Join the quest for the perfect panel loading camino pack?

[tarasis]

Have now done 5 x 20+km and 2 x 30km walks with it fully loaded and would say I barely notice it, comfortable and snug. Weight I have ended with is 6.8kg

Cheers for the feedback, good to hear. I managed to try it out with a 3kg load and it seemed good (along with Osprey Stratos 34 & 36, Dueter something, and a couple of others … found they sat a little too low and swayed) . Had hoped it was a little smaller to be able to take it on as carryon.

Definitely prefer that Black and Orange over the Blue & Gray.

Will be my first backpack/rucksack of that type.

 

[trecile]

I'm back from walking nearly 1100 km on my latest Camino using the Ranger 35. It was very comfortable and carried the load well. I started out with about 14.5lbs without water.

For anyone who is interested in this pack it's now on sale for only $124! They are showing a regular price of $155, but when it was introduced, and when I bought mine in February, it was $185.

Ranger 35

The Ranger 35 is a versatile panel loader that is big enough for any adventure on or off the trail. A removable internal poly carbonate frame adds a new level of stability & comfort. The secure zippered opening opens wide & packs easily & large signature mesh pocket & side pockets are very...

www.gossamergear.com

 

[Hiker-jill]

I'm back from walking nearly 1100 km on my latest Camino using the Ranger 35. It was very comfortable and carried the load well. I started out with about 14.5lbs without water.

For anyone who is interested in this pack it's now on sale for only $124! They are showing a regular price of $155, but when it was introduced, and when I bought mine in February, it was $185.

Ranger 35

The Ranger 35 is a versatile panel loader that is big enough for any adventure on or off the trail. A removable internal poly carbonate frame adds a new level of stability & comfort. The secure zippered opening opens wide & packs easily & large signature mesh pocket & side pockets are very...

www.gossamergear.com

Trecile
I am confused by the "one size fits all"....is it somehow adjustable? What size torso do you have? Most backpacks that I've tried have been ordered specifically by torso length....and maybe a separate measurement for waist...So, I am curious...

 

[trecile]

Trecile
I am confused by the "one size fits all"....is it somehow adjustable? What size torso do you have? Most backpacks that I've tried have been ordered specifically by torso length....and maybe a separate measurement for waist...So, I am curious...

No, it doesn't have an adjustable torso length, but fit me just fine. My torso length is 18".
I'm sure that @davebugg could explain how this pack is able to fit a range of torso sizes.

 

[Hiker-jill]

No, it doesn't have an adjustable torso length, but fit me just fine. My torso length is 18".
I'm sure that @davebugg could explain how this pack is able to fit a range of torso sizes.

Thanks...I am asking for my sister....I could probably wear it, because my torso is also 18"...but hers is 16".....

 

[DBride]

I used this Columbus K35l https://en.columbus-outdoor.com/mochila-k-35.html
But I think next time I will search smaller and lighter.

 

[nidarosa]

Update on the panel loader quest: I have just returned from a 300 km walk on the Francés, in hot weather, with my supposedly 25L Osprey Escapist. I have dared myself to do it many times but this is the first time I have actually done it. And it performed great! Not too full, just enough organisation, and she even sits up by herself so no falling over and no dusting the floor in the packing process.
I didn't miss the pole stowing thing, mostly because I use my Pacerpoles all the time so no need to stow them, but when I did, I just opened the waist belt and clipped them in there.
I had my water bottle in one side pocket where I could reach and replace it myself, my Birkenstock EVAs in the other, and layers and wet stuff in the mesh stash/kangaroo pocket. Small and frequent use stuff in the zipped sunglasses pocket, general stuff in the main compartment, urgent stuff like first aid, poncho, umbrella/parasol in the larger organising pocket. Hardly used the sleeping bag compartment opening, but when I did I was glad to have it. Clothes, sleeping bag and toiletries/laundry stuff was all separated in drybags and easy to get to without lifting everything out.
The back panel is the same as the Talon/Tempest and Kestrel/Kyte models and kept me cool enough without getting the pack soaked. Harness and waist belt very comfortable and the velcro adjustment helped get the perfect fit. And when I came home I just folded her into the washing machine!
I did cut the shoulder strap pocket off though, as it was too small for my glasses and mobile, instead I put a velcro strap around that part of the strap with a drinking tube clip to attach my umbrella/parasol to shield from the blistering sunshine. I also removed the helmet holder and cinching bungee to make it easier to use the front zip, since I would fill the pack anyway.
All in all I am very happy with her and still amazed at the capacity for such a small pack!

