Gregory Z 35

I am a big guy, 73" tall 270 lbs. I wear a size 56 jacket and have a 21" neck. I am in pretty decent shape for a 55-year-old guy and I have been enjoying hiking and backpacking for many years.

It has always been a problem for me to find a backpack that fit my long torso and big shoulders. Before getting the Gregory Z35, I had been using a Gregory Baltoro for everything including as a daypack. The Baltoro fits me and carries very well, but it weighs 6.5 empty.

I had tried a North Face Scarab and a Granite Gear Latitude Vapor. Both were very nice packs, but left me hurting after an arduous day of hiking the steep rocky trails of the Sandia Mountains which are near where I live in Albuquerque, NM, and are my favorite haunts. These trails are beautiful but are dry, for the most part. I typically carry a 100oz hydration bag and a liter or two extra in Nalgenes. Since these are wilderness areas, I also carry a little extra stuff in case the dayhike accidentally turns into an overnighter.

The Z35 has been the solution to my problem. It has a full size "Jetstream" harness of the Z "fast and light" series and is a lightweight 3500cc top loading, roll top pack.

The top opening has two flexible hoop type things that snap it open or closed, covered by a top flap. It has a "bucket type opening in front that is ventilated and the sides and easily holds a rolled up jacket and sweater. Its main compartment is generously roomy for 3.5 liters and has a nice hydration bladder pouch with tube openings on either side.

The pack has a nice zippered mesh pouch on either side of its waistband that you can actually reach while hiking. The shoulder straps are light but substantially made and very comfortable. It weighs a little under 3.5 pounds. The Z35 is very well designed and built, as is typical of Gregory packs.

Overall, I rate it as an outstanding extended trip day pack.

If I am taking a sleeping bag, tent and cookware I will still take the Baltoro.

I recently purchased the Z35 to replace an Osprey Stratos 36. The Gregory fit me so much better than the Stratos and the Stratos lacked the lumbar pad that the Gregory pack has.

The shove it pocket on this pack is a great convenience. The Z35 has a stowable raincover as did the Stratos. The Osprey had a stow-and-go feature for trekking poles which worked good if you were walking over fairly level, non-technical terrain. However, it was a hindrance if any scrambling was involved and when downclimbing, the bottom of the poles would tend to drag on obstacles. I like the ability to stow the poles on the back of the pack and the Z35 is designed that way.

The capacities of both packs are similar. It is also hydration compatible. I have a 4000cu Gregory pack and I should have originally stayed with the Gregory brand instead of buying the Osprey. Thumbs up to Gregory. 

On the whole this pack has been excellent. I last used it for a 50-odd mile 3 day hike through the English Lakes that included some strenuous climbs. Fully loaded the pack remained very comfortable and stable. The shoulder and waist pads are very thick indeed which allow you to carry the bulk of the pack’s weight on your waist/hips. I had no discomfort whatsoever.

I carried tent and cooking gear, plus food and spare clothing, including civvies. The tent I strapped to the bottom and carried everything else inside. There was just enough room and I would say the pack is perfectly sized and featured for this.

Stuff I liked:
The pack looks good, and let’s face it we all like our gear to look cool. Gregory’s designs are slick and make you feel you’ve got a very smart and with-it piece of kit on your back.

The Jet Stream system works fairly well, although as with any of these systems their claims to keep you dry are quite spurious as you always work up quite a sweat on some of the climbs. However, it does keep a constant gap between back and pack.

The roll top hood is an excellent feature; very compact and easy to use, and helps fold the top down very snugly.

The bucket pocket is excellent with the elastic panels allowing you to stuff additional gear in there that you may need to have to hand if the weather is changeable. Also good for holding water bottles.

Pockets on waist band are very handy for mobile/money/sun cream etc.

Stuff I didn’t like:
One of the zip pulls came off in my hand, but I was able to fix it myself.

Apart from that, not much, the pack is very light and adaptable.

The pack isn’t as featured as some other brands, but you can add karabiners and bungee cords etc should you want. The weight savings offset this.

4.5 rather than 5 due to dud zipper.

Shopping for a durable pack to travel SE Asia with, I compared to comparable Osprey, Deuter and N-Face packs. Choosing Gregory due to reviews and feel.

The pack was good size for my extended trip overseas. Lightweight and comfortable while wearing. I think much quality and thought went into this bag, thus my purchase.

Unfortunately 2 zipper pulls broke within the first days of using (!...WTF!!) These pulls actually are a nice convenience when working...otherwise the only other complaint is the back pocket is a strange U-shape, not making for efficient storage.

Since this model year Gregory has corrected this shape to a rectangular pocket, good move!  If not for the poor quality control on such a simple part of the bag I would give it a much higher rating.

Great day pack. Used it many times in the Smokey Mountains just to get out and active. Has plenty of storage for water, food, and jackets. Yes, I would recommend this product.

Has plenty of storage for water, food, and jackets. Fits well and very adjustable. Love the compression straps for this day bag.

Best 35l pack I've ever used. Light and firm enough. It looks beautiful, especially when it's packed well. Only its top opening is not as good as RT 25.