Hiking Backpacks · owner-verdict comparison

Gregory Zulu 55 vs Rook 65: what real owners say

Real owners lean toward the Gregory Zulu 55: 88% of 25 owners recommend it, vs 73% of 11 for the Rook 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 →

Rook 65

73%of 11 owners recommend
73% recommend · 27% neutral · 0% don't
Owners praise
  • Praised as a reliable, well-made bag overall, owners repeatedly say it works great and they like it
  • Comfortable to carry, including on short and multi-day hikes
Full owner report →

Which should you buy?

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
Get the Rook 65 if
  • ✓Short-to-multi-day hikers wanting a simple, comfy, bomb-proof bucket pack
  • ✓Hot-climate backpackers who value the ventilated mesh back panel
  • ✓Budget-conscious buyers who want a reliable, no-frills hauler
Skip it if
  • Long-distance or thru-hikers wanting more organized, easy-access pockets
  • Anyone needing a more water-resistant fabric than the stock material

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 Rook 65 owners say

“I find it a great bag in general but the squeaking can be very annoying.”
— randomcheesecake555 on Reddit
“I do like the simplicity of the bag and the air vent mesh against your back is really nice for the hot days.”
— DiscountJunior6884 on Reddit

Gregory Zulu 55 vs Rook 65: frequently asked questions

Is the Gregory Zulu 55 or the Rook 65 better?

Real owners lean toward the Gregory Zulu 55: 88% of 25 owners recommend it, vs 73% of 11 for the Rook 65.

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.

Who should get the Rook 65?

Owners point the Rook 65 at short-to-multi-day hikers wanting a simple, comfy, bomb-proof bucket pack, and hot-climate backpackers who value the ventilated mesh back panel.