 

[nidarosa]

Oh and by the way, the new season Osprey pack features a remake of the Manta 24 and 34L, and Mira 22 and 32L - all panel loaders with aircon backs and bells and whistles! Pricey though. My Escapist adventure makes it easier not to yearn for one.

 

[henrythedog]

Looks great too!View attachment 56854

Sack looks good.

What do you use full sized carabiners for?

 

[henrythedog]

Update on the panel loader quest: I have just returned from a 300 km walk on the Francés, in hot weather, with my supposedly 25L Osprey Escapist. I have dared myself to do it many times but this is the first time I have actually done it. And it performed great! Not too full, just enough organisation, and she even sits up by herself so no falling over and no dusting the floor in the packing process.
I didn't miss the pole stowing thing, mostly because I use my Pacerpoles all the time so no need to stow them, but when I did, I just opened the waist belt and clipped them in there.
I had my water bottle in one side pocket where I could reach and replace it myself, my Birkenstock EVAs in the other, and layers and wet stuff in the mesh stash/kangaroo pocket. Small and frequent use stuff in the zipped sunglasses pocket, general stuff in the main compartment, urgent stuff like first aid, poncho, umbrella/parasol in the larger organising pocket. Hardly used the sleeping bag compartment opening, but when I did I was glad to have it. Clothes, sleeping bag and toiletries/laundry stuff was all separated in drybags and easy to get to without lifting everything out.
The back panel is the same as the Talon/Tempest and Kestrel/Kyte models and kept me cool enough without getting the pack soaked. Harness and waist belt very comfortable and the velcro adjustment helped get the perfect fit. And when I came home I just folded her into the washing machine!
I did cut the shoulder strap pocket off though, as it was too small for my glasses and mobile, instead I put a velcro strap around that part of the strap with a drinking tube clip to attach my umbrella/parasol to shield from the blistering sunshine. I also removed the helmet holder and cinching bungee to make it easier to use the front zip, since I would fill the pack anyway.
All in all I am very happy with her and still amazed at the capacity for such a small pack!
View attachment 64779

I see no reason why they should not be - but are all rucksacks female, like ships? If not - and there are two (or more - I am nothing if not ‘woke’) genders - how does one tell the difference

Anyway - I’m delighted that you have found something which really works for you.

 

[Deleted member 67185]

I see no reason why they should not be - but are all rucksacks female, like ships? If not - and there are two (or more - I am nothing if not ‘woke’) genders - how does one tell the difference?

In 1970’s UK working-men’s-club humour (I know I’m talking to a smaller and smaller audience by the word...) we could compare the brain size (what I know as the lid), but happily those days are gone and I wouldn’t know where to start nowadays.

Anyway - I’m delighted that you have found something which really works for you.

A lot of the gender-differentiated backpacks adjust the width of the backpack at the shoulder girdle and waist areas. The size (spine length) choices are also somewhat adjusted for smaller increments between small to large. Additionally, many manufacturers will incorporate a shoulder harness that is shaped to better fit a larger chest area.

Testosterone and estrogen pheromones are optional.

 

[henrythedog]

A lot of the gender-differentiated backpacks adjust the width of the backpack at the shoulder girdle and waist areas. The size (spine length) choices are also somewhat adjusted for smaller increments between small to large. Additionally, many manufacturers will incorporate a shoulder harness that is shaped to better fit a larger chest area.

Testosterone and estrogen pheromones are optional.
[/QUOTE

Dave - I was counting down slowly from ten and expecting you to come in with a technically unimpeachable answer before I got to one.

You didn't let me down.

I’ll have to mark on the calendar when you’re over here waking with Mrs Bugg.

