“Darn Close to the Perfect Daypack for General Duty” – Gregory Z30

Backpacker Magazine claimed that the Gregory Z30 backpack was “Darn close to the perfect daypack for general duty”, and I knew I needed to check it out for myself. The Z30 is part of Gregory’s ‘Fast and Light’ series, which probably tells you everything you need to know. The company says the intention is to “strike a balance between low weight and durability without sacrificing performance”. The positives are endless.

The suspension system is lightweight. The thin shoulder straps and hip-belt are wide enough to distribute pressure. The pockets are plentiful. The single main compartment of the Z30 is long and wide enough to make loading easy. This ventilated hiking pack is ideal for light and fast overnights and daily hikes.

The Z30 daypack suspension system incorporates comfort and load-carrying capability. A lightweight, steel bar and a unique harness configuration system work in unison to support the stability of the daypack by distributing weight evenly and transferring the load to your hips. The ventilated harnesses, hipbelt, and backpanel enhance fit, aid in load transfer, provide cushioning, and keep you cool on the trail. An adjustable sternum strap and load-lifter straps further enhance the fit of the Z30 and ensure the stability, allowing convenient and easy adjustment.

The pack has a wide opening and several stowaway pockets for your gear.The top-opening zipper is long enough to make loading easy and the twin mesh hip-belt pockets are deep enough to hold larger items. Pockets are at the top and back of the pack and are nicely shaped for other hiking gear like a water bottle or a camera. There are also quick-access hipbelt pockets. All of the zippers used on the Z30 are designed to be weather resistant.

Other features include side compression straps, dual side mesh pockets, ice axe/trekkingpole attachment loops, and a removable rain cover. An integrated sleeve and exit port make the Z30 hydration system compatible.

The Z30’s Jet Stream™ DTS support system is designed to increase support as the cargo weight increases. This combines with the excellent back venting and easy stowage to provide a great choice for a fast paced day out on the trail or a ultra-light overnighter.

If you’re looking for other daypacks for travel, The Family Voyage has some great suggestions or if you’re interested in hiking gear, we have tons of reviews as well.

When traveling and hiking, having the right gear, especially a daypack, can be the difference between a great day and a horrible day.