Відео

Thanks for watching. The main point was to show the surprising differences in how much the packs can fit and their usability, but I don't claim to be an advanced outdoorsman. I welcome you to elaborate on your packing observations.

Sorry for the tardy reply. Leki is top notch. You actually see two types in the review, both of which we've had for a while and are discontinued. They're both aluminum. The 3-section telescoping one is the Cristallo. The collapsible version is the Micro Vario Ti Cor-Tec. The current designs by Leki are very similar. Look at the ones with the Aergon grip. It's rounded top is excellent for descending with it in your palm. The Khumba models look to be good replacements for the Cristallo, but I would choose one of the Makalu models today, which have a nice feature - the rubbery grip on the shaft below the main grip, which I have on my MicroVario model. This allows one to change hand position without changing pole length for a quick lift up a short steep section. Leki's cam locks are solid. It appears that that all the current collapsible models come only in carbon fiber, which are a bit more expensive and lighter, although some say are less robust compared to aluminum. You can check out my old video on my MicroVario poles if you like, where I show the benefit of the grip shape and the rubber grip.

@@PaoloFrancesco99 thanks a ton for your time and thorough response. I have a pair of Makalu FX Carbon right now. Once I fell badly and I shattered one of them by putting all my weight on it. Ever since I am thinking a Leki aluminum pair might be less fragile. Will take a look at the Khumba.

@@omidsassani5208 Interesting. So your experience confirms what others have mentioned about carbon poles. I think there's also a Makalu model that is aluminum, and Makalu has that rubber grip on the shaft below the main grip that I find quite useful. Good luck. Oh, and check out Leki's warranty. They might replace that pole for you. But they can't replace it real time in the back country of course :)

I'm glad the review aided your decision.

Good question. I'm not certain about compatibility with carrying on. When you say all airlines, be aware that European carry-on limits are smaller than those in the US. I would find out which size Zulu is compatible where you're going, maybe asking Gregory. Then decide which pack size is best for you.

Since I'm in the USA, my Gregory website lists the torso length in inches. 56 cm = 22 inches. There's a size guide table on the Gregory website for the Zulu 30 and it does indicate that someone with 22 inch (56 cm) torso can use the M/L Zulu 30. Of course, it would be best if you give it a try with a load in it to see how it feels. www.gregory.com/packs/day-packs/zulu-30/145ZUL30.html?dwvar_145ZUL30_color=Forage%20Green

Good question. I know that my 1 liter Nalgenes are held very securely. I don't have a Hydroflask, but I see online that it's about 11" tall. I believe the Gregory would hold it securely enough. The pocket is 7-8" tall with great elastic hold.

@@PaoloFrancesco99 ok ty so much!

Thank you! I'm not looking to be a sensation, but all these positive comments have me thinking of doing some follow-up comparisons to the Gregory. Kind of a challenge of what bag can beat the Gregory... I have a few other amateur gear reviews on my channel. Again, these reviews aren't a core focus for me but I appreciate your comments.

That sounds about right. Either that, or Gregory is "sandbagging" with their 30 liter designation. Either way, the comparison of these two packs is what it is. I'm thinking of buying other packs every now and then for comparison to the Gregory (my standard so to speak), maybe at a quicker pace. A theme like: "How does brand x compare to the Gregory?" Do you think that would be interesting?

@@PaoloFrancesco99 Yes, it would be.

Good question. I'm just starting to gear up for winter hiking myself so I'm no expert packing for winter excursions. I have micro-spikes so far. Crampons are bigger, and pointier! Assuming they come with a tough stuff sack to avoid damage to the pack, I think you could put crampons in that lower pocket. However, if you really like the Osprey then I would move up to a large size for winter hiking, especially for longer outings where you'll want to keep layers, emergency sleeping gear, etc. You saw in my video that the Stratos 34 gets tight quickly. Check out lots of videos out there on winter hiking gear and you'll get some good ideas on what pack would accommodate the gear. I plan to try the Zulu 30 on my initial winter outings to see how it goes.

​@@PaoloFrancesco99 That's a good point, I should definitely secure those sharp spikes. Im from Poland and Tatra Mountains are my main goal for now so Im looking for something versatile with mesh back panel so it would work for summer, but I also need backpack where I can externally attach helmet and iceaxe and also separate pocket for crampons that I would use in winter. I dont really need 40l or 50l even for winter routes thats why Im interested in Stratos 34l or 36l. I think I will try 34 and see how it works. Thank you for you answer!

@@icom782Good luck and enjoy! Update - I would focus on the 36L. I think you will like it better for winter and it will also work for summer. It won't be too big.

Thanks for watching. Have fun with your project. I found the new boot on Amazon, but it is no longer available. The OEM Acura/Honda version is quite expensive, so I think you will probably find a lower priced one on amazon or e-bay.

Thanks for watching and commenting. I was reviewing the men's versions of each pack. Gregory Jade is the women's version of the Zulu. I was quoting other reviewers with the term "useless" for that front pocket on the Osprey and came to my own conclusion based on the two loads. It certainly becomes less useful if the main compartment is maxed out, but it's a nice place for things like you mentioned when space is left for them. A better head-to-head comparison for Osprey in terms of fitting the same amount of stuff would probably be the Stratos 36, although it's pricier than the Zulu 30. Keep on hikin' !

I'm glad the video helped. It's pretty intimidating trying to get everything back.

