REASONS TO BUY
Comprehensive features
Great breathability
Solid suspension
REASONS TO AVOID
Complicated construction
Learning curve to use features
Gregory Zulu 30 Review
A moderately-sized technical daypack with a comfortable suspension but a heavier weight
Credit: Gregory
RELATED: Best Daypacks of 2023
Our Verdict
The Gregory Zulu 30 is a sound pack, but not over the top in features. Built as a technical day pack, it performs well across most categories. The well-ventilated backpanel and comfortable suspension will be loved by many, but weight and long-term durability leave a bit more to be desired. If you are looking for a dedicated full-function hiking backpack, the Zulu 30 is a solid contender. However, if your goals are to travel lightly, this pack may be too bulky and technical. Gregory put out a good pack similar to some award winners but falls a tad shy in functionality and durability.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Gregory Zulu 30 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  | |  |  | |
| Price | $170 List $169.95 at REI | $139 List $139.00 at REI | $149.97 at Amazon Compare at 3 sellers | $60 List $59.95 at REI | $71.95 at Amazon Compare at 2 sellers |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Pros | Comprehensive features, great breathability, solid suspension | Comfortable and stable, intuitive and functional design, modular set-up, utilizes recycled materials | Tons of features, fully adjustable, comfortable, well ventilated, separate hydration compartment | Lightweight, only includes essential features, comfortable suspension for the weight | Simple, lightweight, versatile |
| Cons | Complicated construction, learning curve to use features | Non-adjustable frame, large size for minimalist outings | Runs small, side mesh pockets are debatably small | Uncomfortable with heavy loads, lacks durability | A little small, lacks high-end features |
| Bottom Line | A moderately-sized technical daypack with a comfortable suspension but a heavier weight | Top comfort and stability make this pack the right fit for hauling your gear on any outdoor excursion | This pack offers a time tested versatile design that is ready for any adventure | This pack is an excellent value, providing all-around performance for light and fast activities at a bargain price | A simple and lightweight hiking backpack that serves a dual purpose with a laptop sleeve |
| Rating Categories | Gregory Zulu 30 | REI Co-op Traverse 32 | Osprey Talon 22 | REI Co-op Flash 22 | Osprey Daylite Plus |
| Comfort (25%) | |||||
| Weight (25%) | |||||
| Versatility (25%) | |||||
| Ease of Use (15%) | |||||
| Durability (10%) | |||||
| Specs | Gregory Zulu 30 | REI Co-op Traverse 32 | Osprey Talon 22 | REI Co-op Flash 22 | Osprey Daylite Plus |
| Volume | 30 L | 32 L | 22 L | 22 L | 20 L |
| Measured Weight | 42.1 oz | 41.0 oz | 30.7 oz | 14.0 oz | 20.6 oz |
| Back Construction | Mesh back panel with internal frame | Contured, foam pad | Vented, contoured | Removable foam pad | Mesh over vented foam |
| Hydration Compatibility | Internal hydration sleeve, hook and loop attachment point, holds up to 3L | Internal hydration sleeve, hook and loop attachment point | Externally accessed sleeve, holds up to 3L, bladder not included | Internal hydration sleeve | Internally accessed sleeve, holds up to 3L, bladder not included |
| Hip Belt | Padded with pockets | 1 3/8" webbing, countoured padding, ventilated outer layer | Broad, padded, with pockets | Broad, not padded. | 3/4" webbing, removable |
| Number of pockets | 7 | 7 | 10 | 5 | 6 |
| Description of Pockets | 1 main compartment, 2 mesh side bottle pouches, 2 oversized hipbelt pockets, an exterior elastic mesh, and 2 organization pockets | 1 main combo top-loader/side panel zip, 1 internal mesh w/ overlap closure (inside of lid), 1 external zip on top of lid, 2 mesh side bottle w/ button closure/expansion, 2 oversized hipbelt zip | 1 main compartment zippered, 1 stretchy mesh shoulder strap pouch, 2 waist zippered, 2 side stretchy mesh, 1 back stretchy mesh, 1 top zippered, 1 open hydration reservoir pocket behind back panel, 1 internal mesh compartment zipper | 1 main compartment, 2 mesh side bottle pouches, 1 side zippered pocket, 1 top pouch | 2 stretchy mesh side, 1 interior padded laptop sleeve, 1 back zippered with internal mesh dividers and key clip, 1 back expandable waterbottle, 1 back zippered. |
| Materials | 210-denier nylon/210-denier high-tenacity nylon | Nylon | Nylon | Nylon | |
| Outside Carry Options | Ice axe loop and bungee holder, compression straps with buckles | Trekking pole lash points, ice axe attachments, daisy chains,attachment loops, compression straps | Bungee helmet tab, blinker light patch, ice axe loop and bungee holder, front-side pole carry bungee loops | Tool loop and bungee holder | Side compression strap |
| Whistle | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Key Clip | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Other Notable Features | Sunglasses shoulder quickstow | Steel frame w/ 1 internal stay, hydration tube holder on shoulder strap, included rain cover, water bottle pockets angled forward to allow on the go access | Blinker patch, front-side pole carry loops | Removeable foam back panel doubles as sit pad, removeable sternum, removeable Packmod bungee | Compatible as an attachment to other Osprey packs |
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Our Analysis and Test Results
With the Zulu 30, Gregory has developed a solid contender in the technical daypack class. Offering a mid-level weight-to-volume ratio, this pack has excellent ventilation and a comfortable suspension system.