 

[nidarosa]

My Escapist is a unisex or male biking pack in theory but I am tall and broad shouldered and have a short back for my height so it fits me very well. Her name is Stella though

 

[Deleted member 67185]

My Escapist is a unisex or male biking pack in theory but I am tall and broad shouldered and have a short back for my height so it fits me very well. Her name is Stella though

Stella. . . I love it

There are a lot of male hikers that have started using female specific packs. The biggest reason is that they seem to fit better around the chest area. The narrower cut to the packs profiles also seems to be preferred.

 

[henrythedog]

My Escapist is a unisex or male biking pack in theory but I am tall and broad shouldered and have a short back for my height so it fits me very well. Her name is Stella though

Things that you treasure deserve names. In my humble opinion, of course.

 

[nidarosa]

Things that you treasure deserve names.

Absolutely! Have just been discussing this on my recent camino and was surprised how many had never thought about it. There were more named packs when I left than when I arrived though!

 

[DwainS]

Trecile, it only takes 10 seconds total to get to tbe interior...only 5 seconds more than a zipper. I'd call that a moot point.

just what I was thinking. i'am new to backpacking and looking for one for the camino this year. When I was reading the comments when they say it takes longer to get in a top loading were they talking about 5 minutes, 5 seconds or whatever. Everyone in these forums say don't rush while on the camino but it seems like theres a race to get into a backpack and be able to get things in and out as fast as you can. Quite hilarious actually. You took 30 seconds longer than my backpack, i'am the winner.

 

[trecile]

just what I was thinking. i'am new to backpacking and looking for one for the camino this year. When I was reading the comments when they say it takes longer to get in a top loading were they talking about 5 minutes, 5 seconds or whatever. Everyone in these forums say don't rush while on the camino but it seems like theres a race to get into a backpack and be able to get things in and out as fast as you can. Quite hilarious actually. You took 30 seconds longer than my backpack, i'am the winner.

It's just that I'm lazy, and don't like to mess around with drawstrings and buckles more than I have to.

 

[Keith H]

I’ve got the Gossamer Gear as a travel pack and for 1-2 night hikes. I love it. It’s been on several long haul flights and 2 hikes so far. Easy access, comfortable, very functional.

 

[nidarosa]

Is that the Ranger model? That seems to be getting very good reviews.

 

[trecile]

I just came across a couple of new(ish?) panel loading backpacks from Gregory.

The Citro for men comes in 24, 30 and 36 liter sizes. Has a mesh trampoline style back and weighs 2.02 lbs / 916 g , 2.09 lbs / 948 g , and 2.27 lbs / 1.03 kg respectively

Citro | Gregory Mountain Products

Gregory Packs

www.gregorypacks.com

The Juno for women also comes in 24, 30 and 36 liter sizes. Weights are 1.93 lbs / 875 g , 2.06 lbs / 934 g , and 2.28 lbs / 1.03 kg.

The dimensions of both the men's and women's packs should qualify for carry on on most airlines.

 

[nidarosa]

Though I have found a cracking panel loader, I still keep an eye on the latest bright and shiny things, so if you have been wondering about the new Osprey Talon and Tempest bucket zip openers - the closest thing to a panel loader without actually being one - I have taken one for the team and ordered an Osprey Tempest 34 just to have a look. I have posted my highly un-scientific findings on my blog, with photos and an old Tempest 30 for comparison. I also ordered and returned a Tempest 24 and decided it was too small for me to carry my (small) kit, but it might be the perfect pack for someone going minimal or having the main luggage forwarded.

 

[trecile]

I did buy the Gregory Juno 36 last year when I still thought that I'd be able to walk in 2020. It's waiting for me to take it on the Camino in a corner of my bedroom.
I love everything about it - color, size, zippers, pockets, and ventilated back panel. Can't wait until I can put it to use.

 

[nidarosa]

I did check out the link and it looks brilliant - just what I'd want if I didn't already have my trusty fellow Escapist Stella, who has proved her camino worthiness. I really wanted to love the new Tempest so I could have one as a treat for sitting tight through several postponed/cancelled walks, but alas, it was not for me. It annoyed me that there weren't more photos of the new features though so I got one and took some myself Hope you get to take Juno for a spin soon.

