Hiking Backpacks · owner-verdict comparison

Gregory Zulu 55 vs Osprey Atmos AG 65: what real owners say

Real owners lean toward the Gregory Zulu 55: 88% of 25 owners recommend it, vs 78% of 190 for the Osprey Atmos AG 65.

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

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 →

Osprey Atmos AG 65

78%of 190 owners recommend
78% recommend · 9% neutral · 13% don't
Owners praise
  • Exceptionally comfortable to carry, even on long multi-day treks
  • Anti-Gravity suspension makes loads feel lighter and shifts weight to the hips
  • Carries heavy loads (35-40 lb) and distributes weight well
Owners complain about
  • Heavy for its class at roughly 4.5-5 lb empty
  • Hip belt isn't rigid enough to support loads above ~40 lb
  • Tends to squeak under heavier loads
Full owner report →

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

What Osprey Atmos AG 65 owners say

“Highly recommended”
— @LowGearHiker on YouTube
“Definitely worth the price they have an unbeatable warranty”
— @anthonygolden3685 on YouTube
“I had the Osprey Atmos AG 65 backpack, Naturehike Cloud Up 2 tent and an REI sleeping bag - all of which were really heavy. I have since started to buy much lighter gear.”
— The_Light_Explorer on Reddit