Choosing the right backpack is a critical decision for any hiker. A well-fitted pack from a trusted brand like Gregory can transform miles of trail from a chore into a pleasure, carrying your gear securely while keeping you comfortable and balanced. With options ranging from minimalist daypacks to feature-rich expedition load haulers, Gregory’s lineup offers a solution for every type of adventure. This roundup highlights ten of their best models, designed to meet the specific needs of different hikers and journeys.
From ventilated suspension systems that keep you cool to women-specific designs and plus-size fits that prioritize inclusivity, Gregory’s engineering focuses on personalized comfort. Whether you’re planning a quick summit dash, a multi-day trek, or need a reliable companion for daily use, one of these packs is likely your perfect match. We’ve compiled key details to help you identify the ideal Gregory backpack for your next outing.
Our Recommended Gregory Hiking Backpacks
- Gregory Women’s Deva Backpack
- Gregory Maya 16L Women’s Daypack
- Gregory Zulu 40L Men’s Backpack
- Gregory Jade 28L Women’s Backpack
- Gregory Zulu 65L Plus Size Pack
- Gregory Maven 45L Women’s Pack
- Gregory Focal 58L Ultralight Pack
- Gregory Zulu 55L Unisex Pack
- Gregory Maya 20L Women’s Daypack
- Gregory Jade 53 Women’s Backpack
Gregory Women’s Deva Backpack
The Gregory Deva is a high-capacity workhorse built for extended women’s-specific adventures. Its intelligent organization includes a Double Barrel lid design with multiple pockets and a unique security pocket underneath for valuable items. The pack is ready for variable conditions, featuring dual ice axe loops, upper shock locks for trekking poles, and even includes an umbrella.
With numerous interior and exterior pockets, including a dedicated hydration sleeve, it offers exceptional gear management. The suspension system is designed to carry heavy loads comfortably over long distances, making it a reliable choice for serious backpacking trips where access and weather preparedness are key.
Gregory Maya 16L Women’s Daypack
Perfect for short hikes or daily use, the Maya 16L daypack combines comfort with practical organization. Its standout feature is the BioSync Suspension, a flexible system that moves naturally with your body for unrestricted motion. The women’s-specific design ensures a comfortable fit right out of the box.
This pack keeps essentials within easy reach. It includes a stretch front pocket with bungee closure, dual side pockets for water bottles, and internal mesh organizers. Hydration compatibility is seamless with a dedicated sleeve and shoulder strap clip, while a sunglass loop adds a convenient touch for quick access.
Gregory Zulu 40L Men’s Backpack
The Zulu 40L is a versatile pack ideal for overnight or long weekend trips. Its updated CrossFlo Suspension provides excellent ventilation and stability, with dual-density foam in the hipbelt and shoulder harness for managing heavier loads. Enhanced lumbar foam adds significant comfort for all-day wear.
Accessibility is a major benefit, featuring a front U-zip panel that lets you open the main compartment like a suitcase. Organization is straightforward with a permanent top lid, a front bucket pocket, and two stretch water bottle pockets. This blend of comfort and smart access makes it a favorite for fast-paced trips.
Gregory Jade 28L Women’s Backpack
Designed for women, the Jade 28L offers a perfect balance between a daypack and an overnight pack. Its CrossFlo Suspension keeps your back cool, while the hybrid top-loading panel provides versatile access to the main compartment. This design allows you to pack efficiently and retrieve items without hassle.
Thoughtful features include dual quick-access waist belt pockets for snacks or a phone, and trekking pole attachments that double as ice axe loops. A significant advantage is the integrated rain cover, stored neatly out of sight, ensuring your gear stays dry without needing a separate purchase.
Gregory Zulu 65L Plus Size Pack
This pack represents Gregory’s commitment to inclusive sizing. The Zulu 65L Plus Size is engineered specifically for larger body shapes, with extended-length shoulder straps and hipbelts. Its fit is comparable to 2x-6x apparel sizing, while the torso length remains consistent for accurate fitting.