 

[Albertagirl]

I like my new Gregory Jade 38, an older women's model, so cheaper on sale than the new one. It is a little fiddly, with the number of fastenings that I have to get accustomed to, but it is a panel loading model, and I love the large pockets on the waistbelt. They are so much more useful when walking than the large side pockets which I cannot reach. I have purchased a sturdy plastic bottle which holds a cup of water and fits into a waist belt pocket, so I can go longer between stops to adjust my water supply. And the other waist pocket is useful for several smaller things that I like to have to hand. No, it is not particularly comfortable. But I am sad to admit that I have not had a comfortable pack since the demise of the external frame hiking pack, which worked for my frame. Or maybe it is just that my frame was younger in those days.

 

[Hiker-jill]

I did buy the Gregory Juno 36 last year when I still thought that I'd be able to walk in 2020. It's waiting for me to take it on the Camino in a corner of my bedroom.
I love everything about it - color, size, zippers, pockets, and ventilated back panel. Can't wait until I can put it to use.

Do you like this Gregory pack better than the Ranger???

 

[trecile]

Do you like this Gregory pack better than the Ranger???

The main attribute that I like better about the Juno than the Ranger is the trampoline style back panel. I'll have to get back to you after I've done a Camino with the Juno to tell you how it truly compares with the Ranger.

 

[Hiker-jill]

Thanks...I had a trampoline back on an old Osprey....it was very comfortable!....
Jill

 

[DoughnutANZ]

I like my new Gregory Jade 38, an older women's model, so cheaper on sale than the new one. .......

That is a bit ageist, isn't it? Do they expect younger women to have more money for a pack!

 

[Albertagirl]

That is a bit ageist, isn't it? Do they expect younger women to have more money for a pack!

I couldn't be bothered revising my text to "earlier model women's pack." There'd just be some young whippersnapper making remarks about "earlier model women."

 

[nidarosa]

... aaand I'm back on this thread. Just came home from a 4 week walk with my Talon 33 and am thoroughly sick of packing and unpacking a top loader. Tried the new Osprey Tempest 34, the bucket opening new model, before I went but it seemed too long in the back for me. Now looking at Gregory Maya 30 which is also quite long on paper - anyone have it and know if that back system is rigid or squishable? And are Gregory packs generous or small for their literage? My Escapist is a little tight for anything but the most minimal of kits so it seems I need something slightly bigger. Any tips on different panel loaders or experiences with the Maya gratefully received. Thanks in advance!

 

[trecile]

... aaand I'm back on this thread. Just came home from a 4 week walk with my Talon 33 and am thoroughly sick of packing and unpacking a top loader. Tried the new Osprey Tempest 34, the bucket opening new model, before I went but it seemed too long in the back for me. Now looking at Gregory Maya 30 which is also quite long on paper - anyone have it and know if that back system is rigid or squishable? And are Gregory packs generous or small for their literage? My Escapist is a little tight for anything but the most minimal of kits so it seems I need something slightly bigger. Any tips on different panel loaders or experiences with the Maya gratefully received. Thanks in advance!

Have you looked at the Gregory Juno packs? I don't find my Juno 36 to be long in the back.

https://www.gregorypacks.com/search?q=juno

 

[nidarosa]

Have you looked at the Gregory Juno packs? I don't find my Juno 36 to be long in the back.

https://www.gregorypacks.com/search?q=juno

Yes I have, it is high up on my list of potential candidates, but I do worry that the frame will creak at some point. Out of interest, how long is the back on it? My ideal pack will be about 50 cm and most Gregory ones seem to be nearer 53, 54.

 

[trecile]

Yes I have, it is high up on my list of potential candidates, but I do worry that the frame will creak at some point. Out of interest, how long is the back on it? My ideal pack will be about 50 cm and most Gregory ones seem to be nearer 53, 54.

I'm not sure exactly how to measure it, but it seems to be about 53.5 cm.

 

[Swift3]

Yes I have, it is high up on my list of potential candidates, but I do worry that the frame will creak at some point. Out of interest, how long is the back on it? My ideal pack will be about 50 cm and most Gregory ones seem to be nearer 53, 54.

