[An Unbiased Review] GREGORY ZULU 35: The breathtakingly comfortable backpack has been updated with even more refinement

GREGORY is a long-established backpack manufacturer that never compromises on luxurious comfort and ease of use. One of its signature models, the ZULU series, has been updated this season

This hiking backpack model has been around for about seven years since it was named Zulu (the women's model is called Jade), and for over a decade since it adopted a back panel design with ventilation space (under its predecessor, the "Z"), and has steadily progressed in refinement as a backpack that allows for comfortable hiking in warm seasons. This noteworthy model, which could be said to be at the forefront of ventilation backpacks, was purchased with my own money shortly after its release and has been testing it for the past month, so I will now provide a detailed review

Main features of GREGORY ZUL 35

This hiking backpack features a highly breathable back panel with tensioned mesh that creates space between the pack and your back, an adjustable back length that can be adjusted to fit a wide range of body types, and a hip belt that rotates to follow your body's movements, ensuring a perfect fit and comfortable carrying experience. Its attention to detail, including basic storage with an emphasis on ease of use, easy-to-access entrance, and high-quality, user-friendly parts such as easy-to-use zippers and buckles, make it a great choice for beginners. This backpack is ideal for day hikes and overnight hut stays rather than technical, strenuous mountain climbing

Favorite points

• Tension mesh panel on the back for optimal ventilation
• Excellent fit and comfortable carrying (back ventilation, pack stays on your back and provides excellent load stability)
• Various parts such as buckles, drawcords, and zippers that are easy to use and durable
• Large waist pocket

Points of concern

• Because it lacks external attachments such as axe holders, straps, daisy chains, and loops, it is not suitable for long-distance traverses or technical mountaineering other than simple short hikes (though the 55- and 65-liter models address this issue somewhat)
• The sunglasses holder (quick sto) and rain cover that were previously there are gone
• The pointed bottom makes it difficult to stand upright

Main specifications and evaluation

Detailed Review - Walking around Okuchichibu in early spring on the ZUL 35 -

Material and Appearance: Slimmer body and durable fabric for a tougher fit

The exterior has been changed to a slightly longer and slimmer form. It's hardly noticeable compared to the previous model, but the stylish design is a stark departure from the round and ungainly Z series of the past, and is quite appealing. Furthermore, beyond the design aspect, the longer form means that the center of gravity is higher, making it easier to place the weight on your waist and increasing stability. This is also a welcome upgrade

The main body material has also been changed from 210D (denier) high-density nylon to 400D ripstop polyester, which uses some recycled materials, resulting in a slight increase in weight. However, because the fabric is thicker, it seems safe to assume that the strength is the same or even stronger. It is unlikely to break from simple friction or snagging, so it is safe for beginners to handle roughly

Comfort: Tension mesh, but not tension mesh. A new era of ventilation backpacks has arrived!

Invented by Deuter in 1984 and adopted in this series for over 10 years, the so-called "back mesh panel" (also known as a tension mesh or ventilation backpack) with a space in the back is now a familiar type that can be seen in similar models from most specialty brands. I'm sure many of you are familiar with it. The distinctive feature of this back is, of course, that by applying tension to the back frame, the mesh back does not stick tightly to the body, dramatically increasing the breathability of the back, where sweat tends to accumulate. In humid Japan, sweating is more than you might imagine, especially in hot seasons, so the refreshing feeling of this type of backpack is far superior to tight-fitting models (the photo shows a model from two generations ago)

Now, enough of the introduction. This is the latest ZUL, which continues to use tension mesh, and when I saw it for the first time, I was shocked in an indescribable way

The reason is that even though it has a tension mesh structure, the space on the back (visually) disappears. When I tried wearing it, as you can see in the photo below, there was no space on the back. I kept wondering if this was really tension mesh

However, when you wear it, the mesh panel on the back is firmly raised, and the excellent breathability doesn't seem to have changed much from the previous model

On the contrary, I was shocked a second time by how well it fit and comfortable it was, ranking among the best of any backpack (in this size class) I've carried in recent years. It offers the characteristically snug fit and breathability of tension mesh panels, yet the weight of the pack doesn't pull you back (as is often the case with tension mesh), but instead feels close to your body and rests on your hips. The back length can still be adjusted, just like the previous model, so people of a wide range of heights should be able to find a perfect fit

If you look closely, you will see that it is structurally a conventional tension mesh panel, but the reason it looks as if there is no space is that the bending caused by the tension has been made as mild as possible, and new mesh panels have been placed on the sides where gaps would normally be visible (photo below)

