Reviews You Can Rely On

Gregory Jade 28L Review

Look no further for one of the most comfortable daypacks in our test group for heavy loads and big days out
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Gregory Jade 28L Review
Credit: Katie Brown
Price:  $170 List
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Manufacturer:   Gregory
By Madison Botzet, Maggie Nichols and Katie Brown  ⋅  Nov 14, 2024
78
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#1 of 13
  • Comfort - 25% 8.0
  • Versatility - 25% 7.5
  • Ease of Use - 25% 9.0
  • Weight-to-Volume Ratio - 15% 5.1
  • Construction Quality - 10% 9.0

Our Verdict

The Gregory Jade 28 is one of our favorite big daypacks. It is one of the most comfortable packs we've ever reviewed — and it's big, too. What is it good for? A lot of things. Because it can carry a ton of gear, it's perfect for anyone who packs heavy for day trips or packs light for a simple overnight. It's also great for the person who needs capacity for a winter adventure or to schlep their children's gear around. It's heavier but extremely comfortable to wear even when it's fully loaded. If you're looking for a plush daypack with lots of capacity, this may be the bag for you. Check out how it compares to the competition in our article on the best women's daypack.
REASONS TO BUY
Large capacity for versatile uses
Great back ventilation
Adjustable torso
Included rain cover
REASONS TO AVOID
Runs small
Heavy
Easy to overstuff for average day hike needs
Hip belt might not go small enough for the most petite users

Compare to Similar Products

 
gregory jade 28l
This Product
Gregory Jade 28L
Awards Top Pick Award
Best Women's Daypack for Long Distance Hikes
Editors' Choice Award
Best Daypack for Casual Day Hikes
Editors' Choice Award
Best Women's Daypack for Intense Hikes
Best Buy Award
A Great Value for Versatile Use
 
Price $127.49 at Public Lands
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$40 List$109.07 at Amazon
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$60 List
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$26 List
$21.99 at Amazon
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Bottom Line A great option for those who need a big capacity bag and want it to carry weight comfortablyA useful and well-fitting daypack that will serve your purpose without breaking the bankA versatile, durable, and comfortable pack that works just as well on the trail as in townA great, affordable, lightweight running/hiking pack to have in your arsenal but not the most ideal for serious, full or multi-day hikingA lightweight, packable and affordable bag that holds a lot and can be easily thrown in a suitcase for travel
Rating Categories Gregory Jade 28L Decathlon Quechua M... Osprey Tempest 20 REI Co-op Flash 22L... Venture Pal 35L - W...
Comfort (25%)
8.0
9.0
9.0
7.5
7.0
Versatility (25%)
7.5
6.5
8.5
6.5
6.5
Ease of Use (25%)
9.0
9.0
6.5
8.0
7.0
Weight-to-Volume Ratio (15%)
5.1
5.5
4.9
7.9
9.5
Construction Quality (10%)
9.0
7.0
9.0
6.5
5.5
Specs Gregory Jade 28L Decathlon Quechua M... Osprey Tempest 20 REI Co-op Flash 22L... Venture Pal 35L - W...
Advertised Volume 28 L 20 L 20 L 22 L 35 L
Measured Weight 42 oz 28 oz 31 oz 17 oz 12 oz
Weight per Liter 1.50 oz/L 1.40 oz/L 1.55 oz/L 0.77 oz/L 0.34 oz/L
Back Construction FreeFloat suspension AirCooling Ventilated back AirScape backpanel; large spaced horizontal padding bars covered by large-holed mesh Mesh back with removable pad Lightweight nylon
Hydration Compatibility Internal hydration sleeve Inner hydration sleeve External hydration sleeve Internal hydration sleeve None
Hip Belt Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Compartments 1 1 1 1 1
Number of Pockets 6 6 8 5 7
Pocket Descriptions 2 mesh side pockets, 1 front stuff pocket, 1 front zipper pocket, 1 internal zipper pocket, 1 bladder pocket 1 front vertical zipper pocket, 2 mesh water bottle pockets, 1 internal zipper pocket, 1 bladder pocket, 1 hip belt zipper pocket 2 mesh side pockets, 1 front stuff pocket, 1 internal zipper pocket, 2 zipper hip belt pocket, 1 top zipper pocket, 1 bladder pocket 2 mesh side pockets, 1 side zip pocket, 1 top zip pocket, 1 internal bladder pocket 2 mesh side pockets, 2 front zipper pockets, 2 internal pockets, 1 bladder pocket
Outside Carry Options External stretch pocket, trekking pole holders, ice axe attachement, sunglasses loop and bungee, hip belt pockets, hydration hose clip Daisy chain, 2 side pockets, trekking pole holders Lidlock helmet attachment, trekking pole quick-stow, large stretch front pocket, ice tool loop with bungee tie-off, side pockets, hip belt pockets, sunglasses shoulder stow, bike light loop Deep side pockets, accessory bungees, zipper side entry pocket Mesh side pockets, side compression straps, reflective tape
Whistle Yes No Yes Yes Yes
Key Clip Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Rain Cover No No No No No
Materials 400D polyester ripstop Coated polyester 100D x 210D wave check high-tenacity nylon 70D recycled ripstop nylon Nylon
Notable Features Adjustable torso length, internal pocket, cinch straps, sunglasses quick-stow daisy chain, mesh side pocket, load lifters, padded hip belt, front buckle holder, side and inner zip pocke, trekking pole loops Helmet attachment, trekking pole quick-stow, sunglasses quick-stow, bike light loop, shoulder strap pocket, stowable ice axe loops water bottle pocket, hydration port + tubing, trekking pole attachments, side zipper pocket, bungee holder, sunglass loop, exterior loops packable, safety whistle, reflective material, adjustable side buckles

