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The Gregory Zulu 24 LT quickly became one of our favorite day hiking packs. It features well-padded shoulder straps for comfort, excellent ventilation, and a thoughtful design. We love all the little features that set this pack apart, such as a large opening that allows for easy threading of the hydration hose, an integrated hydration hose clip, and easy-to-access hip belt pockets. This pack can support heavy loads without putting pressure or strain on the shoulders or back. Durable materials withstand abuse and shed light water well. It can serve double duty as a work bag and more, making it a great choice for day hikers.
REASONS TO BUY
Awesome ventilation
Supports heavy loads very well
Hip belt pockets are easy to access
Comfortable
Thoughtful design features
REASONS TO AVOID
Speedclip is not compatible with all hydration bladders
Front top zipper pocket is shallow
Gregory has replaced the Zulu 24 LT with the Zulu 28 LT. There are 4 extra liters of space, and the carrying capacity has increased from 20 to 25 pounds. The major difference is the closure — the Zulu 28LT has a top flap that covers a drawstring closure, while the old pack had a zipper closure. We're linking to the new model in our review.
1 main zippered, hydration sleeve, 2 side mesh, 2 front, 2 zippered hip belt
1 main combo top-loader/side panel zip, 1 internal mesh w/ overlap closure (inside of lid), 1 external zip on top of lid, 2 mesh side bottle w/ button closure/expansion, 2 oversized hipbelt zip
3 stretchy mesh side, 1 top zippered, 1 main compartment zippered, 1 bottom zippered for rain cover
1 main zippered, one middle zippered, 2 mesh interior, one top zippered, 1 front mesh stow, 2 mesh side, 2 hip belt (one zippered, one open)
1 main zippered, 2 mesh side pockets, 1 side zippered pocket, 1 top pouch
Daisy chain, ice axe, pole loops, sleeping pad straps (bottom and top)
Trekking pole tip strap, side compression straps, 2 webbing tabs, three external mesh pockets
Ice axe loop and bungee holder, 10 loops for additional straps or attachments
Whistle
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Key Clip
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Other Notable Features
Light/bell tab built into lower fabric
Steel frame w/ 1 internal stay, hydration tube holder on shoulder strap, included rain cover, water bottle pockets angled forward to allow on the go access
None
Light/bell tab built into lower fabric
Removeable foam back panel doubles as sit pad, removeable sternum, removeable Packmod bungee, Water bottle pocket, hydration port + tubing, trekking pole attachments, side zipper pocket, sunglass loop
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Gregory Zulu 24 LT is designed for hikers who want a well-rounded pack. This pack has everything you need for short and long day hikes alike without sacrificing comfort or ventilation. The VaporSpan backpanel allows air to flow between your back and the pack, helping you stay cool. A wire frame supports heavy loads, while thick, padded shoulder straps and a hip belt provide comfort.
Durable materials and quality construction mean this pack will last a long time. Credit: Tara Reddinger-Adams
Comfort
The Zulu sets the bar for daypack comfort. One of our test team even said, “This is the most comfortable pack I have ever worn.” It features a suspended-mesh back panel called VaporSpan, and breathes like a dream. The pack sits off your back, and you can actually feel the airflow between your back and the pack on windy days.
The pack does not have an adjustable back panel, but it is easy to tailor the fit to your body with the shoulder straps, hip belt, and sternum strap. The shoulder straps are set slightly farther apart than some packs, and are considerably thicker than many other 24-liter packs. This adds to the pack's overall comfort, especially when loaded down.
You can see how the pack curves away from the back for maximal airflow. Credit: Byron Adams
The hip belt is an extension of the pack's back panel, with no seams. It comfortably wraps the waist and has 1.5-inch-wide webbing that extends to the buckle for additional comfort.
The Zulu has a small wire frame that supports the pack's load and helps distribute the weight onto the hip belt. All of our testers remarked on how comfortable it is, especially with heavy loads. The pack supports the weight and prevents it from sagging or putting strain and stress on the back and shoulders. This is a pack you can comfortably wear all day without feeling weighed down.
