulder straps, loops on shoulder straps |
| Whistle | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Key Clip | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Materials | 210D nylon body, 420D nylon bottom | 420D oxford nylon | 210D Honeycomb Cryptorip nylon, 420D reinforced bottom | 70D x 100D nylon body, accent and bottom 420HD nylon packcloth | 70D ripstop nylon, closed-cell foam, elastic pockets |
| Notable Features | Adjustable torso length, internal pocket, cinch straps, sunglasses quick-stow | Hydration bladder included, hydration pocket has blue zipper pull, removable metal stiffening rod in center of back. multiple pockets in both hip belts, several internal stretch pockets, U-shaped top zipper | Sunglasses stow loops, hydration hose attachment, trekking pole attachment | Helmet attachment, trekking pole quick-stow, sunglasses quick-stow, bike light loop, shoulder strap pocket, stowable ice axe loops | Dyno Cinch System connects shoulder straps and waist webbing as one system, cinch cord for top and sides of pack all one system, main and small zippered compartments are opened via side zips for one-shoulder access |
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Gregory Jade 28 pack comes in two sizes: XS/S (16 to 18-inch torso) and S/M (18 to 20-inch torso). We tested the S/M which has a slightly larger volume (28 liters compared to 26) and is also a few ounces heavier. This pack is made with a 210-Denier nylon body and 420-Denier nylon bottom and has a host of features, including a rain cover, sunglasses storage system, and hip belt pockets.
Performance Comparison
Comfort
The Jade 28 received one of our top scores for comfort. Out of the many packs in our review, it is one of the most comfortable when loaded down thanks to the FreeFloat suspension. The frame helps transfer the weight onto the hips (which is a key feature in any bigger pack) while promoting airflow so that we didn't get too sweaty back there. It has a comfortable, body-hugging fit with enough padding in the right places to wear all day. That being said, we found that it runs a bit small. Our 5 foot, 4-inch tester with a 17-inch torso had to return the XS/S size (16 to 18-inch claimed torso range) for the S/MD size instead (18 to 20-inch claimed torso range), even though both sizes have adjustable torsos. For this reason, we think it's important that you try this pack on for size before committing. This is one drawback to a daypack with a frame, as the fit has to be just right for it to feel comfortable.
Versatility
The Jade is packed with features that make it a fairly versatile bag for anyone who needs to carry more than the average amount of gear on a day hike. The stretchy overflow pocket and handy sunglasses quick stow loop make it easy to shed and don layers as you need. The whistle on the sternum clip and included rain cover are excellent emergency additions that preclude you from having to buy them extra and remember to bring them each time you go out. The two hip belt pockets are large enough for an oversized smartphone, which we appreciate. While these features make the Jade a versatile bag, its overall size makes it more of an expedition pack or a pack for the mother of small children or trail dogs.
Weight
This daypack weighs 42 ounces in the size that we tested (41 ounces in the smaller size), making it one of the heaviest bags in this review. That's not totally surprising, considering that it also boasts one of the largest volumes (28 liters), and a hefty wireframe suspension system. Some smaller bags came close in weight because they used heavier denier nylon, which might make them more durable in the long run. There are often tradeoffs when selecting outdoor gear, and if you're looking for something lightweight, it might be made of thinner and less durable materials. The Jade strikes a good compromise between weight and durability in our minds. The 200-Denier material will last longer than a 100-Denier one but isn't as heavy as something that uses a 600-Denier packcloth.
Ease of Use
The Jade 28 isn't our favorite pack to access during a hike but is adjustable in several helpful ways. This pack is one of just three we tested that come in more than one size. Not only is the Jade available in two sizes, but it also features an adjustable harness that allows you to change the torso length to better suit your specific size. While this feature is nice to customize your own bag, we found the Jade to run small. Our 5 foot, 4-inch tester with a 17-inch torso much prefers the 18 to 20-inch fit to the 16 to 18-inch smaller size. Not only do we think the lack of any size above a so-called "medium" sounds a bit constricting for women in these modern times, but we also found that this pack adjusted to taller torso lengths is less comfortable to wear. This is mostly due to the instability of the small amount of velcro connection that is left when we extended the harness to these heights.
That said, the Jade is one of the only models we tested with actually helpful load-lifting straps due to the larger size of the bag. (If the top of the shoulder straps and the top of the bag are the same height then the tensioners are not that effective.) The hip belt also has a lot of room to expand to fit a variety of hip sizes, which we appreciate.
Durability
We are impressed with the construction of this pack earning it high marks for durability. We could find little in the way of durability complaints online and didn't experience any firsthand during our testing. The bottom has a double layer of nylon, which will help with longevity, and that's a good thing because after a couple of month's use it is already looking a little scuffed.
Value
This daypack is one of the most expensive bags in this review. However, for what you get in comfort and versatility in a large-capacity bag, we think this pack is worth it. If you don't need this kind of weight-carrying capacity on a regular basis, we think you'll be happier with a smaller bag.
Conclusion
We knew we'd enjoy the Gregory Jade 28 as soon as we tried it on in the store, and it didn't disappoint in the field. It can hold a ton of gear (for a day pack), and it is among the most comfortable options in our test group, particularly when weighted down. It might be a little bit too big for those who do shorter hikes only, but if you're into all-day, fully loaded affairs, then the Gregory Jade is the way to go.
Other Versions
Gregory makes the Jade pack in a variety of sizes. The 28 that we tested is the smallest, and then it goes up from there: 33, 38, 53, and 63-liter options are all available.
— Maggie Brandenburg and Cam McKenzie Ring