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Gregory Jade 28 pack comes in two sizes: XS/S (16 to 18-inch torso) and S/M (18 to 20-inch torso). We tested the XS/S, which has a slightly smaller volume (26 liters compared to 28) and is also a few ounces lighter. This pack is made with a 210-Denier nylon body and 420-Denier nylon bottom and has a host of features, including a rain cover, sunglasses storage system, and hip belt pockets.

Performance Comparison


gregory jade 28l - cold days in snowy alpine conditions really let the gregory jade...
Cold days in snowy alpine conditions really let the Gregory Jade shine for its ability to pack a lot of gear and stay comfortable.
Credit: Maggie Brandenburg

Comfort


The Jade 28 received one of our top scores for comfort. Out of the many packs in our review, it is one of the most comfortable when loaded down, thanks to the suspension. This means that the pack transfers the load onto your hips to keep your shoulders feeling comfortable all day long.


The newest version of this pack has an updated Aerospan ventilated suspension. Its trampoline-like back helps to distribute the weight against your back so that there aren't any pressure points. Bonus points because no matter how you pack, you won't have anything digging into your back! This type of back panel also promotes airflow, so you don't get too sweaty back there. It has a comfortable, body-hugging fit with one of the plushest, load-bearing hip belts of any we tested on a daypack. The Jade had padding in all the right places to wear all day long.

gregory jade 28l - we appreciated the adjustability of the update suspension on this bag.
We appreciated the adjustability of the update suspension on this bag.
Credit: Katie Brown

That being said, we found that the sizing runs a bit small. One of our testers, who is 5 foot, 4-inch with a 17-inch torso, had to return the XS/S size (16 to 18-inch claimed torso range) for the S/MD size instead (18 to 20-inch claimed torso range).

gregory jade 28l - a long, padded hip belt help make the gregory jade a comfortable...
A long, padded hip belt help make the Gregory Jade a comfortable pack to carry even when loaded down. However, we wish there was somewhere we could tuck these loose strap tails...
Credit: Katie Brown

Also, our petite, 5'1" tester found that the hip belt of the XS was very close to not cinching tight enough for her unless she had on layers. For this reason, we think it's important that you try this pack on for size before committing. However, the frame is adjustable, so within the sizes, there is some wiggle room for getting the perfect fit.

gregory jade 28l - you will want to double-check the gregory jade's hip belt, as it may...
You will want to double-check the Gregory Jade's hip belt, as it may not go quite small enough for those on the smaller side.
Credit: Katie Brown

Versatility


The Jade is packed with features that make it a pretty versatile bag for anyone who needs to carry more than the average amount of gear on a day hike — or the person who heads out on a winter snowshoe and wants a large capacity for extra layers and food. This pack has compression straps on the side, which could be used to strap skis to your pack if you're into that kind of thing. The stretchy overflow pocket and handy sunglasses quick stow loop make it easy to shed and don layers as you need. The whistle on the sternum clip and included rain cover are excellent emergency additions that preclude you from having to remember to bring them each time you go out. The two hip belt pockets are roomy enough for an oversized smartphone and snacks, which we very much appreciate.


Avoid overpacking just because you have the room! Your shoulders will thank you at the end of a long hike if you bring just what you need.

While the Jade is a versatile bag, its large capacity makes it easy to overstuff. Schlepping around more gear than you need on a day hike could lead to being less comfortable. However, if you're discerning about what you pack and need lots of room for extra winter layers or your kids' stuff, you can get away with carrying tons of gear comfortably during a long day.

gregory jade 28l - the gregory jade has two hip belt pockets that hold are large enough...
The Gregory Jade has two hip belt pockets that hold are large enough to hold anything from a phone, to a snack or sunscreen.
Credit: Katie Brown

Weight-to-Volume Ratio


This daypack weighs 41 ounces in the size we tested (42 ounces in the bigger size), making it one of the heavier bags. That's not totally surprising, considering that it also boasts one of the largest volumes (28 liters) and a hefty wireframe suspension system.


