REASONS TO BUY
Large capacity for versatile uses
Great back ventilation
Adjustable torso
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
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
Credit: Katie Brown
By Madison Botzet ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ November 14, 2024
Contributions From: Maggie Nichols & Katie Brown
RELATED: The Best Hiking Daypacks for Women
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 review of women's daypacks.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Gregory Jade 28L | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best for Long Hikes |  Best Women's Daypack | |||
| Price | $200 List Check Price at REI | $150 List | $180 List Check Price at Amazon | $160 List Check Price at REI | $200 List Check Price at REI |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | Look no further for one of the most comfortable daypacks in our test group for heavy loads and big days out | All the comfort and security of a full backpack in a bite-sized daypack | A fully-recyclable, highly water-resistant, durable daypack with some unique storage features, but it's expensive, and we wish it had a more supportive hip belt | A comfortable, adjustable, and feature-rich daypack that can easily go from trail to travel and be your do-it-all pack | This pack is loaded with features, though lacks a few usability details and runs a touch small |
| Rating Categories | Gregory Jade 28L | Gregory Juno 24L | NEMO Resolve 25 | Gregory Maya 20 | Osprey Sirrus 24 |
| Comfort (25%) | |||||
| Versatility (25%) | |||||
| Ease of Use (25%) | |||||
| Weight-to-Volume Ratio (15%) | |||||
| Construction Quality (10%) | |||||
| Specifications | Gregory Jade 28L | Gregory Juno 24L | NEMO Resolve 25 | Gregory Maya 20 | Osprey Sirrus 24 |
| Advertised Volume | 28 L | 24 L | 25 L | 20 L | 24 L |
| Measured Weight | 42 oz | 31 oz | 37 oz | 29 oz | 43 oz |
| Weight per Liter | 1.50 oz/L | 1.29 oz/L | 1.48 oz/L | 1.5 oz/L | 1.79 oz/L |
| Back Construction | FreeFloat suspension | VaporSpan ventilated mesh | Spring steel internal frame, adjustable back panel | Channeled foam backpanel with aerodynamic grooves | Airspeed back panel |
| Hydration Compatibility | Internal hydration sleeve | Internal hydration sleeve | Internal hydration sleeve | Hydration compartment | Internal hydration sleeve |
| Hip Belt | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Compartments | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Number of Pockets | 6 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
| Pocket Descriptions | 2 mesh side pockets, 1 front stuff pocket, 1 front zipper pocket, 1 internal zipper pocket, 1 bladder pocket | 1 top zippered pocket, 1 interior mesh zippered security pocket, 1 front stretch pocket, 2 water bottle pockets, 2 hip belt pockets | 1 zipper pocket on inside, 1 top "hidden" zipper pocket, 2 adjustable water bottle pockets, 2 snap pockets on shoulder straps | 1 zipper bladder pocket, 1 zipper front pocket, 1 internal mesh zip pocket with key clip, 1 front outer zip pocket, 1 front stretch pocket, 2 side pockets, 2 zip hip belt pockets | 2 mesh side pockets, 1 top zip pocket, 1 rain cover pocket, 1 front vertical zip pocket, 1 front zip pocket, 1 bladder pocket, 1 internal stretch pocket |
| Outside Carry Options | External stretch pocket, trekking pole holders, ice axe attachement, sunglasses loop and bungee, hip belt pockets, hydration hose clip | Lare exterior stretch pocket, 2 stretch side pockets, 2 zippered hip belt pockets, 1 zippered pocket, hiking pole storage, ice axe loop | Two water bottle pockets, multi-position bungee straps and gear loops, small snap pockets on shoulder straps, hidden security pocket at top | 2 mesh side pockets, 1 front stretch pocket, 2 side pockets, 2 zip hip belt pockets, front trekking pole attachment with ice axe loop | Trekking pole attachment, trekking pole quick-stow, ice axe loop, 2 side strech pockets, 3 zippered pockets, 2 zippered hip pockets |
| Whistle | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Key Clip | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rain Cover | No | No, but DWR finish | No | No | Yes |
| Exterior Materials | 400D polyester ripstop | 210D honeycomb CryptoRip nylon (body), 420D high density nylon (bottom) | Recycled Cero fabric | 100D High Density 30% Recycled Nylon & 210D High Density 45% Recycled Nylon | 210D recycled honeycomb nylon (body), 420D recycled nylon (bottom) |
| Notable Features | Adjustable torso length, internal pocket, cinch straps, sunglasses quick-stow | Sunglasses stow loops, hydration hose attachment, trekking pole attachment | Removable compression system, adjustable frame, adjustable water bottle pockets, hidden security pocket, enhanced water-resistant exterior, body-mapped CCubed cushioning, fully recyclable | Adjustable back panel, hip belt integrated into back panel hydration hose clip on R shoulder strap, whistle integrated into sternum clip, zippered hydration bladder pocket, front stow pocket, front light loop, load lifter straps | Integrated rain cover, ice axe loop, trekking pole quick-stow, adjustable back |
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 sunglasses storage system and hip belt pockets.
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.
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).
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.
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. There is a whistle on the sternum clip, and 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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