You'll have to convert inches to cms but here are the torso length figures for their packs. Click on "size chart", then scroll to the model you're interested in. 50 cm is roughly 19 11/16 ", call it 20 " The Juno is a single size and according to the specs from Gregory accommodates a max of 19" (

Fits Torso

14" - 19" / 35.6 - 48.3 cm

) and the Jade only has a SM/M length torso (adjustable 15-19") so that wouldn't work, but the men's Zulu in a M/LG (18-22") might be perfect. I have the Zulu35 with the brain, used in the the Portugese, rode and packed like a dream. And no squeeks!
https://www.gregorypacks.com/packs-bags/day-packs/juno-36-126884XXXX.html?dwvar_126884XXXX_color=Lunar Grey&cgidmaster=

 

[C clearly]

Just came home from a 4 week walk with my Talon 33 and am thoroughly sick of packing and unpacking a top loader.

What!!!??? This pains me. I love my Talon 33 and so much look forward to putting it on again!

 

[trecile]

I'm not sure exactly how to measure it, but it seems to be about 53.5 cm.

Thinking about this more, and I'm not sure that I've measured correctly. Do I measure the entire back of the pack, or measure from where the shoulder straps attach?

 

[Swift3]

Thinking about this more, and I'm not sure that I've measured correctly. Do I measure the entire back of the pack, or measure from where the shoulder straps attach?

This may help. I think it depends on where your packs shoulder straps attach/how your pack is constructed. See here: https://besthiking.net/how-to-fit-backpack/ Manufacturers specs should give that number. Gregory says the Juno 36 is a single size torso that fits torsos: "14" - 19" / 35.6 - 48.3 cm". https://www.gregorypacks.com/packs-...gidmaster=packs-activities-day-hiking#start=1

 

[nidarosa]

@C clearly Yes, I love it too - the comfort, the size, the features, being able to reach my waterbottle and replace it, and having the poncho in the top pocket where I can open the zip and pull the poncho out without breaking a stride - but it has to be carefully packed and it is a pain trying to find anything and having to pull most of the stuff out to get to whatever I am after. When the new Talon and Tempest came out with the bucket zip it felt like Christmas!, but sadly the rigid back system is a bit too long for me and I could feel it in my neck. I might still try it again in future because it does do everything else my current Talon does ...

 

[nidarosa]

it seems to be about 53.5 cm.

Yes that seems right. I mean the whole back system, the max length of the pack. When I fasten the waist belt, 53-54 cms means a rigid back would stick up well above my shoulders and stop me from looking up etc ... I know, it's a tiny thing but it is something I would avoid if I could. I have actually trimmed the back panel of my Talon M/L (used to be my husband's and he needs the longer back) down an inch or so and restitched the top of the sleeve it is in, so now it fits me perfectly. Might be time for me to ditch the back length criteria though to try some more packs. I guess it depends how it sits with the hipbelt etc as well.

 

[nidarosa]

The Juno is a single size and according to the specs from Gregory accommodates a max of 19"

Thank you - I was looking at the Gregory models yesterday and the Maya and Juno measurements are given as 53.3 and 52 respectively, both one size, but the fit chart says they fit up to 19" backs. They must be meant to stick up above the shoulders in order to help pull the straps off for comfort; I find that is not really necessary with the low weight of a camino pack. It seems I need to find or order a Gregory and try it in person!

 

[nidarosa]

@trecile or other Gregory owners - do the packs run large or small, in your opinion? Turns out the Juno 36 isn't available in the UK, so the Juno 30 and Maya 30 might be the same volume as my Escapist, in which case there is no point in investing in a similar size.

 

[Helen1]

I've just got back from a short camino using a Beast 28 Ultralight Technical Backpack (there are significant discounts available if you search around).

On the whole the Beast gets a plus from me, the half clamshell design was excellent and made packing much easier. It has all the features you would expect from a hiking bag including attachments for a bladder/hiking poles. I added some lacing onto the daisy chain so that I could temporarily stow a jumper/wet waterproofs whilst walking. Big front pocket worked well for things you want easy access to. It's fairly roomy and the space is very useable. Good sized side pockets that hold a water bottle.