Despite the specialized fit, it doesn’t compromise on features. You still get a fully adjustable torso with 3.5 inches of customization, the supportive FreeFloat dynamic hipbelt, and the high-capacity storage needed for multi-day expeditions. It provides the same quality and performance in a fit designed for more hikers.
Gregory Maven 45L Women’s Pack
The Maven 45L is built for women who prioritize breathability and dynamic movement on the trail. Its FreeFloat suspension incorporates flexible panels that move in sync with your body’s natural motion, reducing fatigue. The adjustable torso pairs with a 3D perforated foam backpanel for enhanced airflow.
Comfort is further refined by the women’s-specific 3D comfort cradle hipbelt. This design hugs your body shape to eliminate hot spots and distribute weight effectively. This pack is an excellent choice for backpackers who want a highly ventilated and agile system for multi-day trips.
Gregory Focal 58L Ultralight Pack
The Focal 58L brings ultralight principles into a fully-featured, supportive package. Its FreeFloat ultralight suspension uses flex panels for natural movement, while the internal aluminum frame provides necessary structure. The ventilated mesh back panel incorporates Polygiene technology to resist odor and maintain freshness.
Despite its lighter weight, it doesn’t skimp on carrying comfort. The ComfortCradle hipbelt uses 3D construction to wrap your body without creating pressure points. This pack is ideal for hikers looking to reduce base weight but who still want the organizational benefits and support of a traditional backpacking pack.
Gregory Zulu 55L Unisex Pack
A classic workhorse in the Gregory lineup, the Zulu 55L is built for reliability on extended treks. Its adjustable torso offers 3.5 inches of fine-tuning for a personalized fit that maintains full support under load. The patented FreeFloat dynamic hipbelt is a key feature, linking flexibly to the frame to move with your stride.
The 3D shaped hipbelt conforms closely to your body, providing exceptional padding and stability for heavy loads. With ample capacity, thoughtful organization, and Gregory’s proven suspension, this pack is a dependable choice for backpackers tackling longer trails who need a balance of comfort and durability.
Gregory Maya 20L Women’s Daypack
An upgraded daypack, the Maya 20L uses the body-responsive BioSync system in its hipbelt and shoulder harness for exceptional comfort on longer day hikes. The adjustable torso length is connected edge-to-edge to better balance your load, offering 3.5 inches of adjustment for a precise fit.
Ventilation is handled by a channeled foam backpanel with aerodynamic grooves that promote air movement to keep you cooler. Combined with standard features like hydration compatibility and practical pockets, this pack is a strong performer for hikers who want a technical daypack with superior fit and cooling.
Gregory Jade 53 Women’s Backpack
As a larger-capacity member of the celebrated Jade series, this backpack is designed for women embarking on multi-day adventures. It typically incorporates Gregory’s women-specific suspension geometry to properly balance and transfer weight, ensuring comfort over many miles. The capacity is suited for carrying full camping gear, food, and supplies.
Expect thoughtful organization tailored to longer trips, such as multiple access points, dedicated compartments for a sleeping bag, and ample external attachment points. The Jade series is known for its reliable performance and fit, making this 53-liter model a trusted option for extended backpacking journeys.
How to Choose the Best Gregory Backpack for Hiking
Picking the right pack is a game-changer. I’ve learned that a poorly fitting backpack can turn a great day on the trail into a real chore. Since we’re talking about the 10 best Gregory Backpacks for Hiking – Dec. 2025, let’s break down what actually matters when you’re making your choice. Forget the fancy jargon; we’re focusing on practical stuff.
First up, and this is non-negotiable: capacity and trip length. Think about what you do most. For quick day hikes where you just need water, a snack, and a layer, a pack in the 18-25 liter range is perfect. If you’re heading out for a full weekend or longer, you’ll need space for a sleeping bag, shelter, and more food. That’s where 50-70 liter packs come in. I always recommend being honest with yourself about how much gear you really carry.
