Hiking Backpacks · owner-verdict comparison

Baltoro 65 vs Gregory Zulu 55: what real owners say

Real owners rate these about evenly: 91% of 43 Baltoro 65 owners recommend it, vs 88% of 25 for the Gregory Zulu 55.

Verdicts aggregated from Reddit, enthusiast forums, and YouTube owner comments — affiliate reviews excluded. Sample sizes differ; judge accordingly. How we score

Baltoro 65

91%of 43 owners recommend
91% recommend · 2% neutral · 7% don't
Owners praise
  • Exceptional, all-day comfort even under heavy loads
  • Carries heavy loads well with a stable, supportive suspension system
  • Extremely durable and long-lasting, with owners still using packs after years or even decades
Owners complain about
  • Noticeably heavy compared to other packs
Full owner report →

Gregory Zulu 55

88%of 25 owners recommend
88% recommend · 4% neutral · 8% don't
Owners praise
  • Comfortable, effortless carry
  • Fits a wide range of bodies
  • Holds a lot for its size
Owners complain about
  • Heavier than ultralight packs
  • Too many buckles to open compartments
  • Newer models dropped rain cover
Full owner report →

Which should you buy?

Get the Baltoro 65 if
  • ✓Multi-day backpackers hauling 50+ lbs who want a heavy load carried comfortably
  • ✓Thru-hikers wanting a durable pack that holds up for years without failing
  • ✓Hikers with chronic back or shoulder strain seeking superior weight distribution and lower-back relief
  • ✓Backpackers who value comfort and organization over minimizing base weight
Skip it if
  • Ultralight hikers who can't tolerate the pack's above-average weight
  • Shorter-torso hikers who report a poor size fit
Get the Gregory Zulu 55 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
Skip it if
  • Ultralight hikers counting every gram
  • Those who work out of many small compartments

What Baltoro 65 owners say

“LOVE THIS PACK!”
— Adam Parker on Trailspace
“I LOVE this pack.”
— Gary Bowen on Trailspace
“The Baltoro 65 absolutely sucks. It is way too heavy. A strap broke on mine making the hiking more difficult than it needed to be.”
— Chicagohiker2020 on Reddit

What Gregory Zulu 55 owners say

“Got a Zulu 55 early spring and have taken it on a number of 2-3 day backpack camping adventures.....love the pack!!!!”
— @va3ks on YouTube
“is an excellent pack which I use for almost all of my overnight trips these days”
— WeAreThePizza on Reddit
“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.”
— @GetUpTheMountains on YouTube

Baltoro 65 vs Gregory Zulu 55: frequently asked questions

Is the Baltoro 65 or the Gregory Zulu 55 better?

Real owners rate these about evenly: 91% of 43 Baltoro 65 owners recommend it, vs 88% of 25 for the Gregory Zulu 55.

Who should get the Baltoro 65?

Owners point the Baltoro 65 at multi-day backpackers hauling 50+ lbs who want a heavy load carried comfortably, and thru-hikers wanting a durable pack that holds up for years without failing.

Who should get the Gregory Zulu 55?

Owners point the Gregory Zulu 55 at backpackers who prioritize load comfort over minimal weight, and multi-day and overnight trips with heavier loads.

What do owners complain about?

The most-cited downside of the Baltoro 65 is noticeably heavy compared to other packs. For the Gregory Zulu 55, it's heavier than ultralight packs.