The downsides, it's up against your back which might be a problem for some and there's not that much adjustment possible. Padding on the waist band and shoulder straps is minimal but I found it to be fine. It's definitely a bag for travelling light, when I was loaded up with water and food I started to notice the pack/lack of padding more. If you overfill it I suspect you'll break the zips and there aren't any other straps to keep it together (it's not the kind of pack you can overfill and just half close the lid). It is a lightweight pack (680g) and whilst it is fairly robust I am not sure it will be something I'll get years of use from.

I think this pack is around 50cm from shoulder strap to base when loaded. There's some extra height but it's curved away from your neck. However, this pack like another top loading pack I have of a similar size catches me in the small of back in a way I can't seem adjust to get right (it's ok if I keep the pack very light but adding a 2kg of food & water seems to make it not so ok). Although I like having a smaller pack I think a bigger 40/45l pack suits my body better and don't the back niggles I've had with smaller & lighter packs.

 

[nidarosa]

Well, I took one for the panel loader team and found a very reasonably priced Gregory Juno 30 to contrast and compare to my Osprey Escapist 25, which so far is the best I have found. In short: They are exactly the same back length (the unsquishable part), 50 cms, and take the same amount of stuff - the Escapist is deceptively roomy for 25L. The features are largely the same: front mesh bucket pocket, small items pocket, dual compression straps on both sides, rain cover in a zipped pocket (E25 at the bottom of the pack, J30 under the bucket mesh), but the Escapist has zippered sleeping bag access as well as a zippered organiser panel, while the Juno offers a rigid frame and a ventilated back. Having walked around for a bit with each, with exactly the same stuff in it, I am torn. I think I can feel the edges of the Juno trampoline mesh thing rub against my shoulder blades, and though I can see the air gap at the back, I can also see it on the Escapist, basically because the ridged panel isn't glued to my back. So I am unsure how much of a difference the ventilation system would make in real life. Also the Juno side mesh is less stretchy and the material feels stiffer, but then it is brand new and the Escapist has been through a lot and been in the washing machine, which is another bonus ...
Bottom line for now is that I am thinking it's not worth spending more money on something so essentially similar. (Also the E25 is a nice blue and the J30 is dark grey, not that it matters of course.) If I didn't already have the Escapist though, the Juno would be just about perfect!

 

[nidarosa]

Gregory owners - do the packs run large or small

Have recently been trying and considering a few Gregory models and they all seem to be in the 50 cm squishable range so should work as carry-on. But I have to say I find them on the small side compared to Ospreys. Very disappointed that the Amber 34 was so small, as it has all the features I like including a very useful bottom opening. The stuff in my stuffed Talon 33L equally stuffs the Maya 40, but the Maya has a rather wonderful two-way U shaped zip which means it can be packed almost like a suitcase ... and the harness is more comfortable than the Talon ... currently got my serious thinking cap on and will do a proper dummy packing tonight.

 

[Keith H]

Well, I took one for the panel loader team and found a very reasonably priced Gregory Juno 30 to contrast and compare to my Osprey Escapist 25, which so far is the best I have found. In short: They are exactly the same back length (the unsquishable part), 50 cms, and take the same amount of stuff - the Escapist is deceptively roomy for 25L. The features are largely the same: front mesh bucket pocket, small items pocket, dual compression straps on both sides, rain cover in a zipped pocket (E25 at the bottom of the pack, J30 under the bucket mesh), but the Escapist has zippered sleeping bag access as well as a zippered organiser panel, while the Juno offers a rigid frame and a ventilated back. Having walked around for a bit with each, with exactly the same stuff in it, I am torn. I think I can feel the edges of the Juno trampoline mesh thing rub against my shoulder blades, and though I can see the air gap at the back, I can also see it on the Escapist, basically because the ridged panel isn't glued to my back. So I am unsure how much of a difference the ventilation system would make in real life. Also the Juno side mesh is less stretchy and the material feels stiffer, but then it is brand new and the Escapist has been through a lot and been in the washing machine, which is another bonus ...
Bottom line for now is that I am thinking it's not worth spending more money on something so essentially similar. (Also the E25 is a nice blue and the J30 is dark grey, not that it matters of course.) If I didn't already have the Escapist though, the Juno would be just about perfect!