Next, fit and suspension system. This is Gregory’s bread and butter. Their AutoFit and Response AFS systems are fantastic because they let you fine-tune the fit on the go. You want the hipbelt to sit snugly on the top of your hips, taking most of the weight. The shoulder straps should contour to your body without gaps or pinch points. If you can, get to a store and try them on with some weight in them. A good fit means the pack feels like an extension of your body, not a bulky load.
Then, consider the features and organization you need. Do you want easy access to your water bottle? Look for side pockets you can reach without taking the pack off. Prefer to keep a camera handy? A front “shove-it” pocket or a dedicated lid pocket is key. Also, think about hydration compatibility—most Gregory packs have a built-in sleeve and exit port for a water reservoir. I love a pack with a clean, simple interior for big trips, but for day hikes, I appreciate more pockets to keep my small items sorted.
Finally, don’t ignore the materials and weight. Lighter packs often use thinner, more fragile fabrics, which is fine for well-maintained trails. If you’re going through brush or rocky scrambles, a more durable, slightly heavier fabric might save your gear in the long run. Look at the denier count (like 100D or 210D)—a higher number generally means a tougher fabric. Balancing durability with the weight on your back is the final step in finding your perfect match.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I properly adjust my Gregory backpack?
It starts with loading your pack with typical weight. Loosen all the straps first. Put the pack on and position the hipbelt so the center of the padding is on the top of your hip bones (the iliac crest). Buckle it and tighten it snugly. Then, adjust the shoulder straps so they wrap comfortably around your shoulders without a big gap at the top. Finally, use the load lifter straps (the ones coming from the top of the shoulder straps to the pack) to pull the pack closer to your body at a 45-degree angle. The sternum strap is for stability, not for taking weight. Gregory’s video guides on their site are super helpful for this.
Are Gregory backpacks good for people with longer torsos?
Yes, absolutely. Many of their packs, especially in the mid-to-large capacity range for multi-day trips, come in specific torso sizes (like Small, Medium, Large). This is different from just being an adjustable strap. You measure your torso length from your C7 vertebra (the bony bump at the base of your neck) to the top of your hip bones. Choosing the correct fixed torso size provides a much more stable and comfortable platform for carrying heavy loads compared to a one-size-fits-all adjustable pack.
What’s the difference between the men’s and women’s specific models?
Gregory designs their women’s packs (often denoted with a “W” like Maven 55W) based on common female torso proportions and shoulder shapes. They typically feature a shorter torso length range, a hipbelt contoured for a narrower waist and wider hips, and shoulder straps that are set closer together and curved for a woman’s chest. Men’s packs assume a longer torso and broader shoulders. The best thing to do is try on both if you can, as fit is very personal, but the gender-specific designs are a great starting point for a lot of people.
Can I use a Gregory hiking backpack for travel?
You definitely can, especially the panel-loading styles (that open like a suitcase) in the 40-50 liter range. Many of these packs have a streamlined look, compression straps to keep things tight, and even some can be fitted with a removable daypack. The main thing to check is if the frame and hipbelt are stowable or removable so they don’t get snagged on airport conveyors. A pack from the 10 best Gregory Backpacks for Hiking – Dec. 2025 list is often versatile enough to handle a weekend travel adventure just as well as a trail.
How should I clean and care for my Gregory pack?
First, never put it in a washing machine or dryer. The agitation can damage the frame, seams, and waterproof coatings. For general cleaning, I use a soft brush or cloth, lukewarm water, and a mild soap (like Nikwax Tech Wash). Gently scrub the fabric, paying attention to dirty areas like the hipbelt and shoulder straps. Rinse thoroughly with a hose or shower, making sure all soap is out. Hang it to air dry completely in a shaded, well-ventilated area—never in direct sunlight, as UV rays can degrade the fabrics over time. Re-treat with a DWR (durable water repellent) spray after cleaning if needed.