This was great and incredibly helpful. I'm part of large hiking community and I'd say 70% of the people hike with Osprey and swear by them. I've tried them, didn't really love the fit. Didn't hate them, just couldn't 100% get on board. I've been researching packs for almost a year now and recently narrowed it down to these exact two. Tonight you sold me on the Gregory and I couldn't be happier. Thank you. I'll be watching more of your videos too. Happy hiking sir.
Glad this was helpful. I have an Osprey that has been good. But I have sort of eliminated it practically with my Gregory and my larger Deuter. But honestly I like most of them that are full frame and well made
That was my pack for the 2018 Camino de Santiago for the 500 miles. My sister and I did this in September to October. I love that pack and can't wait to take it back on the trail again next year. Excellent videos.
Thanks Brent! And thanks for watching. Good to know that it has served well for a while. I wonder how much they have changed it. All these companies modify the designs about once every 1-2 years.
Love Gregory packs! I have a whole playlist on Camino prep and another on backpack reviews mostly made while prepping for my camino (cancelled in 2020). Looking to 2023 now!
I'm also a huge fan of Gregory packs. But I would encourage people to also look at the Octal 45 (women) / Optic 48 (men) series. They have most of the same features as the Zulu/Jade but have a larger volume for *less weight*! I found my Octal 45 to be the perfect size for my caminos. I never filled it up but I also never had to fight with it when looking for an item inside of it. I saw too many people with
That’s incredible. I continue to be very impressed with Gregory. Prices are quite good too. The plus size packs, lighter than other full featured packs, and great pricing. They are very impressive!
Are side zippered entrace a problem? I'm worried now. I'm a rookie when it comes to backpacking, but recently started researching everything backpacking in order to be best prepared for my 1st Camino. After doing some digging I concluded I needed/wanted a pack that weighed @2lb or less, a 30-45L capacity, an additional zippered side entrance to main compartment, and finally the new vented back system. Well, I just bought the Osprey 32L Traverse because it provided almost all the bells and whistles with the exception of the newest ventilated mesh back, and weighted, 2.7lb. for $140. I've taken it out on my training (2x @3miles) and is holding up ok...but do I know this is all a foreign concept to me. 😂
@@jacquidunbar6779 I would rest easy. If that zipper fails, it’s unlikely to fail all at once. And Osprey would ABSOLUTELY repair or replace under warranty. It’s true that zippers are a failure point. But most these packs have very good ones and I haven’t had a failure. It’s absolutely possible and it could be a disaster in a backcountry situation. Not so bad on Camino even if it happened.
@@CaminoGuide thank you for the quick response. My kids feel the same way. They are experienced hikers and said REI has a excellent fix/return policy. Hopefully it won't need it. 😊
just bought my juno 30 gregory pack! (which i think is the same as the zulu but for women?) thanks for the video! got me excited for my first camino this august!!!
I never knew this about Gregory (making packs for people who are overweight) but was a diehard fan already! Love the Maya 30 as my winter day pack! It’s a lot like the pack you just reviewed.
A nice review, thankyou. I remain surprised that few companies are making a framed waterproof light pack in this size range. I like to walk with a jacket, rather than poncho, and rain covers are a compromised way of keeping contents dry. I realise the pack was used for the summer season this time, but its nice to have one pack for all seasons. There are packs such as Z Packs which are framed, waterproof and weigh just 600grams/1.3lbs total weight but are larger (57 litres). Still looking for someone to create the small version with harness - 30 litres is a sweet size.
I haven’t gotten one of these yet because so many are just very expensive. I considered this pack which does what you are saying: amzn.to/3wOze2A I finally decided I wanted the big frame and such even if it meant covering the pack. I’d love to have waterproof just to skip the step of covering it up. Unless it’s really cold I just get wet and don’t cover my body, but I don’t want my gear wet.
I just picked up the Gregory Zulu 40! I've travelled from Toronto to London with it and it's amazing. It's so light, great back ventilation, front access, lot's of support! Mine does come with the top brain and it is very nice. AND it comes with a rain-cover! Also just picked up some shoes and will slowly break those in over the spring! Still watching and still prepping! Thanks again Jeremiah!
I am not seeing my previous message. I shared that I just bought the Gregory Zulu 30 from Amazon for my first Camino in April and what I received was much different than the one Jeremiah is showing (I’m returning it.) There is no wide pocket made of mesh on the outside. There is no separation between the pack and your back. And there is no pocket for a rain cover, which, in addition, is NOT included. This video is a little older so I am not sure if Amazon sent an older model or Gregory changed the pack removing all these features.
That's a great question, Gary. My pack is from 2021 and they change the model slightly every year. So you may have had an old model that was left over or they may have sent you a newer one. I haven't kept up with it to know what they are like now!
