All categories/Outdoors/Hiking Backpacks/Gregory/Gregory Zulu 55
Gregory Zulu 55

Gregory Zulu 55

Scored on 25 verified owner verdicts, from 288 comments read across 3 communities
TL;DR
Owners rave about the Zulu 55's comfortable fit, ventilated back and generous capacity, though it is heavier than ultralight packs and newer versions have dropped the included rain cover.

88% of 25 verified owners recommend the Gregory Zulu 55, based on real owner verdicts aggregated from Reddit, enthusiast forums, and YouTube.

What 25 owners say
288 comments reviewed · scored on the 25 clearest verdicts
88%
Recommend
22 owners
4%
Neutral
1 owners
8%
Don't recommend
2 owners
Source
Score
N
Counted in the score
Reddit
88%
25
Reviewed, but not counted — and why
YouTubeiowner comments
62%
13
Affiliate blogsipaid commission
100%
3

Affiliate blogs here say 100% recommend, while the owner-based score is 88%. They earn a commission on every sale — so we show them for transparency but never let them move the score.

The headline score reflects owners (Reddit, enthusiast forums), independent lab tests, blogs with no affiliate links, and YouTube owner-comments when they line up with owners. YouTube and Affiliate blogs are shown for perspective but kept out here — hover the i for why.

What owners like
  • Comfortable, effortless carry · 12 · 48%
  • Fits a wide range of bodies · 9 · 36%
  • Holds a lot for its size · 8 · 32%
  • Adjustable torso and shoulder height · 5 · 20%
  • Ventilated mesh back keeps you cool · 4 · 16%
What owners flag
  • Heavier than ultralight packs · 6 · 24%
  • Too many buckles to open compartments · 3 · 12%
  • Newer models dropped rain cover · 3 · 12%
  • One big sack, few compartments · 3 · 12%
  • Hip belt runs large · 3 · 12%
Who it's for
A great fit if
  • Backpackers who prioritize load comfort over minimal weight
  • Multi-day and overnight trips with heavier loads
  • Hikers who want an adjustable-torso fit
  • People who run warm and want a ventilated back
Look elsewhere if
  • Ultralight hikers counting every gram
  • Those who work out of many small compartments
  • Anyone needing a snug fit on a small waist

Synthesized from what Gregory Zulu 55 owners say — not a spec sheet.

How buyers rate it elsewhere

Retailers' own star averages, for comparison — separate from our vetted owner-verdict score above.

Top quotes, sourced

288 reviewed · 38 shown
Sentiment
Community
Sort
YouTube— neutral

Unfortunately for 2023, Gregory has omitted the rain cover and sunglass holder. Still a very nice pack.

YouTube▲ recommend

Got a Zulu 55 early spring and have taken it on a number of 2-3 day backpack camping adventures.....love the pack!!!!

YouTube▼ don’t recommend

Gregory's decision to stop including rain covers is such a dirty shrinkflation move. They took out the bungee sunglasses holder on the shoulder straps too.

YouTube— neutral

แผ่นกันด้านล่างของกระเป๋าน่าจะทำไห้ดีกว่านี้เปนซิบเปิดปิดดีกว่าที่ใช้อยู่แผ่นกั้นมันหลุดทุกที

Reddit▲ recommend

is an excellent pack which I use for almost all of my overnight trips these days

Reddit▼ don’t recommend

Yes that's what I hate about the Zulu. To open that front compartment zipper I have to undo at least 3 buckles. To open the main top opening I have to undo 3 buckles and the strap. Definitely don't like that.

YouTube— neutral

I have the 65 and I love it for what it is. What I don't love is a non-removable brain.

YouTube▲ recommend

honestly i was absolutely blown away but its comfort and the weight distribution is impressive i literally couldn't feel the weight of my gears

Reddit▼ don’t recommend

I bought both to try out, and I ended up returning the Zulu. It was caught in this awkward compromise area of not being light enough for when I want to go light and not being comfortable enough with a heavy load.

YouTube▼ don’t recommend

Gregory copies Osprey back System with the velcro which is a bad non stable back system .

Reddit▲ recommend

My Gregory Zulu 55 is so comfortable for walking and it fits a LOT. It feels effortless to carry. However, it really is just one big sack so if you're going to be working out of your bag or taking things out a lot you will want something with more compartments.

Reddit— neutral

I have a zulu 55 now that I'm debating on keeping...I like it, I just need to be a bit...rounder lol. Not sure why gregory hip belts are so large but it's super annoying.

Reddit▲ recommend

But my Fave is Gregory Zulu 55

Reddit▲ recommend

The Zulu's hipbelt has consistently been very comfortable no matter the weight or length of hike they take it on. It does seem to quite naturally cradle your hips, and if the pack is sized to you well I think the moulded design is very nice.

Reddit▲ recommend

I have a Gregory Zulu 55 that's comfortable with big loads and has an integrated rain cover.

Reddit▲ recommend

I have a Gregory Zulu 55 and it's the best bag I've owned. Small enough to use as a weekend bag but big enough to fit everything for a 2 week trip (and still be used as a carry-on)

Reddit▲ recommend

I have the Gregory Zulu 55 and love it. It fits me super well and is comfortable for a variety of trips.

Reddit▲ recommend

Gregory Zulu 55! I’ve done 6 days of backcountry with it. Held everything I needed easily

YouTube▲ recommend

I have the 30L and it is the most comfortable pack I have ever owned!!!

YouTube▲ recommend

i love gregory backpacks!

YouTube▲ recommend

I love mine in Alaska

Reddit▲ recommend

I've got a Gregory Zulu 55 and it's huge. It's also about as light as you can go (for that size) and still be prioritizing pack comfort a bit.

Reddit▲ recommend

For me my Gregory Zulu 55 it's the stuff pouch on the back and adjustable height shoulder straps which are an absolute necessity.

Reddit⚠ product link▲ recommend

Even though it may not fit the ultralight weight limit I love this pack, the water bottle sleeve is the only thing I don't like.

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