REASONS TO BUY
Carries weight well
Comfortable lumbar panel
Smaller frame is great for petite backpackers
REASONS TO AVOID
Hip belt adjustments are difficult to reverse once extended
Front stash pocket is rather small
Gregory Maven 58 Review
This lightweight and comfortable mid-capacity backpack is streamlined for petite hikers and shorter trips
The Gregory Maven 58 is a comfortable, smaller-feeling backpack that suits smaller-bodied adventurers well.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
By Ally Arcuri ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ May 15, 2026
RELATED: Best Backpacking Backpacks for Women
Our Verdict
The Gregory Maven 58 is a lightweight, mid-capacity pack that balances comfort, adjustability, and trail-ready organization. It feels immediately comfortable, with a softly suspended back panel that keeps the load stable and close to the body while offering a slightly bouncy, supported ride. The adjustable torso system is easy enough to use on the trail, though the hip belt extensions feel a bit more permanent once adjusted, thanks to an incredibly strong Velcro. Smart features, such as dual hip-belt pockets, multiple access points, and a practical sleeping-bag compartment, make it especially user-friendly.
Our Analysis and Test Results
Our testers really enjoy how the Gregory Maven 58 feels petite yet can carry nearly as much as backpacks with larger frames. Credit: Ally Arcuri
Likes
The Gregory Maven 58 strikes an impressive balance between capacity and comfort, offering plenty of room for multi-day trips without feeling overbuilt. Even though it's smaller, volume-wise, it carries gear comparably to larger packs we tested. This gives backpackers the space they need without sacrificing comfort or versatility.
One of the standout qualities of the Maven 58 is how well it suits smaller-framed hikers. Unlike many larger packs that extend high above the head or feel bulky, this low-profile pack never feels oversized or top-heavy, which helps users move confidently through varied terrain.
The Maven's frame is more compact than the larger packs we tested, which makes it feel more balanced. Credit: Ally Arcuri
The Maven 58 keeps the weight of the pack close to your body, creating a stable, secure carry that moves with you. This snug fit enhances agility, making it easier to navigate obstacles like logs, branches, and rocky scrambles without feeling thrown off balance.
Our 5'2" lead tester really enjoyed the fit of the Maven 58. Even though it's small, it still holds plenty for a night or two in the backcountry or your local state park. Credit: Ally Arcuri
Dislikes
One downside of the Gregory Maven 58 is that once you extend the hip belt, it's difficult to adjust it again. The strong Velcro system keeps it secure, but limits your ability to fine-tune the fit or share the pack with friends. The Maven is available in two sizes, and many backpackers will likely find a suitable fit between them.
While the length of the hip panels can be accommodating, they are very difficult to change once pulled out. Credit: Ally Arcuri
The front stash pocket on the Maven 58 is on the smaller side and feels somewhat superficial. It works for light or flat items, but doesn't offer the depth or stretch that many backpackers rely on for quick access to certain gear. Although marketed as a 58-liter pack, the Maven may feel a bit limited for extended trips that require bulkier gear – backpackers heading out on longer adventures might find they need more space.
The superficial pocket on the Maven isn't very big or stretchy, making it less useful for stashing layers, camp shoes, and the like. Credit: Ally Arcuri
Should You Buy the Gregory Maven 58?
If you want a lighter, smaller-capacity backpack that still feels structured and supportive, the Gregory Maven 58 is a strong choice. It's especially well-suited for smaller-bodied backpackers, though it may be too small if you're going out for more than just a few days. That said, the balance of function and comfort still makes the Maven 58 one of our top recommendations for backpackers of all ability levels.
Don't let the petite countenance of the Maven 58 fool you; this pack is plenty ready to tackle whatever trails you dare to take it on. Credit: Ally Arcuri
What Other Backpacking Backpacks Should You Consider?
If you like the idea of a smaller framed pack, the more petite REI Co-Op Flash 55 is another strong contender. Though at 55-liters, the Flash is a bit smaller than even the Maven 58. While not quite as customizable or comfortable as the Flash 55 or Maven 58, the Granite Gear Blaze 60 is another smaller-framed backpack to consider. Even though it doesn't have the same organizational features as the other two packs, its simple, lightweight design is still capable of carrying quite a bit of weight.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare Gregory Maven 58 versus top competing products:
| Awards | |
|---|---|
| Price | $300 List Check Backcountry (on sale!) |
Overall Score  |
|
| Star Rating | |
| Bottom Line | This lightweight and comfortable mid-capacity backpack is streamlined for petite hikers and shorter trips |
| Pros | Carries weight well, comfortable lumbar panel, smaller frame is great for petite backpackers |
| Cons | Hip belt adjustments are difficult to reverse once extended, front stash pocket is rather small |
| Rating Categories | Gregory Maven 58 |
| Comfort (40%) | |
| Ease of Use (25%) | |
| Weight-to-Volume Ratio (20%) | |
| Adjustability (15%) | |
| Specifications | Gregory Maven 58 |
| Volumes Available | 48 L, 58 L, 68 L |
| Sizes Available | XS/SM, SM/MD, adjustable torso |
| Hydration Compatible | Yes |
| Rain Cover Included | No |
| Volume We Tested | 58 L |
| Measured Volume | 45 L |
| Measured Weight | 3.5 lb |
| Overall Weight-to-Volume Ratio | 0.97 oz/L |
| Access | Top, bottom, side |
| Sleeping Bag Compartment | Yes |
| Bear Can Compatible | Yes |
| Organization Compartments | Lid with 2 pockets, front pocket, stretchy water bottle side pockets, hip belt pockets, main compartment |
| Main Materials | 100D Nylon. 210D Nylon with PFAS-free C0 DWR |
| Women's Specific Features | Women's specific fit |
—Ally Arcuri
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