In this post, I share a Gregory backpack review and comparison based on my experience with 4 Gregory day packs!
Quick Links To Top Hiking Day Packs
- Favorite Women’s Hiking Day Pack: Gregory Juno 30 H20 Hydration Pack
- Best Small Hiking Backpack: Gregory Nano 18 H20 Hydration Pack
- Best Hiking Fanny Pack: Gregory Nano Waistpack
- Best Day Pack Under $100: Gregory Nano 20
Even before I became a 2023 Gregory Ambassador, I’ve been obsessed with hiking backpacks! I love trying out different sizes and styles, all of which come with uniquely innovative features.
Gregory has a ton of different day packs to choose from, 4 of which I’ve spent the past several months testing out in the field! I have to note – these packs are very much worth recommending for travel, school, outdoor sports, work, and so much more!
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I’ve been a hiker for 8+ years and have learned the hard way that wearing the wrong day pack can ruin a hike! When hiking, you’ll be wearing your backpack for hours, so you’ll want it to be comfortable and a good fit for your body.
The best women’s hiking daypacks are designed with a woman’s anatomy in mind. For Gregory, this means a hip belt angled to fit the shape of a woman’s hipbones and shoulder straps that are shaped to work with a woman’s bust. Gregory also carries the first line of plus-size backpacks, that fit 2x-6x in apparel sizing!
To help you figure out which Gregory day pack to buy, I’ll share my experience with 5 different Gregory day packs and compare their features.
Gregory Backpack Comparison
Table of Contents
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How To Choose A Hiking Day Pack
If you’ve ever visited an outdoor store like REI, you’ve seen how many different day pack options there are to choose from! It can be a bit overwhelming, so here are six things to keep in mind when choosing your day pack:
- Capacity: Make sure the pack is large enough to hold all of your gear, but not too big that it becomes cumbersome. Most day packs have a capacity of 20-35 liters, while larger packs for overnight trips can range from 50-80 liters.
- Fit: If you can try your day pack on in-store, look for a pack that fits your body well, with shoulder straps and a hip belt that are properly adjusted to your size. It’s a good idea to try on the pack with weight in it to ensure a comfortable fit.
- Comfort: Padded shoulder straps and a hip belt can help distribute the pack’s weight evenly across your body, reducing strain on your shoulders and back. I recommend looking for a pack with well-ventilated padding to help reduce sweat buildup.
- Durability: Choose a pack made of high-quality materials that can withstand the rigors of the trail. Bonus points for buying from a brand like Gregory that has a lifetime warranty on their packs!
- Weather resistance: If you are hiking in wet conditions, look for a pack that comes with a rain cover or is made of waterproof materials.
- Extra features: Consider additional features such as external pockets, hydration compatibility, and a removable waist belt.
Best Small Day Pack for Hiking | Gregory Nano 18 H20 Hydration Pack Review
If you’re looking for a small day pack for hiking, the Gregory Nano 18 H20 Hydration Pack is my go-to!
This handy day pack is the one I grab the most for short hikes and bike rides. It features an easy-pull top drawcord, plenty of pockets to stash your must-haves, and a 3 Liter hydration reservoir that helps you stay hydrated on the move. If you’re not hitting the trails, the hydration sleeve fits an iPad perfectly!
Overview:
- Gear capacity: 18 Liters
- Frame Type: Frameless
- Weight: 1 lb. 7 oz.
- Hydration Reservoir Compatible: Yes
- Reservoir Included: Yes
- Number of pockets: 3
- Key features: Separate reservoir sleeve, ComfortGrip custom molded loop zipper pulls, removable hip belt
- MSRP: $79.95
Check price: REI
The Gregory Nano 18 pack is a lightweight and compact day pack designed for short day hikes and urban adventures. It has a capacity of 18 liters and is made of super durable, water-resistant materials.
The pack features padded shoulder straps and a removable hip belt for comfort, as well as multiple external pockets for organizing your hiking gear. It also has a removable rain cover and is hydration compatible, with a reservoir sleeve and handy exit port for a hydration hose. The Nano 18 pack is exclusively sold at REI and comes in a range of colors!
Best Day Pack Under $100 | Gregory Nano 20 Review
The Gregory Nano 20 is a step up from your standard day pack! It features a breathable back panel, a total of 6 pockets, and its 20-liter capacity can handle a surprising amount of gear. In addition to being a great all-around hiking bag, the Nano 20 is versatile enough for travel, school, and running errands around town.