There are often tradeoffs when selecting outdoor gear: if you're looking for something lightweight, it might be made of thinner, less durable materials. In our minds, the Jade strikes a good compromise between weight and durability. The 200-Denier material will last longer than a pack made with 100-Denier but isn't as heavy as something that uses a 600-Denier packcloth. The Jade may be a bit on the heavier side, but you'll reap the reward of durability in the long run.

gregory jade 28l - the two full-size daypacks shown here -- the osprey sirrus and...
The two full-size daypacks shown here -- the Osprey Sirrus and Gregory Jade -- may be on the heavier side, but they make up for it with their ultra durable fabric meant to last a lifetime.
Credit: Katie Brown

Ease of Use


The Jade 28 is one of the easiest, most intuitive packs to use during a hike.


It has a large, U-zip opening that made grabbing that hidden jacket at the bottom a cinch. The large, meshy pouch on the outside is perfect for stashing a map or extra layer.

gregory jade 28l - large u-zip openings are much easier to use when you need to dig...
Large U-zip openings are much easier to use when you need to dig into your bag for gear.
Credit: Katie Brown

The two side pockets were also updated in the newest version of this pack and were some of our favorites out of many packs — they were deep enough that our water bottles and bear spray didn't fall out when we bent over and included a webbing strap, to further secure unruly items.

gregory jade 28l - the newest version of the gregory jade has updated side pockets...
The newest version of the Gregory Jade has updated side pockets, built to keep virtually any item snug as a bug.
Credit: Katie Brown

The hipbelt pockets are large enough to put essentials in and out without hassle. The pack is also adjustable in several helpful ways. Not only is the Jade available in two sizes, but it also features an adjustable frame that allows you to customize the fit for your torso even further. This feature is pretty unique to the daypack line-up.

gregory jade 28l - the adjustability of the ventilated suspension is a great addition...
The adjustability of the ventilated suspension is a great addition to this bags design.
Credit: Katie Brown

While the adjustable frame is nice for customizing your bag, we found the Jade to run small. Not only do we think the lack of any size above a “medium” is a bit constricting for women, but we also found that this pack adjusted to taller torso lengths is less comfortable to wear. This is mostly due to the instability of the small amount of velcro connection that is left when we extend the harness to these heights. That said, the Jade is one of the only models we tested that has helpful load-lifting straps. The hip belt also has a lot of room to expand to fit a variety of hip sizes and shapes, which we appreciate. Overall, the Jade has some great adjustment features for a custom fit and is one of the easiest packs to use.

gregory jade 28l - the suspension system on the jade helps to take the weight off of...
The suspension system on the Jade helps to take the weight off of your shoulders and transfer them to your hips.
Credit: Maggie Brandenburg

Quality Construction


We are impressed with the construction of this pack, which earned it high marks for durability. We could find little in the way of durability complaints online and didn't experience any firsthand during our testing.


The bottom has a double layer of nylon, which will help with longevity, and that's a good thing because after a couple of months' use, it is looking a little scuffed.

gregory jade 28l - the design of the straps keep the bag from rubbing on the neck while...
The design of the straps keep the bag from rubbing on the neck while still managing a great fit.
Credit: Katie Brown

Should You Buy the Gregory Jade 28L?


This daypack is one of the most expensive bags in this review. However, for what you get in comfort and versatility in a large-capacity bag, we think this pack is worth it. If you want to be comfortably supported while carrying a heavy load and have the option of overnight trips, we think you'll be very happy with this bag. On the other hand, if you're looking for more of a 'light and fast' bag, this might not be the best choice for you.

gregory jade 28l - this is a perfect bag for a long day out on the trail.
This is a perfect bag for a long day out on the trail.
Credit: Katie Brown

What Other Daypacks Should You Consider?


The Osprey Sirrus 24has a comparable construction quality to the Jake, though it doesn't have the same weight to volume capacity. The Gregory Juno 24L is another great option. It scored similarly to the Jade, but comes at a slightly lower price point. Meanwhile, if you really want to get the value for your dollar, the Decathlon Quechua is an excellent option for day hikes and won't break the bank.

Other Versions


Gregory makes the Jade pack in a variety of sizes. The 28 that we tested is the smallest, and then it goes up from there: 33, 38, 53, and 63-liter options are all available.

Madison Botzet, Maggie Nichols and Katie Brown