Grayl  Mission EXP 30 Pack

I’ve been using the GRAYL Mission EXP 30L for a few weeks now, and it’s quickly become my go-to pack for both day hikes and weekend trips. The build quality is bombproof—feels like it could survive anything—and the materials are clearly top-notch. I love how easy it is to organize gear with all the internal and external pockets, and the BottleLock system holds my grayl titanium bottle tight, even when scrambling. The durability and layout make this pack my GoTo. Also, the tactical look is actually pretty cool in person. Overall, super solid pack—perfect for weekend travel or backcountry use.

Comfortable bag to wear and load lifters are useful. The water bottle pockets great, and the compression straps do not interfere with the zippers of the main compartment. I use this backpack everyday for work to pack my lunch, 26oz yeti for my coffee 32oz Nalgene in the water bottle pockets, keys, study notebooks, tech bag, snacks, and as a flight bag for my aviation headsets, knee board, documents, and with my ipad in the dedicated laptop sleeve when I go build up my hours as a private pilot. All the organization is well thought out. Two reasons for 4 stars is the hip strap is not removable/cant be stowed away and the main pocket feels smaller than 30L capacity. Overall it’s a great and nice looking backpack.

4. 9/5 I waited to have a couple of trips under my belt before writing this review. I've used pack for a trip to Hawaii, a day trek running around the city streets of downtown Los Angeles and a three day trip to Sequoia National Park. I pack it with a padded camera cube in the main compartment, a first aid kit in the lower back pouch, snacks in the "grayl" compartment, sunglasses and camera accessories in the top microfiber lined compartment. Water bottles in the side pockets. It's got the trappings of a "tactical" pack, but is actually quite modern and sleek in its design choices. From the subtle tapering of the main compartment to the stylish pocket flaps on the sides and weather coated zipper runs. This pack looks great in city and on the trail. The bag is built extraordinarily well. I appreciate that it holds it's own architecture even while empty. That build quality does imbue it with some weight before you even put anything in it. I really like the adjustability of all the chest and waist strap, the shoulder straps and compression straps are great as well. There are like 15 pockets/pouches/zips on this and further expansion possibilities with molle accessories! I come from "camera" bags that are usually one massive compartment surrounded by a few small flat pockets. It's refreshing to have large pockets lines and small zipper sleeves. Things I would change: - I wish there was some better way to manage the excess straps and it would've been great if the waist strap was removable. I'm sure some sort of plastic strap tie down exists. - More breathable material for the shoulder straps and some additional venting for the back padding would be appreciated. - Could be a little lighter

The Mission Exp 30L is a really impressive pack with tons of features I would use. The problem is that it is a one size fits all pack and despite adjusting everything properly, the shoulder straps do not conform to my shoulders - they flare out on the outsides putting the pressure on the inside edge. I am 5'7" so I may fall under the ideal fitment zone. If this came in sizes, I would be carrying this everywhere. Unfortunately I think I'll have to return it and go with something that can be sized for the user a bit more.

I used this pack recently for a weekend trip and I couldn’t be more happy with it. I haven’t used it yet backpacking but it looks like it will be my go to pack going forward. Can’t go wrong with this one. . !!

I have not used it yet. I am veto g ready to do field research in Belize. I’ll be in the rainforest for a month. I’ll let yall know how the bag holds up. It’s perfect so far.

Perfect for my travel needs. Day trips. Weekend trips. Carry on. Everyday use as well but really I have the 20 L transport for that.

Was a gift for my nephew. He loved it. Now I need to buy myself one of these…. .

First and foremost thank you all for trusting us with honest reviews and content. In terms of the Mission EXP Backpack 30L, I wanted to share my thoughts on its performance. Overall, this backpack is exceptional in nearly every way—its durability, comfort, and usability make it a standout for outdoor adventures. The design is well-thought-out, with intuitive features that make it a pleasure to use on the trail. However, as a hunter, I’ve noticed a couple of areas where the backpack could be improved to better serve the needs of hunting trips. Most notably, the lack of a load shelf or dedicated system for packing out meat is a significant drawback. Hauling game requires a stable and secure way to carry heavy, uneven loads, and a load shelf would make this process much easier and more efficient. Additionally, some reinforced attachment points or modular options for securing gear like rifles or bows could further enhance its utility for hunters. Despite these shortcomings, the Mission Backpack 30L remains an impressive piece of gear, and I’m thrilled with its performance for general outdoor use. I hope you consider these suggestions for future iterations, as they would make the pack even more versatile for hunting applications. Thank you for creating such a high-quality product, and I look forward to seeing how Grayl continues to innovate! Harnessed Adrenaline - Charles Jernigan

Just like the other sizes this backpack is built for outdoors and anything in-between. The 30L bag is the right amount of space without it being too bulky. I would more recommend this bag if you’re doing a couple of days of backpacking or going on a weekend trip. The colors on this bag does not disappoint and gives the look of it looking like good quality. The exterior is rugged and incredibly durable, and the MOLLE system adds excellent modularity. I was able to attach my med kits and various other accessories with ease. During a storm, the bag performed impressively well; everything stayed dry even in heavy rain. The main zippers are smooth, allowing for quick and easy access to the main compartment. The Expanse Pocket is a standout feature. It can comfortably fit almost any water bottle, including my massive 64oz one. This makes it super convenient for hydration on the go! The bottle lock tie-down system is a game-changer. I can securely fasten my titanium Grayl and other gear without worrying about anything slipping off. The shoulder straps are comfortable, adjustable, and designed for long-term wear. I also appreciate the included detachable whistle for SOS situations, which adds an extra layer of preparedness. Both straps have attachment points for G Mod accessories, which is a nice bonus. The hip straps are comfortable and help evenly distribute the weight of the pack. The hip pockets are perfect for quick-access items like my wallet, keys, and chapstick. While the zippers can be a bit tricky to manage with one hand, they do their job of keeping everything secure. One of my favorite features is the abundance of pockets, both inside and out. It helps me stay organized and ensures that nothing is rattling around, even in the front and side mesh pockets. The backpack is large enough to fit my oversized engineering laptop, which is a huge plus. I've really put this backpack through its paces, and it’s holding up fantastically well. If you're an outdoor enthusiast, I highly recommend it. Grayl has clearly put a lot of thought and effort into designing this product, and it shows in its exceptional performance. Suggestions for Improvement: • Add the ability to lock the main pocket for added security during travel. • Make the hip straps wider and thicker for even more comfort. • Make the front mesh pocket accessible from both sides or adjust the zipper orientation for easier access regardless of how the bag is positioned. • Consider making the bag open up more fully for better packing access. • Include internal straps to secure loose items like clothes. • Add an option to insert a stiffer backplate for added structure. • Design the bottom of the bag to be flat so it can stand upright.