Overview:
- Gear capacity: 20 Liters
- Frame Type: Frameless
- Weight: 1 lb. 1 oz.
- Hydration Reservoir Compatible: Yes
- Reservoir Included: No
- Number of pockets: 6
- Key features: Separate reservoir sleeve, die-cut foam breathable back panel, ComfortGrip custom molded loop zipper pulls, integrated safety whistle
- MSRP: $74.95
Check price: Gregory
The Gregory Nano 20 pack is a lightweight and compact day pack designed for day hikes and urban adventures. It has a 20-liter capacity and is made of durable, water-resistant materials. The pack features padded shoulder straps and a removable hip belt for comfort, as well as multiple external pockets for organizing gear. It is hydration/tablet compatible and has a handy exit port for a hydration hose. The Nano 20 is available in various colors and comes in plus size.
PSST! Want to save some money on your next Gregory day pack? Use code JACEY15 at checkout to save 15%!
Best All-Around Day Pack | Gregory Juno 30 H20 Review
If I’m headed out on a longer hike (5+ miles), I’m bringing my Gregory Juno 30 H20 because it can fit 3 liters of water, my lunch, extra layers, and camera gear! I’m a big fan of the ventilated back panel because it keeps my pack feeling light and gives great airflow, so I don’t have to wear a sweaty backpack.
Overview:
- Gear capacity: 30 Liters
- Frame Type: Perimeter wire
- Weight: 2 lb. 6 oz.
- Hydration Reservoir Compatible: Yes
- Reservoir Included: Yes
- Number of pockets: 4
- Key features: Ventilated Mesh Backpanel, integrated safety whistle, dual-layer bottom panel for added durability
- MSRP: $139.95
Check price: Gregory
Check price: REI
The Gregory Juno 30 pack is a medium-sized day pack perfect for day hikes, overnight trips, and urban adventures. It has a 30-liter capacity and features padded shoulder straps and a removable hip belt for comfort. There are four external pockets for organizing gear and is hydration compatible. The Juno 30 pack is designed specifically for women, with a shorter back panel and contoured shoulder straps. It is available in a range of colors and comes in plus size.
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Fanny pack for day hikes | Gregory Nano Waistpack
If you’re a light packer and want something small for hiking, I recommend trying a fanny pack for day hikes! Fanny packs, also known as waist packs or hip packs, are super convenient and practical for carrying small items, like tour phone, wallet, keys, and a snack.
I love the Gregory Nano Waistpack because it has several pockets, a wide strap that can be worn cross-body or around-the-waist, and a padded backpanel for extra comfort!
Overview:
- Gear capacity: 3.5 Liters
- Weight: 0.46 lb.
- Hydration reservoir compatible: No
- Number of pockets: 3
- Key features: Top zippered pocket for phone, comfort-grip molded zipper pulls
- MSRP: $39.95
Check price: Gregory
Pssst! Save 15% on your next Gregory day pack with code JACEY15 at checkout!
The Gregory Nano Waistpack is a compact waist pack designed for short hikes, running, and urban adventures. It has a capacity of 4 liters and is made of durable, water-resistant materials. The pack features an adjustable waist belt for a secure and comfortable fit, as well as an external pocket for organizing gear. It also has a removable rain cover and is hydration compatible, with a reservoir sleeve and exit port for a hydration hose. The Nano Waistpack is available in a range of colors.
PSST! Want to save some money on your next Gregory day pack?
Use code JACEY15 at checkout to save 15%!
Hiking Gear List for Beginners
Now that you know all about the best day packs for women, here’s a list of 10 essential hiking gear that everyone should consider bringing on a hike:
- Navigation tools (map, compass, GPS device)
- Sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, hat)
- Insulation (extra clothing)
- Illumination (headlamp/flashlight)
- First-aid supplies
- Fire starter (matches, lighter, fire starter)
- Repair kit and tools (knife, multi-tool, duct tape)
- Nutrition (extra food)
- Hydration (water bottle, water treatment supplies)
- Emergency shelter (tent, emergency blanket, bivy sack)
It’s important to note that the 10 essentials listed above are not intended to be an exhaustive list of everything you might need on a hike. They are a basic set of items that should be carried at all times to help you respond to unexpected situations and emergencies.
Want to know more about essential hiking gear? Read my recent blog!
Final Thoughts On The Best Hiking Day Packs For Women
At the end of the day, the best hiking day packs women are the bags that help you feel more comfortable while spending time in nature!
Let me know if you have any questions about what to bring hiking – I’m always happy to help!
