Review: Gregory Zulu Pack

Summertime without a backpack is like a sports car with no gas: disappointing. Indeed, a pack helps get you out there, every chance you get, with a smile on your face. And a good pack, one that's got all the right features & functionality—well that's like a souped-up hot rod with a tank full of premium.

So it is with the Zulu 24 LT from Gregory, a fantastic little pack that makes every day-hike that much better. The main compartment holds food, extra layers, and other essentials, while a series of smaller pockets organize all your inevitable accessories. The internal frame and ventilated back panel provide form-fitting support while allowing heat to escape—so you can say goodbye to cramps and sweaty-back syndrome. The pack conforms to the body well, rendering snag-free the inevitable jaunts around brush and branches.

Stretchy side-pockets hold water bottles or other quick-access items like trekking poles or a rolled-up tarp. The straps and hip belt have just enough padding (also meshed for ventilation) to prevent undue strain & pain. And if you're an ounce-counter, take comfort in the Zulu's staggeringly light weight: a scant 2.3 pounds. All in all, for warm-weather, minimalist hikes from late spring to early fall, this is a high-performance pack, one that'll handle well at any speed or distance.

$170; gregory.com.