Gregory Men's Zulu 30 Sm/Md Backpack

Product Information

Small white sleeve is for your shades, sliding sternum strap is de rigeur these days - Photo: Lukasz Warzecha (lwimages.co.uk)

Constructed from Lifespan foam to provide a generations worth of comfort, the shoulder harnesses are perforated to maximize airflow and comfort on the trail. I’m carrying an Osprey Manta 28 bought in 2018. It’s too small, kinda heavy, and is quite angular and cumbersome as a carry-on… plus the hip belt is wimpy.

Ease of Use

I had an interesting conversation with a friend last night who owns a store in a relatively small chain of outdoor stores in Western Canada (Valhalla Pure Outfitters) after he went to your sit on my recommendation. He understands your running a business with the Big Outdoors but was frustrated by your readers being directed to big retail outlets at the expense of local shops. You can use it to keep smelly clothing away from the rest of your gear or to store items that you want to keep easily accessible. I used it for my frying pan and flip-flops. It’s great for unusually shaped items.

Ease of Use: All features are easy to use, but the sheer amount of features can increase the learning curve. The tension is achieved by an X-frame which gives the structure and stability to this system. It is visible in the picture. The straps of the Gregory Zulu have been padded and utilize the same mesh material found on the rear for ventilation. The height of the shoulder straps can also be adjusted so you can find the ideal position to elevate pressure or otherwise have it fit as snug as possible during windy weather. At the front of your torso, the FreeFloat Dynamic Suspension system wraps around your waist using a hip belt that pivots with your body. The Syncro impressed me straight away with its high-quality construction and versatile design. It excels in nearly every performance metric. It exhibits all the qualities I’ve come to expect from the brand’s products. However, all of these cool features come with a weight penalty. The Endo is even heavier than the Osprey Syncro.The Gregory Endo boasts an adjustable suspension system, a large 3-liter 3D-Hydro water bladder, and outstanding storage and organization. On top of launching innovative products and designs, Osprey has also developed several proprietary technologies. Gregory's patented FreeFloat dynamic hipbelt links the hipbelt to the frame with a panel designed to move and flex with your body. Even though it’s a lightweight model, the Optic comes with fully padded shoulder straps and waist belt. So that the load wouldn’t shift much as you walk over difficult terrain, the shoulder straps are securely connected to the frame.

Compression: Excellent compression straps allow it to compress down dramatically without hindering other features. It boasts incredible ventilation and many useful features. But what really sets it apart from most other brands, including Gregory, is its one-of-a-kind anti-gravity suspension.

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William Lobley is a Deputy Commercial Content Editor and reviewer for Whats The Best, specialising in technology, gaming and the outdoors. It gives a decent cooling effect in hot conditions, but without compromising the stable, comfortable carry even when you load it up. Small details like the zip-pulls, ice-axe and pole stowage, and yes, that sunglasses loop are all good too.