I think Davebugg said it above but there is some variability in how manufacturers report the capacities. Some include all the outside pockets in the total to boost the ‘size’ of the pack. I think your dry run of packing everything is the way to go . Thanks for doing all of the practical research for those of us that can’t return items easily

 

[nidarosa]

Thanks for doing all of the practical research for those of us that can’t return items easily

You're very welcome, we've had not one, but three named storms here recently and what's a girl to do but pack, unpack, order pack, repack, reconsider and return? Some people have problems finding the right shoes, I seem to have a pack problem. (Which I quite enjoy, as it happens) I am just glad it is useful (or entertaining) for someone else! Now I'm off to do a comparative dummy packing of an Osprey Talon 33 and a Gregory Maya 40.

 

[nidarosa]

... and then I went to Norway to visit my mum for the first time in over two years, and forgot all about it! Well I now have to get ready for a walk in Germany and so I have had a good test of the Maya, capacity, comfort etc. And decided to keep it! That harness and hip belt are just sooo comfy, it has all the features I like and that huge zip is just a bonus. I wish it wasn't dull and dark grey after a pandemic, but have already swapped the grey bungees for pink ones and provisionally fixed a shell patch over the Gregory logo ... and named her. If she isn't the perfect panel loading backpack, she is as close as I have been able to get. She will have a proper long walk this weekend with a 5kg load, fingers crossed she will be as comfortable out in the wild as she is inside the house!

 

[Keith H]

... and then I went to Norway to visit my mum for the first time in over two years, and forgot all about it! Well I now have to get ready for a walk in Germany and so I have had a good test of the Maya, capacity, comfort etc. And decided to keep it! That harness and hip belt are just sooo comfy, it has all the features I like and that huge zip is just a bonus. I wish it wasn't dull and dark grey after a pandemic, but have already swapped the grey bungees for pink ones and provisionally fixed a shell patch over the Gregory logo ... and named her. If she isn't the perfect panel loading backpack, she is as close as I have been able to get. She will have a proper long walk this weekend with a 5kg load, fingers crossed she will be as comfortable out in the wild as she is inside the house!

Exciting! Sounds great

 

[ndecosson]

Hello
I recently bought the Gregory Zulu 30 for an upcoming May walk - GR65: Way of Saint James / Via Podiensis / Way of Le Puy. It was a toss up between the Stratos 34 and the Zulu 30. What pushed me towards the Zulu is the front stash pocket. I know that the Zulu is not a panel loader, but the large top zip opens up quite a bit. This will be my first Camino/Chemin and as such I do not have very much experience with long walks, but the pack feels great on my back is fills me with joy. I cannot wait. I will take some notes along the way and report back when I am finished! Cheers for this very informative thread.

 

[nidarosa]

@ndecosson The Zulu is a panel loader in my book, in that it has a zip and opens up so much that packing and unpacking should be a doddle.

the pack feels great on my back is fills me with joy

That's the main thing! I am leaving for a short walk in Germany on the Coloniensis soon and have the same feeling about my Gregory Maya 40, may they both turn out to be comfy and practical over time on the road! Would be great to hear your thoughts on it later. Buen camino

 

[nidarosa]

Back again - short update on a very short walk as I only got a 26 km day in before I took a tumble off a tiny hard-to-spot step and badly bruised my foot, which was the end of my walk. My 40L pack weighed 6 kg on arrival but I had a small bag to take onboard, and it was probably nearer 8 kg by the time I added food, water and walked in my sunny gear. Carrie performed excellently and I was amazed at how I could just put her on and she would stay put without needing adjustments etc. throughout the day. And I can reach my water bottle in the side pocket and put it back again without help, and I can unzip the top pocket on the go and pull my poncho out and pop it on while walking. Plus I can just unzip the whole front when I arrive and find everything straight away and pour it all back again the next morning. Excellent!

 

[ndecosson]

It has been some time now, but after two years of walking with the Zulu 30, I can safely say it is an awesome pack! The first year I had brought a little more then I should have (classic mistake) - but I learned my lesson and for the second year around I resisted the urge and had a much better experience.

Easy to get in and out of and certainly can hold more than you need. For me this meant I could keep my base weight down while still having plenty of room for daily food items - the wide mouth zipper makes it very easy to get at items you need on the move, while keeping the later day items stored below.

