Reviewed by Derrick Knowles
In addition to hikes, I’ve been taking this new hydration day pack from Gregory with me on everything from walks to the grocery store and bike rides with the kid. It comes in three sizes (24, 30, and 36 liters), and I’m glad I have the 36-liter capacity to haul all of the “what if” items I often feel compelled to pack. The back panel and shoulder harnesses are ventilated, and the pack has plenty of creative and useful features like a magnetic sternum buckle and elastic loop system on the shoulder strap for quickly securing sunglasses. Given its overall low weight, there are a crazy number of storage options. In addition to the zippered hydration compartment and main zippered storage compartment, the 36-liter comes with two other external zippered compartments, one with a zipper-accessed stash pocket, and the other with padding and a divider for sensitive items. There is also a large, external mesh storage pocket at the back of the pack and one on each side of the hip belt (ideal for water bottles). Plus, there are two zippered hip belt pouches that are great for stowing snacks. Best of all, the pack comes with Gregory’s new 3D Hydro Reservoir that fits securely into an oversized hydration sleeve. The bladder includes a quick release connection on the hose that allows for quick removal for filling without unthreading the hose from the pack, and it comes with a built-in hook for hanging it up to air dry.
MSRP: $139.95-$159.95. Gregorypacks.com