Yes, my Zulu 30 is the M/L size to fit my torso and it's compartment is also bigger than the S/M one. I needed the bigger one to fit my torso, but I end up tightening the hip belt all the way. My pants are REI brand. Super comfortable. I'm not sure they make them anymore.

@@PaoloFrancesco99 Great, thanks! I'm probably not as tall as you (I'm 5.11) but your review impressed me and I bought the same product. I can't wait to try it.

Apologies for this delayed reply. One's backbacking gear is a very personal choice and must be suited to the weather and situation. And first time backpackers should be careful to be prepared. An experienced car camper has a head start in this awareness. Perhaps you've already gotten out there. Anyway, to answer your question - you can check out options for light sleeping bags from Aegismax or Naturehike on Amazon. I like my Klymit sleeping pad, and they are quite good honoring their lifetime warranty. My first pad lasted years. When the valve failed they replaced the pad and with one that has a new and improved valve design.

Thanks for sharing your experience.

Apologies for this late reply. Absolutely, bags like the rectangular Aegismax that open all the way make excellent quilts. I leave a short length at the bottom zippered in order to form a foot box. This way it stays put and doesn;t get kicked to the side. I find the Aegismax to be very comfortable against my skin as well. When hammocking with an underquilt, I really enjoy using the Aegismax as a top quilt. And I also enjoy using it as a liner to supplement my cold weather bags. Very cozy.

I'm glad the review was helpful. Thanks for watching.

Maybe so. That detail is definitely not a sole reason not to get the Osprey. It was obviously a pet peeve of mine at the single take recording of my review. 😁

I would not advise using the water tube clip to hold an umbrella. I think it would impart too much stress on the thing. The water tube clip is part of a double duty piece that also has the chest strap clip. The piece clamps around the hard tubular part running up and down the chest strap (typical of packs) that allows the clip to slide up and down for the chest strap position adjustment. I think trying to hold the umbrella on this thing would either snap the plastic or tear the sliding pieces off of the tube.

@@PaoloFrancesco99 I'll need to check it out at the store, but it looks as fragile as my gossamer gear umbrella holder.

@@fradee2830 Always the best way to judge for yourself. I checked out a picture of the gossamer umbrella clamp. I'd spend the $6 on the gossamer clamp designed for the umbrella and the occasional breeze that can yank on the clamp. In the store see how the clip on the Zulu 30 is attached to the strap. You don't want to tear this off and lose the ability to use the chest strap. Of course it's your call.

Thanks for watching. Your comment helps others know that it's really a great pack.

Thank you!

Thanks for watching. Glad you enjoyed it!

It works very well for day hikes. As I displayed, one might also be able to use it for overnight with a very light load.

Thanks for your comment. Yes, you might be right that this was intentional for the reason you stated. If you watch closely again you can also see that material above the slot sort of acts as a hood. Some do not think about these details, but if one is out there for hours in the rain then they are suddenly important. I still think the slot is too tight. As I mentioned in another reply, I was a little harsh with my criticism at this point, but my production company (me) has no time to edit it out :)

Thanks. I haven't seen the Citro in person but it looks like a nice pack. It's one size fits all, so there might not be any height adjustment. The panel opening is more like the Osprey in my review, running over the top and vertically down the sides. I kind of like the way the U-shaped top opening works on the Zulu. Even though the capacities are listed as the same, I have a feeling that the Zulu might fit more. Both Citro and Zulu offer the very comfortable and cool mesh back. Try to compare them side by side if you can.

Thanks Eric. There's a popular video on just the Stratos 34 by a guy who loads some camera equipment, I think. Check out "Osprey Stratos 34 Day Pack Review - Most versatile hiking backpack?" But honestly, I still don't think it compares to the cavernous compartment of the Zulu 30, and the better design of the stretchy pockets, etc. I just went out on a nice hike this past weekend and I'm still super pleased with it. Fyi, some choose to go with the Zulu 40 because the frame size is nearly the same as the 30 but it has even more volume. I'm not sure of specific differences between the 30 and the 40 in terms of features.

I have multiple Deuter ELs as I have a long torso. They fit much better than the regular version if your torso is over 55cm. The futura back panel is comfortable and durable but it does take a chunk out of the backpack due to its curve, even in the EL version.

Thanks for pointing that out. It's ironic that the Zulu 30 fits more load.

Thanks, Emma. I hope you find a pack that you like.

Interesting. Thanks for sharing. Did you find another that's working for you?

Trying to figure out now if I should trade in my squeaky anti-gravity Manta for a non-squeaky non-anti-gravity version

@@PaoloFrancesco99 I really like the Manta. Its just squeaky 30% of the time. ua-cam.com/video/FGQId7AyZMw/v-deo.html

@@SnareMan The Manta looks pretty nice too and its storage seems better than the Stratos 34. I already had bladders so maybe that's why I ignored it. What do you mean by anti-gravity version? The mesh back? What is squeaking?

@@PaoloFrancesco99 The hip belts hug your waist snuggly on both sides distributing more weight to the hips and taking some off the shoulders. They had an infamous squeaking problem with them so they redesigned them and took the AG out which is why the new hip flaps are more floppy. 14:30 in my video I linked there. Listening to it again it's not quite as evident in the video as in person.

I live in the USA and I am not familiar with any of the Camino routes. I would try to find some discussion forums. However, a couple of commenters to my video here said they would use the Zulu 30 for the Camino. Another said he found the Zulu 40 to be an excellent choice, and not too much bigger than the Zulu 30. Good luck.

I used zulu 40 and it was great.