The previous model also saw a gradual reduction in the curvature of the back frame. This was largely due to a review of the structure and materials to address the weaknesses of ventilation-type backpacks: 1) the center of gravity is moved away from the body, making it easy to be pulled backwards; and 2) the cargo compartment is curved, making it difficult to pack. This time, the weaknesses have been further eliminated, and even the appearance has been refined. All I can say is bravo

Also, continuing from the previous model, the flexible "Free Float Hip Belt" (photo below) easily follows the movements of the wearer while walking, keeping the center of gravity stable even when the body sways, so that the comfort that comes right after putting the pack on continues

Storage and ease of use: As always, the storage and parts are extremely easy to use

Gregory strives for comfort, not just in carrying a backpack, but also in storing and retrieving your belongings, which is another important role of a backpack. This model is packed with ingenuity that makes it easy to use without any stress, and as always, there are many features that make you admire it

First of all, the main storage can be accessed with a drawstring (see photo below), which can be opened and closed smoothly just like the previous model

The inverted U-shaped zipper opening at the front (photo below), which is also found on the company's flagship Baltoro series, makes packing and retrieving items easy

The side mesh pockets located at the bottom of both sides are stretchy and durable enough to hold even PET bottles and Nalgene bottles (see photo below). The side straps can be pulled out from the pockets to secure long, thin items

The 35-liter model only has an opening at the top, making it difficult to take out a bottle while wearing the pack, but the 55-liter and larger models have an opening on the side, so you can take a bottle in and out while walking. Personally, I wish there was one in the 35 and 45-liter models as well

The front mesh pocket (pictured below) has been changed from the full mesh of the previous model to a hybrid design with polyester fabric used in areas prone to wear. Although it has less elasticity, it is more durable in the sense that mesh fabric was prone to tearing. The design is also more in line with recent Gregory styles

There is only one loop for poles or axes on the front (see photo below)

The top lid pocket has a zipper that opens in a U-shape all the way around, allowing it to open wide (see photo below). While it's easy to access, I'm not very good at pulling the zipper in a U-shape. Because the zipper line is curved, it's difficult to pull it all the way in one go. It's a small thing, but I personally prefer zippers that open wide and have a straight edge

The zippered pockets on both sides of the hip belt are very wide and have a large gusset, ensuring ample space, likely in line with the recent trend toward larger smartphones. They can easily fit a 6.7-inch smartphone (see photo below)

Regarding hydration setup, not only is the hole for the tube located in the center, but the right shoulder strap also has a clip for securing the tube, allowing for a very secure and smart setup (see photo below). If you use the company's hydration bladder, it's even easier to secure it in place

Points of concern: What about the sunglasses holder (quick stu)? What about the included rain cover?

This is a highly complete backpack with a comfortable fit and easy-to-use storage, but there are some things that are unavoidably bothersome

One of the backpack's weaknesses, I think, is that while it has a full complement of basic functions, it's seriously lacking in attachments that would be useful on tougher trips, or flexible parts that would allow it to accommodate activities beyond basic trekking. For example, there are no straps on the bottom or top to attach a closed-cell mat (included on packs 55 liters and larger). There's only one loop for poles and axes. There are also almost no loops or daisy chains for attaching your own straps or cord locks. This means that attaching snowshoes in the winter (not to say it's impossible) requires considerable ingenuity

Also, the sunglasses holder (quick stu) and the included rain cover, which I liked and had on the previous model, have been omitted. It's a bit of a stretch to speculate, but I feel like the increased production costs have had a big impact on these small details, which is disappointing

Summary: This top-tier ventilation backpack, which offers a refreshing and convenient feel, is highly recommended for first-time backpackers

the GREGORY ZUL series maintains the benefits of a mesh back while overcoming its weaknesses of center of gravity stability and ease of storage to a degree that is less noticeable.By balancing the benefits of both conventional close-fitting backpacks and this series, it is a backpack for warm-season hiking that is more comfortable than ever before.

Especially for those who are just starting out in mountain climbing, this backpack is a great choice as it will help you carry heavy loads without getting tired and bulky items without stress. In fact, if you are dissatisfied with this model, we don't know what else to recommend; it is one of the best backpacks for beginners

However, even though it offers top-class comfort, I can't deny that for someone as particular as me, this pack leaves a noticeable gap. When trying to take it out in harsh seasons like winter, or when trying to use it for more advanced mountain activities, its simplicity certainly pales in comparison to the expandability and versatility of other products

In any case, if you carefully consider these features, this backpack will surely become your irreplaceable companion

   

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