The VaporSpan back panel offers incredible ventilation. The hip belt is integrated into the back panel, providing a supportive and comfortable fit. Credit: Tara Reddinger-Adams
Versatility
With 24 liters of space, the Zulu has room for a laptop, shoes, clothing, and more. As a daypack, we can pack all our gear with space to spare. Because it supports weight so well, it would make a great climbing pack. We, like many reviewers online, also find its size works well as a work bag, and it easily fits a laptop and bulky items.
The front top and vertical zipper compartments keep your gear organized, while deep mesh side pockets securely hold water bottles or other similarly sized items.
One downside to the pack is the curvature created by the VaporSpan panel and wire frame. When you open the main compartment, this is pronounced, but it does not interfere with our loading. The pack opens widely thanks to a large U-shaped zipper, making it easy to reach the bottom of the pack.
You can see the curvature created by the back panel, which can prevent items from lying flat. However, the pack opens wide, making it easy to access the base. Credit: Tara Reddinger-Adams
Ease of Use
We appreciate user-friendly features like reinforced zipper pulls, hydration hose clip, a large opening for the hydration hose, and well-placed hip belt pockets that make its use easier.
Trekking poles can be easily stowed on the front of the pack by placing the tips in a webbing loop and lashing the shaft down with an elastic loop. However, this does require taking the pack off or asking a friend to help.
An integrated whistle and a hydration hose clip are integrated into the Zulu. We appreciate the hose clip, which prevents it from bouncing around as we hike. Credit: Byron Adams
The hip belt pockets are large and easy to use. Unlike packs whose hip belt pockets sit towards the back, the Zulu's pockets wrap more towards the front of the torso, for easier access.
The hip belt pockets are large and easily accessible. Credit: Tara Reddinger-Adams
Gregory uses what they call a Speedclip to suspend the bladder from. This design is very slick, as it allows you to clip the top of the bladder onto the clip. However, it does not work with all bladders, because the plastic is slightly too thick.
Weight-to-Volume Ratio
The Zulu weighs 36.8 ounces with a volume of 24 liters. Its weight-to-volume measurement is 1.53 ounces per liter.
The Zulu's weight per liter reflects its supportive wire frame, additional padding, and heavier fabrics on the body and base. However, considering its structure and support, this is still light.
Thanks to its wire frame, you can load up the Zulu for a long day and be comfortable. Credit: Tara Reddinger-Adams
Construction Quality
The Zulu's body is constructed of 40% Recycled 400D ripstop polyester with a slightly more robust 420D ripstop polyester on the base. Both the main body and the pack's base have a DWR treatment to repel water.
Our test pack shows hardly any signs of wear, even after being dragged through thick, thorny scrub and laid on rough granite rocks. The materials are durable and have great abrasion resistance. One tester has used this pack in the desert for a year, and aside from some cosmetic scuffs, it is in perfect condition.
After our one-minute hose test, the inside of the Zulu had some water in it. We recommend using a dry bag and/or a raincover if you'll be out in the rain. Credit: Tara Reddinger-Adams
In our hose test, the Zulu performed similarly to other packs with minimal water penetrating the zippers and pack body. The polyester body and base will repel light rain, but we recommend a dry bag and/or rain cover if you might get caught out in the rain.
Should You Buy the Gregory Zulu 24?
The Gregory Zulu is a durable, well-designed pack that comfortably supports loads. It does everything a great daypack should, and has great ventilation to boot. It has useful, well-thought-out features. Whether you're a hiking enthusiast or a casual hiker who needs a pack for the trail and gym, we feel the Zulu is a great purchase that will last for years to come.
What Other Daypacks Should You Consider?
If you don't need or want a wire frame pack, we recommend the Osprey Sportlite 25. It has good pockets and compartments to organize your gear, is comfortable, and outperformed more expensive non-wire frame packs in our test. If you're looking for something larger to carry more gear or for overnight trips, we recommend the REI Co-op Traverse 35.
Sometimes your hike includes crawling through a cave. Thankfully, this pack is up to the task. Credit: Tara Reddinger-Adams