One thing I implemented for the second year was a dry bag that held everything within - this made it super easy to leave the backpack at the door (or wherever I was instructed to put the pack) and grab the dry-bag (go bag?) and head for my bunk/shower.

The way I had it with my dry sack is that everything that was meant for my final destination (albergue/gites) was stashed within and shoved below the mouth of the top main zipper. Poncho and some other things were shoved on either side of the dry sack closer to the back frame. This meant there was a large space up top for bread, meats, cheeses, chocolate, fruit, and trail mix (essentials!).

In any case, this year I will be walking from Toulouse to Santiago and as such I am thinking of going frameless to save on some weight. The Zulu is no doubt wonderful, but I am interested in trying out a frameless pack.

- two contenders at the moment are the Gosamer Gear Loris 25 Daypack or the USWE Hajker Pro 24L

​

 

[Keith H]

It has been some time now, but after two years of walking with the Zulu 30, I can safely say it is an awesome pack! The first year I had brought a little more then I should have (classic mistake) - but I learned my lesson and for the second year around I resisted the urge and had a much better experience.

Easy to get in and out of and certainly can hold more than you need. For me this meant I could keep my base weight down while still having plenty of room for daily food items - the wide mouth zipper makes it very easy to get at items you need on the move, while keeping the later day items stored below.

One thing I implemented for the second year was a dry bag that held everything within - this made it super easy to leave the backpack at the door (or wherever I was instructed to put the pack) and grab the dry-bag (go bag?) and head for my bunk/shower.

The way I had it with my dry sack is that everything that was meant for my final destination (albergue/gites) was stashed within and shoved below the mouth of the top main zipper. Poncho and some other things were shoved on either side of the dry sack closer to the back frame. This meant there was a large space up top for bread, meats, cheeses, chocolate, fruit, and trail mix (essentials!).

In any case, this year I will be walking from Toulouse to Santiago and as such I am thinking of going frameless to save on some weight. The Zulu is no doubt wonderful, but I am interested in trying out a frameless pack.

- two contenders at the moment are the Gosamer Gear Loris 25 Daypack or the USWE Hajker Pro 24L

​

I can’t speak to the Loris specifically but I used a Gossamer Gear pack this year and I loved it. Suuuper comfortable. It only had a small insert frame. Unfortunately they don’t make that model anymore but I wouldn’t hesitate to buy another one from them.

 

[Dani7]

It has been some time now, but after two years of walking with the Zulu 30, I can safely say it is an awesome pack! The first year I had brought a little more then I should have (classic mistake) - but I learned my lesson and for the second year around I resisted the urge and had a much better experience.

Easy to get in and out of and certainly can hold more than you need. For me this meant I could keep my base weight down while still having plenty of room for daily food items - the wide mouth zipper makes it very easy to get at items you need on the move, while keeping the later day items stored below.

One thing I implemented for the second year was a dry bag that held everything within - this made it super easy to leave the backpack at the door (or wherever I was instructed to put the pack) and grab the dry-bag (go bag?) and head for my bunk/shower.

The way I had it with my dry sack is that everything that was meant for my final destination (albergue/gites) was stashed within and shoved below the mouth of the top main zipper. Poncho and some other things were shoved on either side of the dry sack closer to the back frame. This meant there was a large space up top for bread, meats, cheeses, chocolate, fruit, and trail mix (essentials!).

In any case, this year I will be walking from Toulouse to Santiago and as such I am thinking of going frameless to save on some weight. The Zulu is no doubt wonderful, but I am interested in trying out a frameless pack.

- two contenders at the moment are the Gosamer Gear Loris 25 Daypack or the USWE Hajker Pro 24L

​

I am seriously considering the USWE Hajker Pro 24L for same reason…to save on weight and the NDM front attachment is so interesting . Please let us know which one you chose and why. Thank you

 

[ndecosson]

I am seriously considering the USWE Hajker Pro 24L for same reason…to save on weight and the NDM front attachment is so interesting . Please let us know which one you chose and why. Thank you

I have been having a difficult time justifying the cost of the pack I really wish there was a store I could try it on first. There is also the Ultra 30L ...

Another option that looks interesting is the AONIJIE 30L and at a 3rd of the price is a little more attractive.