Gregory Zulu 24 LT Review

Overview

The Zulu 24 LT is Gregory’s do-everything men’s daypack, built for hikers who want the load-carrying feel of a backpacking pack shrunk down to a 24-liter day-hiking size. It’s aimed at people doing long, ambitious day hikes — think 8-15 mile outings with layers, extra water, and maybe a first aid kit — rather than minimalist trail runners who just want a hydration sleeve and a windbreaker pocket. If you’ve ever finished a big day hike with sore shoulders from a bag that was really just an oversized book bag, this is the category of pack designed to fix that.

Key Specs

Spec	Value
Weight	1,050 g (2 lb 5 oz)
Volume	24 L
Load capacity	Up to 20 lbs
Torso fit range	16–21 in (non-adjustable, one size)
Frame	Wire perimeter frame
Backpanel	Suspended/tensioned mesh (“VaporSpan”)
Closure	U-shaped zippered panel opening
Price	~$170

Performance

Comfort and load carry. This is where the Zulu 24 LT separates itself from the sea of $80-100 daypacks. A sturdy metal frame gives the backpanel reliable structure and load support, and combined with a trampoline-style mesh backpanel, the pack practically hugs your back — importantly, it transfers weight effectively to the hips rather than relying heavily on the shoulders. One reviewer who tested it at its rated capacity found the Zulu 24 LT handled up to 20 pounds of gear with ease. The Big Outside’s reviewer noted the same thing after carrying it on 12-mile days with scrambling and steep grades, saying its exceptional comfort held up even when testing its maximum weight capacity, not wilting under loads that push some daypacks past their comfort limit. Gregory officially rates it for 20 lbs, though The Big Outside’s testing suggests there’s some give either way — stronger hikers might find it fine well over 20 pounds, while smaller hikers might prefer capping it around 15 pounds.

Ventilation. The suspended mesh backpanel is a genuine warm-weather advantage. The back panel consists of suspended mesh fully integrated with the hipbelt to eliminate hot spots, and the added airflow helps keep you cooler and dries perspiration more quickly. If you hike in humid climates or push hard on climbs, this is a real, noticeable benefit over a foam-backed panel.

Access and organization. Instead of a roll-top or single top lid, the Zulu uses a U-shaped zippered opening on the front panel. The main compartment and contents are easily accessible through this U-shaped panel opening, while handy external pockets help keep you organized when on the move. Section Hiker’s reviewer, who’s tested several roll-top daypacks, was blunt about the preference: he far prefers daypacks with the U-shaped top — it’s genuinely easier to dig around for a snack or map without unpacking everything. The hipbelt also carries its own pockets, which is a nice touch for a daypack; most competitors in this size class skip that.

Build quality and materials. Durability doesn’t seem to be a concern here. The Zulu’s body is constructed of 40% recycled 400D ripstop polyester, with a more robust 420D ripstop polyester on the base. Better Trail’s reviewer, after putting real trail time in, called it exceptionally durable, with construction quality as good as ever from Gregory.

Sizing — the catch. The Zulu 24 LT ships in one non-adjustable size, fitting torsos of 16–21 in. That’s a wide-ish range, but it’s still fixed — no adjustable torso straps to dial in fit like you’d get on a full backpacking pack. This is offset somewhat by how comfortable the fit is regardless, but the packs come in just one size each for men and women, with the men’s fitting torsos ranging from 16 to 21 inches. If you’re outside that window, or between sizes, try it on before buying — Gregory doesn’t offer a S/M or M/L option here like they do on some Zulu backpacking packs.

Reservoir compatibility — a quirk worth knowing. Gregory uses a proprietary hanger they call Speedclip for hydration bladders. It’s a clever idea in theory, but it doesn’t work with all bladders, because the plastic on some bladders is slightly too thick for the clip. Worth checking compatibility with your specific reservoir before you’re stuck jury-rigging it on trail.

One recurring gripe. Multiple reviewers flagged the same design element: the tall front zippered pocket. Better Trail’s take was that it’s a recipe for dropping gear accidentally on the trail, though a minor complaint in an otherwise thoughtfully built pack. It’s polarizing enough that they summed it up as something you’ll either love or hate.

No rain cover. At this price point, that’s a notable omission — no included rain cover is a surprise for Gregory at this price point. Budget an extra $15-20 for a cover, or pack a liner bag if you hike somewhere wet.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Load-carrying comfort that punches well above typical daypack weight — feels like a scaled-down backpacking pack
• Suspended mesh backpanel genuinely improves ventilation in warm weather
• U-shaped panel access makes packing/unpacking far easier than a roll-top
• Hipbelt pockets — a rarity in this pack size
• Durable 400D/420D ripstop construction that should hold up over years of use

Cons

• Non-adjustable, one-size-fits-a-range torso fit — no dialing in like a full-size pack
• Tall front zip pocket is a real snag/spill risk for some users
• No included rain cover despite the $170 price
• Proprietary Speedclip hydration hanger doesn’t fit all bladders
• At 1,050g, it’s heavier than minimalist 20-24L daypacks — you’re trading grams for support

Who Should Buy This

The Zulu 24 LT is built for hikers who do long, loaded day hikes — extra layers, a full first-aid kit, camera gear, maybe a jacket and 3L of water — and who’ve felt the strain of carrying that weight in a lighter, unstructured pack. It also doubles well as a daily-carry work bag thanks to its laptop-friendly capacity and structured shape. If you’re chasing the lowest possible base weight for fast-and-light day trips, the frame and mesh backpanel are dead weight you don’t need — look at something simpler and lighter instead.

Verdict

The Gregory Zulu 24 LT delivers backpacking-pack comfort and load transfer in a daypack shell, and that’s a genuinely rare combination at this size. It’s not the lightest or cheapest 24L daypack on the shelf, and the fixed torso sizing and missing rain cover are real trade-offs — but for hikers who load up their daypack and feel it, this is one of the more comfortable options out there. I’d rate it an 8.2/10: excellent for its intended use, with a couple of fixable annoyances keeping it from perfect marks.