Why We Like The Gregory Zulu 65L Backpack
Whether we're thru-trekking the AT or backpacking our favorite state park, the Gregory Zulu 65 Backpack carries all the gear we need comfortably. The FreeFloat ventilated suspension system features a dynamic hip belt that flexes with our body movements for a body-hugging fit that maximizes our comfort when hauling a week's worth of gear on our back. The adjustable torso length lets us dial in our fit, while the open-air ventilated back panel and moisture-wicking mesh help keep our back as dry as possible. We especially like the U-zip front panel for easy access to all our gear—even what we've stashed at the bottom of our pack—and the rich array of external pockets, from the zippered pockets on the top lid down to the zippered sleeping bag compartment at the bottom of the pack. With a large, 65-liter capacity and so much convenient storage, this pack is the one that keeps us comfortable and organized on week-long backpacking trips and section hikes in between our re-supply stops on our thru-hike.
Details
- High-capacity backpack for big hikes
- High-density nylon provides abrasion-resistant wear
- Alloy steel and fiberglass frame transfer weight to hips
- Hydration sleeve or stretch side bottle pockets to carry water
- Convenient hip belt pockets for phone, snacks, lip balm, and more
- Sunglass QuickStow on shoulder harness for scratch-free storage
- Item #GREZ09E
- Responsible Collection
- Recycled/Repurposed
- Material
- [face fabric] 400D polyester ripstop, PFC-free DWR treatment, [base] 420D nylon, PFC-free DWR treatment, [frame] 4mm alloy steel, fiberglass, HDPE, [lining] 135D polyester (40% post-consumer recycled), PFC-free DWR treatment
- Volume
- [small/medium] 63L (3844cu in), [medium/large] 65L (3967cu in)
- Support/Suspension
- alloy, FreeFloat
- Shoulder Straps
- Die-cut
- Waist Belt
- FreeFloat
- Hydration Compatible
- internal sleeve
- Reservoir Included
- no
- Access
- U-Zip (front panel), top
- Pockets
- 2 zippered lid, 2 stretch side, 1 stretch front, 1 zippered bottom (sleeping bag), 2 zippered hipbelt
- Gear Loops
- shock cord
- Ice Axe Carry
- adjustable loop, shock cord
- Trekking Pole Carry
- adjustable loop, shock cord
- Sleeping Bag Compartment
- zippered bottom, removable divider
- Compression
- side straps
- Weight Capacity
- 40lb
- Dimensions
- [small/medium] 28 x 13.25 x 13in, [medium/large] 30 x 13.25 x 13in
- Claimed Weight
- 3lb 10.9oz
- Activity
- backpacking
- Manufacturer Warranty
- limited lifetime
Reviews
Q&A
What do you think about this product?
Overall Rating
4.5 based on 4 ratings
Review Summary
Fits True To Size
Screen reader users: the following list provides a visual scale to illustrate the product fit. Please refer to the heading above for the fit type in text.Customer Images
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Selecting an option will reload the available reviews on the pageJuly 2, 2025
Worked great at Philmont
- Familiarity:
- I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions
I bought this pack for a 9 day trek at Philmont. I was a little nervous with going with a 65 liter pack, but found it to be plenty large as long as I strapped my two person tent to the outside using the attached lashing straps. Loved the hip belt pockets for easy access to lip balm, sunscreen, snacks, and headlamp. The mesh back kept my back cooler than older packs I have used. I occasionally had issues with the pack sliding down below my hips, but this was only with heavy water carry into dry camps (carrying 8 liters). I suspect most in not all packs this size would have the same issue with that much weight (55-65 pounds). I could usually really cinch down on the belt and it would remedy this issue for a mile or two and then would need to do it again. Overall I am pleased with my purchase and will use the pack again without hesitation.
March 10, 2025
I like it a lot, but.....
I am a huge fan of Gregory backpacks, with the Zulu 65 being an addition to my Baltoro 75. I bought the Zulu 65 last year and have used it about 400 miles on the PCT and a few other very small trips. By far this is the most comfortable pack I have owned to date. Overall, I like the features, especially the hipbelt pockets which fit my phone (small iPhone) perfectly and other miscellaneous items, like my Spot and pocket knife. The side pockets, made of stretchy material, are perfect for easily slipping water bottles in and out. The mesh back panel, is a bit slippery, but is comfortable and it keeps your back cool. Another reviewer said the backpack did not come with a rain cover, but mine did. My only complaint, is that after a few hundred miles of use, is that the hipbelt seams are starting to tear at the bottom (unfortunately I could not add pics to this review). I have never overloaded this pack, thus I am quite surprised at the weak sewing job. I had planned on using this pack to complete the PCT this year, however, I do not trust this pack to make it to the finish line.
Originally reviewed on Gregory
August 6, 2024
Impressed
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I am pretty impressed with this pack. I have a few very high end hunting packs and they always seem to cut off some hip circulation. With a 3 night off trial campsite this pack was fantastic! I was skeptical but this pack performed very well. I really liked the U-zip access, huge hip pockets, and the side pockets that I can grab a waterbottle from while wearing the pack. A couple of things I didn't like: those huge hip pockets left no room for a bear spray holster, there is no way for the lid to double as a separate pack for little jaunts from camp, and the hip belt was maxed tight on my 34" waist in the Med/LG frame choice. I could get the waist belt tight enough but if I stopped eating cookies...
Originally reviewed on Gregory
January 1, 2024
My favorite pack!
I've been using my Zulu 65 for the past few months... some late summer & fall backpacking trips and winter river trip. It's one of the most comfortable packs I've used before, and it has great pockets for side gear and wallet/phone/keys access. I've used it for one to three day backpacking trips and it's been perfect. I plan on putting it to the test for a week trip coming up soon. Gregory just makes solid packs!
Originally reviewed on Gregory
Do you have a question about this product?
May 22, 2025
What would the women's version of this pack be?
Originally reviewed on Gregory
June 20, 2023
This new 2023 version of the Zulu pack is ~1/2 lb heavier than the old version - what changes have been made to the pack that resulted in/justified the increase in weight (despite removing the rain cover!)?
Originally reviewed on Gregory