Gregory Z30 Pack

Comments about Gregory Z30 Pack:

I purchased this pack for a 2 week trip to Central America. I wanted something that I could use as cary-on luggage and was comfortable for hours of walking in hot, humid conditions. The Gregory Z30 was just the ticket! This pack was a breeze to carry-on. The zippers held strong against my two weeks worth of clothes and gear as I dragged it uncerimoniously from plane to public bus to mountain path to hostel! The included rainfly was a must in the cloudforests of Costa Rica and the air flow mesh was perfect for the hot and muggy weather getting to Nicaragua. The large hydration pocket supplied enough water for long day hikes. Great construction and very comfortable loaded down with gear. I am a 5'8" female and purchased the L so it rode on hips very comfortably. The only con was the rather small pockets in the waist belt - my traveling companion had pockets large enough for a smartphone & I could only fit a small tube of sunscreen - jealous! :) but overall - FANTASTIC pack. I will buy Gregory packs again!

Comments about Gregory Z30 Pack:

I was a rookie backpack buyer and am writing this to inform someone that might be in a similar situation. This is a serious hiking only pack. If you want a pack for school, shopping, or cycling, this is NOT it! Load control, back ventilation, and load suspension have been given priority over anything else in this design. The suspension net and frame are so taut that it is like having a strung bow on your back. This pack must be heavily loaded and cinched tight or it will bounce because of the net. The net is so taut that it causes some pressure discomfort. The frame curves about 2-3 inches into the main compartment. Not only does this reduce capacity but something flat and hard like a big book, frozen pizza, or laptop will not load well because of the frame curvature. The pack has no bottom to sit on, just the endpoints of the frame so you have to lean the pack or lay it flat. For serious hiking where you are going to cinch the pack down and walk for hours, it is probably great if the pressure of the suspension net is comfortable for you. I bought this pack because of the capacity, the waist belt, rain fly, hydration sleeve, side pockets, helmet clearance for cycling, numerous compartments, and adjustability. Its lack of everyday practicality was not obvious until I started using it.

Comments about Gregory Z30 Pack:

The Z30 from Gregory is a great all-around pack. The quality of the construction is excellent, the padding is comfortable, and the CrossFlo suspension is a life saver on hot summer days. It's large enough for an overnight backpacking trip (or even multi-day trips if you're a light packer), and also small enough for a day pack thanks to the compression straps on the sides.

I've used the pack on several trips in warm and cool weather now, and the pack has carried everything that I needed. I'm very satisfied with the Z30.

It is definitely heavier than similar sized packs from other companies, but once you've carried it all day in the heat, I think you'll agree that the suspension, padding, and high-quality materials are worth every ounce!

Comments about Gregory Z30 Pack:

Do several day hikes per month with 250-member hiking club (in-state and out-of-state) so get a chance to see lots of gear. I'm replacing my Osprey Talon 22 (which I've loved for years but is wearing out). This pack had every element I was looking for (outer pocket for stuffing jacket; sturdy zippers; trekking poles straps on both sides; decent volume). LIke the Osprey, it has good ventilation for back (important here in AZ) and is uber comfortable (like the Osprey). The materials quality is unsurpassed (just as with my Gregory Baltoro 65). I expect to have this for many years.

Comments about Gregory Z30 Pack:

I needed a day pack that could haul a fair amount of gear, not be too big or heavy, and also fit my torso (I got the Large size, which fits a 21 inch torso) The waist belt fits where it should and doesn't ride high like other small or regular sized packs. This Gregory Z30 is perfect. The main opening is large for easy access. The 'top' pocket is just as easily accessible. Both open from the top. Nice sized side pouches for 1 liter water bottles; and the bucket pocket expands sizably for quick to get at gear. The suspension on the back of this pack, works well - and doesn't cause it to constantly tip over when it's placed on the floor or against a wall (like some other brands). Rain cover worked 100% in 3 hours of rain and hail on Mt. Rainier last week. Great pack.

Comments about Gregory Z30 Pack:

I am a 6'3", 250 lb hiker with some back problems. I have had difficulty finding a day-pack that fits my size comfortably. I typically stick to an external frame pack for my multi-day trips because they seem to carry the weight better on my hips. This pack replaced my old Gregory Pow, which placed all the weight on my shoulders. I was very pleased with how the pack carries the weight on my hips. The pack remained comfortable all day. As I was hiking I felt a sudden coolness on my back and assumed my hydration system had failed. Then I realized it was a cool breeze under the suspension system. I've always been pleased with Gregory products and I am very pleased with this pack and its fit. Its always easy to find companies who make gear for the average sized hiker, it's nice that Gregory designs with the individual hiker in mind.

Comments about Gregory Z30 Pack:

No issues with the pack. Adjust hip belt first and all else falls into place.

Service and delivery comments:

Many kudos to the sales personnel at the Carolina Place Mall location of REI in Charlotte, NC. They were instrumental in helping select packs, hiking shoes, water shoes and socks.

Their suggestions made our trip out west much more enjoyable!

Comments about Gregory Z30 Pack:

This is the first good backpack I've gotten and I really am liking it. Although I'm a woman, none of the packs designed for women fit me well, but this fit perfectly. The weight is distributed very well and I haven't had any problems carrying about 25 lbs. in the pack and probably wouldn't carry much more in this pack. The weight balances well in the pack and doesn't throw me off balance. My only real complaint about the bag is that loading and unloading it can be a bit of a pain. I always have to remember to put the water pouch in first, otherwise I have to take everything out to get the water in. Also, everything I put in the bottom in the pack is a bit hard to get to and so I try not to pack necessary items that I will need during them middle of a hike there. I really like the little zippered pouches on the waist straps where I can keep chapstick and the like. A friend of mine also had this pack as his first backpack. It seems like it is a solid investment for dedicated newbies, who are going on extended day hikes or who are car camping.

Comments about Gregory Z30 Pack:

I am not a fan of this type of loading in many of the modern packs, but my son likes it so that is all that matters for this pack. We bought it because it fit just so for him, going on some lone day hikes this spring. The back ventilation systems is really great, seems super durable even though lightweight.

Wish it had a few more compartments. And the price of these packs are way out of touch with reality...but oh well.

Comments about Gregory Z30 Pack:

Overall a great pack. I needed a larger pack for day hikes. I'm an avid photographer and tend to over pack. This pack fits everything I need for a long day out including my photography gear. The medium pack is right at the verge of being a bit large for me, I'm 5'6" and 135lbs. Typically with my gear and water I'm carrying about 25lbs to 30lbs, no problem. The pack handles the weight nicely and distributes it properly to the hips. Tons of attachment points, nice pull tabs on the zippers, good size stuff pouch, and a couple of smaller pouches. I gave 4 stars due to the sizing and the fact that I have only had the pack for a couple months so I can't speak on longevity. It definitely seems to be made very well. We'll see if it stands the test of time!