Gregory

1.33kg (M/L)

comfort, pockets, ventilation, adjustable back, 4 sizes

unprotected zips

Capacity: 30 litres

Materials: nylon

Closure: zipped lid

Back system: adjustable, sprung frame, mesh backband

Back length: 54cm (M/L)

Hipbelt: shaped, padded

Pockets: stretch mesh front pouch, front zipped, 2 stretch mesh side, 2 zipped hipbelt, 1 zipped outer lid, 1 zipped inner lid, hydration sleeve Features: rain cover, side compression straps, trekking pole attachments

Sizes: 2 men, 2 women (Jade 28) eu.gregorypacks.com

Unusually for a pack of this size, the Zulu 30 comes in two sizes for men, and (called the Jade) two sizes for women. The shoulder harness is also adjustable via a Velcro pad. This means a more precise fit is obtainable than with the other packs reviewed. This may not seem important in a daypack, but it is when the pack has a shaped back and a padded hipbelt. The harness is comfortable and breathable, and stability is good for a pack with an air gap between your back and the load. A large mesh panel covers your back and is flexible enough to conform to your shape. The foam lumbar pad and hipbelt are also mesh-covered and sprung so the hipbelt curves naturally round the hips.

The pack has a long, curved top zip that gives excellent access to the contents. There are plenty of pockets too, including a stretch front pouch that’s good for wet items. The main zip and the ones on the pockets are not water-resistant ones and don’t have covers, which means the rain cover found inside the front pouch is a necessity.

The Zulu 30 is quite light and reasonably priced. I think it’s an excellent pack.