Hiking Backpacks · owner-verdict comparison
Gregory Zulu 55 vs Talon 22: what real owners say Real owners lean toward the Gregory Zulu 55: 88% of 25 owners recommend it, vs 77% of 417 for the Talon 22.
Verdicts aggregated from Reddit, enthusiast forums, and YouTube owner comments — affiliate reviews excluded. Sample sizes differ; judge accordingly. How we score
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 → 77%of 417 owners recommend
77% recommend · 17% neutral · 6% don't
Owners praise
Exceptionally comfortable to wear, even loaded and on longer days Extremely durable, with many owners reporting 7-12+ years of hard daily or trail use before any real wear shows Ideal size and versatility for day hikes, commuting, cycling, and travel/carry-on use Owners complain about
Too small for anything beyond a single day out; owners routinely outgrow the 22L volume and wish they'd sized up Difficult or impossible to fit a 2-3L hydration bladder, a problem owners say got worse on the newer redesigned version Stiff, hard lumbar/hip-pad area causes back discomfort or poor fit for some wearers 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 Talon 22 if
✓ Day hikers wanting a comfortable, lightweight pack for 5-9 hour trail days ✓ Commuters and travelers who want one bag for laptop, gear, and daily carry ✓ Owners who want durability, some report 7-12+ years of daily abuse with no failures ✓ Cyclists and scramblers needing a stable, body-hugging pack that carries loads comfortably Skip it if
Anyone needing to fit a 2-3L water bladder, many say it barely fits or won't fit Multi-day or heavy-load hikers, several found the 22L volume too limiting and sized up 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!!!!” “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 Talon 22 owners say “I found this system works really well.” “it'd still be perfectly comfortable aside from the weight.” “love is my day hiking pack, a Talon 22, because of how it never quite seems to fit what I need.” Gregory Zulu 55 vs Talon 22: frequently asked questions Is the Gregory Zulu 55 or the Talon 22 better? Real owners lean toward the Gregory Zulu 55: 88% of 25 owners recommend it, vs 77% of 417 for the Talon 22.
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 Talon 22? Owners point the Talon 22 at day hikers wanting a comfortable, lightweight pack for 5-9 hour trail days, and commuters and travelers who want one bag for laptop, gear, and daily carry.
What do owners complain about? The most-cited downside of the Gregory Zulu 55 is heavier than ultralight packs. For the Talon 22, it's too small for anything beyond a single day out; owners routinely outgrow the 22L volume and wish they'd sized up.
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