Gregory  Juno 24 H2O Hydration Pack - Women's

I am so pleased by this product. In order to give it a good test- I went on an 8.5 mile hike up Mt. Moosilauke in NH and this pack not only held up- but it surpassed my expectations and here’s why: The support is phenomenal. We’ve got straps to take the pressure off every point of your back without giving your hips any kind of blisters or soreness. In fact- I got into a pretty bad car wreck a few years ago and usually after a hike with my old backpack my shoulder would be screaming- but not with the Juno. Everything was very easily adjustable- and to make things even better there is a mesh backing that keeps the pack off of your mid back in a successful effort to keep the sweat from pooling. Can we please take a minute to talk about compartments?? They’re everywhere. And they’re very, very convenient. I had my camera, snacks and dog bags ready in the hip pockets, all of my snacks and extra layers in the main pouch, my keys in the top and plenty of space for things like my ID, a ball and water dish for my dog and even an extra water bottle- however I didn’t need it because... Dang. That’s a huge water bladder. After an initial first sip plastic taste- I had seemingly endless fresh water whenever I wanted which allowed me to keep moving and make better time on my hike. No more fumbling around for my water bottles in the middle of the trail. Just a steady pace right up to the top while staying sufficiently hydrated. Not only is this pack highly functional- it also looks beautiful. I got it in the coral color and loved the strong, feminine build of it- it conformed to my body and I always love pops of color in my gear. Absolutely will be recommending to all my friends and I can’t wait for all future adventures with My Juno girl.

I had this pack sent to my local store so I could try it. I tried it in the store after an employee stuffed it. I am not new to Gregory packs but I wanted something with a capacity between my Maya 16 and a 12 year old Jade 35 that went trekking far and high. After I tried it in the store it seemed to fit well. But I wasn't crazy about the back panel. I guess this pack has a frame, but I didn't like the design of that frame so much (the frame panel above the shoulders). I took it home anyway and paid closer attention. The first thing I noticed (but didn't notice in the store) was that the side water bottle pockets are so narrow that I couldn't put a regular Nalgene bottle. The pack comes with a hydration reservoir, but I never pay attention to that as I can't stand drinking from a tube. I never did! The first thing I do is remove that reservoir. So I got really annoyed. I understand that pack companies want to cater to those who love drinking on the go (that is taking a few sips every few steps). I don't feel, and have never felt a need to sip and so called "hydrate on the go". I have gone on very tough climbs and treks and I don't mind stopping for water. There is nothing wrong stopping when we feel we need some water. Stopping is, and has always been, a way to relax on the trail. I do not understand the obsession with non-stop walking and a need for taking sips from a tube. I get it, some people do like this technology, but this pack should have offered the option for carrying decent water bottle for those who dislike being intubated!. This lack of consideration for those who use bottle made me disgusted. As soon as I saw that, I returned it. A 24 L pack should offer decent water bottle pockets. The pack felt too rigid but it could be good if one needs to carry technical gear. Another thing I didn't like was the loop for the poles. I wouldn't trust them and compared to those on my old Jade pack, those on the Juno 24 aren't good enough. Also, I like pole holders on each side of the pack. I think the Juno has them on one side only. I wanted a pack that could carry some camera gear, but there is no way to hook a small lightweight tripod on this. I'm looking now into the Maya 22 since I have the 16 and love the Maya 16. I wish I had noticed all the problems in the store, but I didn't, and had to make another 60mile round trip to return the pack. I was very disappointed.