@@CaminoGuide First, Love your channel. It is my number one go-to as I prepare for my first Camino beginning in April. On your advice, I did stop watching videos and made the plane reservations- but I must confess, now I’m watching more videos than before 😀🙏 I did more homework on the Zulu 30 and put up a further comment. (Good luck in your new venture away from the college.
Ah! I LOVE that feature on my Deuter. The Zulu 40 has a side zipper I think. I’m not sure why they are called the same thing since the 30 and 40 are very different.
nos encanta ver videos del camino de santiago y sus paisajes!! tieness nuestro like y suscripcion! Nosotros estuvimos un mes y algo haciendo el camino del norte sin dinero y hemos subido el primer capitulo de nuestra aventura, puede que te interese! Saludos y suerte con el canal!! Tambien fuimos hasta finisterre
Absolutely yes. I’ve carried this one on. I also REGULARLY carry on my 50L pack. Though it’s technically too large, I’ve never been stopped even one time.
Hola desde Australia- I’m also considering this pack for my Camino next year. Can you please tell us about attaching the patch to this particular bag? Did you sew them ? Perhaps you sew Velcro? What glue did you use? Thanks.
I’m sorry! I meant to not “sew” the pouch shut. When you sew with thread, it is easy to go through the pocket underneath and close the pouch with the thread.
I don't think you could use the 30L with a sleeping bag, pad, and tent. I use a 50L bag when I am backpacking. I'm sure there are people who could backpack with the Zulu 40. But I definitely would not carry less than 40L if you will have a sleeping bag, tent and pad. (not to mention days with of food).
For this pack on airplanes? Carry on bags are generally fine for any pack under 40L. I’ve carried on 50L packs in the past. You shouldn’t have any concern at all.
I use this for summer Camino. No need for a sleeping bag in the summer. I just take a silk sleeping bag liner. I don’t think 30L wound be enough for most people if you want a sleeping bag
This was great and incredibly helpful. I'm part of large hiking community and I'd say 70% of the people hike with Osprey and swear by them. I've tried them, didn't really love the fit. Didn't hate them, just couldn't 100% get on board. I've been researching packs for almost a year now and recently narrowed it down to these exact two. Tonight you sold me on the Gregory and I couldn't be happier. Thank you. I'll be watching more of your videos too. Happy hiking sir.
Glad this was helpful. I have an Osprey that has been good. But I have sort of eliminated it practically with my Gregory and my larger Deuter. But honestly I like most of them that are full frame and well made
That was my pack for the 2018 Camino de Santiago for the 500 miles. My sister and I did this in September to October. I love that pack and can't wait to take it back on the trail again next year. Excellent videos.
Thanks Brent! And thanks for watching. Good to know that it has served well for a while. I wonder how much they have changed it. All these companies modify the designs about once every 1-2 years.
Love Gregory packs! I have a whole playlist on Camino prep and another on backpack reviews mostly made while prepping for my camino (cancelled in 2020). Looking to 2023 now!
I hope you are able to make it soon!
I'm also a huge fan of Gregory packs. But I would encourage people to also look at the Octal 45 (women) / Optic 48 (men) series. They have most of the same features as the Zulu/Jade but have a larger volume for *less weight*! I found my Octal 45 to be the perfect size for my caminos. I never filled it up but I also never had to fight with it when looking for an item inside of it. I saw too many people with
That’s incredible. I continue to be very impressed with Gregory. Prices are quite good too. The plus size packs, lighter than other full featured packs, and great pricing. They are very impressive!
Are side zippered entrace a problem? I'm worried now. I'm a rookie when it comes to backpacking, but recently started researching everything backpacking in order to be best prepared for my 1st Camino. After doing some digging I concluded I needed/wanted a pack that weighed @2lb or less, a 30-45L capacity, an additional zippered side entrance to main compartment, and finally the new vented back system. Well, I just bought the Osprey 32L Traverse because it provided almost all the bells and whistles with the exception of the newest ventilated mesh back, and weighted, 2.7lb. for $140. I've taken it out on my training (2x @3miles) and is holding up ok...but do I know this is all a foreign concept to me. 😂
@@jacquidunbar6779 I would rest easy. If that zipper fails, it’s unlikely to fail all at once. And Osprey would ABSOLUTELY repair or replace under warranty.
It’s true that zippers are a failure point. But most these packs have very good ones and I haven’t had a failure. It’s absolutely possible and it could be a disaster in a backcountry situation. Not so bad on Camino even if it happened.
@@CaminoGuide thank you for the quick response. My kids feel the same way. They are experienced hikers and said REI has a excellent fix/return policy. Hopefully it won't need it. 😊
just bought my juno 30 gregory pack! (which i think is the same as the zulu but for women?) thanks for the video! got me excited for my first camino this august!!!