Performance Comparison
The Zulu is a strong, technical pack capable of hauling heavier loads.
Credit: Jacob Clark
Comfort
Most daypacks are capable of carrying only a little weight, generally under 20 pounds, so the biggest feature that impacts comfort comes not from the ability to carry a heavy load, but from the breathability of the back panel. The Gregory Zulu has full suspension capable of carrying heavier loads, and its weight limits will likely not be pushed on typical day hikes. The trampoline-style mesh suspension lends to improved ventilation and cooling beyond a standard foam and mesh-constructed back panel. Tested in the humid Virginia mountains, this pack's breathability was well worth the weight trade-off.
Weight
The downside to Zulu 30's breathable and comfortable suspension and larger carrying capacity is its heavier weight. At over two and a half pounds (42 ounces), this pack is one of the heaviest models in our daypack category. On simple and light day hikes, this becomes a considerable portion of the weight. Those who value the comfort, carrying capacity, and technical features of the Zulu 30 will likely be ok with the additional weight. Hikers looking for a more simple daypack should look into other options.
One of the larger packs in this review, the Zulu 30 is a bit heavier but is also capable of carrying larger loads.
Credit: Jacob Clark
Versatility
The versatility of the Zulu is limited by its own suspension system. The best use of this pack is geared towards day hiking with heavier loads, which makes it less versatile for other disciplines. The rigid suspension provides a limitation on a bike where your back is curved or climbing where flexibility is valued. In these cases, the benefits of a softer, more conforming back panel outweigh the benefits of a rigid, supportive frame. The rain cover provided for the pack adds some versatility for adverse conditions.
The Zulu has big side pockets that are great for large bottles and best accessed when swung around like shown here.
Credit: Jacob Clark
Ease of Use
The Gregory Zulu is not a simple pack with its compression straps, seven pockets, and main compartment. This large number of pockets lends itself well to organization and access while the pack is on. The hip belt pockets are a particularly useful feature not typically found on small day packs.
All of the compression straps, gear attachments, and storage pockets make this a little more complicated than more simple daypacks.
Credit: Jacob Clark
Durability
The Zulu 30 has the solid materials and construction that we are used to seeing from Gregory. The biggest potential durability concern comes with the open weave mesh suspension system. While we didn't have any problems during our testing, the mesh system has a higher risk of snagging or tearing than other packs with a foam back panel. The exterior material held up well to bushwhacking through foliage and scrambling over rocky terrain. When combined with the rain cover, the pack stays surprisingly dry too.
The Zulu's included rain cover is easily accessible and does a great job of keeping the pack dry.
Credit: Jacob Clark
Value
We the Zulu is worth its price if you're looking for a more heavy-duty pack capable of hauling larger loads. It is priced competitively for its feature sets and suspension. Those living and hiking in particularly wet and humid areas will enjoy this pack most with its excellent breathability and an included rain cover.
Conclusion
The Gregory Zulu 30 pack is a great option for day hikers carrying larger loads, and could even work for overnight backpacking trips for those who pack lightly. Given its technical nature and heavy-duty design, it does its job exceptionally well.
—
Jacob Clark
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