I never knew this about Gregory (making packs for people who are overweight) but was a diehard fan already! Love the Maya 30 as my winter day pack! It’s a lot like the pack you just reviewed.
They have some excellent gear and reasonable pricing. I am a big fan...(Call me @gregorypacks1977 and I will be an endorser!) :)
A nice review, thankyou. I remain surprised that few companies are making a framed waterproof light pack in this size range. I like to walk with a jacket, rather than poncho, and rain covers are a compromised way of keeping contents dry. I realise the pack was used for the summer season this time, but its nice to have one pack for all seasons.
There are packs such as Z Packs which are framed, waterproof and weigh just 600grams/1.3lbs total weight but are larger (57 litres). Still looking for someone to create the small version with harness - 30 litres is a sweet size.
I haven’t gotten one of these yet because so many are just very expensive. I considered this pack which does what you are saying: amzn.to/3wOze2A
I finally decided I wanted the big frame and such even if it meant covering the pack. I’d love to have waterproof just to skip the step of covering it up. Unless it’s really cold I just get wet and don’t cover my body, but I don’t want my gear wet.
I just picked up the Gregory Zulu 40! I've travelled from Toronto to London with it and it's amazing. It's so light, great back ventilation, front access, lot's of support! Mine does come with the top brain and it is very nice. AND it comes with a rain-cover! Also just picked up some shoes and will slowly break those in over the spring! Still watching and still prepping! Thanks again Jeremiah!
Awesome! I almost bought the 40L, but I had a 45L Osprey already. So I got the 30L for contrast. But they are awesome packs...glad you liked it!
I am not seeing my previous message. I shared that I just bought the Gregory Zulu 30 from Amazon for my first Camino in April and what I received was much different than the one Jeremiah is showing (I’m returning it.) There is no wide pocket made of mesh on the outside. There is no separation between the pack and your back. And there is no pocket for a rain cover, which, in addition, is NOT included. This video is a little older so I am not sure if Amazon sent an older model or Gregory changed the pack removing all these features.
That's a great question, Gary. My pack is from 2021 and they change the model slightly every year. So you may have had an old model that was left over or they may have sent you a newer one. I haven't kept up with it to know what they are like now!
@@CaminoGuide First, Love your channel. It is my number one go-to as I prepare for my first Camino beginning in April. On your advice, I did stop watching videos and made the plane reservations- but I must confess, now I’m watching more videos than before 😀🙏
I did more homework on the Zulu 30 and put up a further comment. (Good luck in your new venture away from the college.
Duuuuuude...that was the one I wanted to go with!
It’s on sale right now on Amazon for $130! There is a link in the description to the sale one.
Thanks for sharing, good company. Now if they can add a side zipper to get to the main compartment. 😁
Ah! I LOVE that feature on my Deuter. The Zulu 40 has a side zipper I think. I’m not sure why they are called the same thing since the 30 and 40 are very different.
nos encanta ver videos del camino de santiago y sus paisajes!! tieness nuestro like y suscripcion! Nosotros estuvimos un mes y algo haciendo el camino del norte sin dinero y hemos subido el primer capitulo de nuestra aventura, puede que te interese! Saludos y suerte con el canal!! Tambien fuimos hasta finisterre
Do you think you can use this pack as a carry-on for flights to and from the Camino?
Absolutely yes. I’ve carried this one on. I also REGULARLY carry on my 50L pack. Though it’s technically too large, I’ve never been stopped even one time.
Hey man, how much do you weigh now? And how tall? I was wondering the max weight this pack fits
Hola desde Australia- I’m also considering this pack for my Camino next year. Can you please tell us about attaching the patch to this particular bag? Did you sew them ? Perhaps you sew Velcro? What glue did you use?
Thanks.
These are just sewn. It requires care to not see the pouch shut! But I sew all my patches.
I’m sorry! I meant to not “sew” the pouch shut. When you sew with thread, it is easy to go through the pocket underneath and close the pouch with the thread.
@@CaminoGuide muchas gracias!!
It is big enough for overnight? To take more items like matreess, sleeping bag, tent, stove?
I don't think you could use the 30L with a sleeping bag, pad, and tent. I use a 50L bag when I am backpacking. I'm sure there are people who could backpack with the Zulu 40. But I definitely would not carry less than 40L if you will have a sleeping bag, tent and pad. (not to mention days with of food).
Is that a SM or a ML ??
Do you have any info on airplanes and possible challenges?
For this pack on airplanes? Carry on bags are generally fine for any pack under 40L. I’ve carried on 50L packs in the past. You shouldn’t have any concern at all.
Where do u put your sleepbag
I use this for summer Camino. No need for a sleeping bag in the summer. I just take a silk sleeping bag liner. I don’t think 30L wound be enough for most people if you want a sleeping bag