The upper cinch straps on the Zulu 30 have a neat feature to note. The clips are attached in the opposite male-female manner left to right. This means that one can unclip each strap, lengthen the two straps, and then clip them together across the back of the bag. With a little creative tie to the bottom cinch straps one could attach something vertically on the back of the bag. Maybe even snow shoes?
So the non stretch front panel is simply adds an extra piece of material with a zip and velcro 🤣. Thanks for the heads up. Nice comparison review, cheers👍
I actually found the closed front pocket on the Stratos 34 to be very handy on a recent hike. Was nice to lay it flat on the ground and easily access wet wipes, tissues, towel etc. during a meal.
I ended up with the Sirrus 34 (female version of the stratus) vs the Zulu 30. Ultimately, it is how the pack feels on each individual, which can’t be reviewed.The Sirrus was much more comfortable than the Zulu.
Great comparison! Thanks for taking the time to post it. Interestingly, I am considering the Stratos 34 vs. Zulu 30. I understand your point about the useless front pocket on the front of the Stratos 24 and 34. The Stratos 34, however, does have a couple of different features that might change the comparison a little. The 34 has straps at the bottom to attach a pad or backpacking tent, etc. The 34 also has a lower compartment for light sleeping bag or for other items to access easily. This lower pocket space can be combined with the main compartment if the separator is left in the down position. Too bad that neither bag has a couple of lashing points. You said you ruled out both Osprey sizes due to the silly front pocket. I guess you also thought the Zulu was still better than the Stratos 34 despite the points mentioned above? I'd like to hear more of your perspective on Stratos 34 vs. Zulu 30.
@@evacoutdoors5867 Well, I just purchased a S/M Zulu 30 and ordered the M/L since I'm maxed out on the length. I do really like the Zulu. Meanwhile, I ordered a Stratos 34 for comparison. The lower pocket, lower straps for gear, and the quick stowing of trekking poles still intrigue me. More to come...
I tried them both at REI with 15 lbs in each and the thing that bugs me about the Zulu 30 S/M is the shoulder strap length is much shorter than the Stratos 24. Otherwise, the Zulu would be my choice. Really bummed about that. Would the Zulu 30 M/L have a longer shoulder strap? I have 18” torso and S/M is 15”-19”.
Great review! Did you ever have problems with wind coming through from the side hitting the back? I've always avoided considering these ventilated back panels because of that and because it might lead to be pulling the weight away from the body when packed with heavier loads.
Wind coming through between your pack and your back is not a problem. There is not that much space. Maybe a few inches at most. If you have a really heavy load (greater than 35 lbs) , trampoline mesh is not the way to go anyway.
Gregory copies Osprey back System with the velcro which is a bad non stable back system . The most stable Backpacks are Deuter backpacks . They use internal bladder compartment which is best to keep water cool . The shoulder straps are connected directly to the backpack and not to a flimsy velcro .
I've never found the velcro to be flimsy. In fact, it is extremely strong and not a concern. I do know that some earlier models had minimal velcro and if you lifted a fully weighted pack by the shoulder straps only, you might pull the velcro loose. That has been rectified and no longer an issue.
@@eugene9000pro I got one of them, so far no complaints, but everyone is difrent. Ok one complaint, would be nice to have the front access on the Futura 32, could do with a bit more space but still have total front access.
The upper cinch straps on the Zulu 30 have a neat feature to note. The clips are attached in the opposite male-female manner left to right. This means that one can unclip each strap, lengthen the two straps, and then clip them together across the back of the bag. With a little creative tie to the bottom cinch straps one could attach something vertically on the back of the bag. Maybe even snow shoes?
Great comparison review! Thanks!
So the non stretch front panel is simply adds an extra piece of material with a zip and velcro 🤣. Thanks for the heads up. Nice comparison review, cheers👍
That’s about it or a thin pocket for something slim.
I tried the Stratos and the hydration bladder port was horrendous. I chose the Osprey MIRA and I'm very happy with my decision 😊
I actually like the Stratos line... but i agree that the lack of a back stretch pocket is it’s weakest point. Otherwise great pack.
I actually found the closed front pocket on the Stratos 34 to be very handy on a recent hike. Was nice to lay it flat on the ground and easily access wet wipes, tissues, towel etc. during a meal.
The Stratos rubbed my left shoulder blade pretty hard. I found out the Gregory Zulu pack did not .
I think the Best backpack in the world, Montura Pila 25 > Deuter Futura 26 > Arcteyx Aerios 30 > Gregory Zulu 30 > Ospery Stratos 24.
This video settles the debate for me. I am keeping the Zulu 30. Thank you!
I like the Stratos, better... I am willing to adapt to drawbacks, if benefits are enough...
I ended up with the Sirrus 34 (female version of the stratus) vs the Zulu 30. Ultimately, it is how the pack feels on each individual, which can’t be reviewed.The Sirrus was much more comfortable than the Zulu.
Great comparison! Thanks for taking the time to post it. Interestingly, I am considering the Stratos 34 vs. Zulu 30. I understand your point about the useless front pocket on the front of the Stratos 24 and 34. The Stratos 34, however, does have a couple of different features that might change the comparison a little. The 34 has straps at the bottom to attach a pad or backpacking tent, etc. The 34 also has a lower compartment for light sleeping bag or for other items to access easily. This lower pocket space can be combined with the main compartment if the separator is left in the down position. Too bad that neither bag has a couple of lashing points. You said you ruled out both Osprey sizes due to the silly front pocket. I guess you also thought the Zulu was still better than the Stratos 34 despite the points mentioned above? I'd like to hear more of your perspective on Stratos 34 vs. Zulu 30.
I have moved all of my packs to Gregory. I just feel that they are more refined, and lighter. I weighed a Stratos 36 and it was 1.75 kg.
@@evacoutdoors5867 Well, I just purchased a S/M Zulu 30 and ordered the M/L since I'm maxed out on the length. I do really like the Zulu. Meanwhile, I ordered a Stratos 34 for comparison. The lower pocket, lower straps for gear, and the quick stowing of trekking poles still intrigue me. More to come...
Just been on a 2 day hike with the Zulu 30, very happy with it.
I tried them both at REI with 15 lbs in each and the thing that bugs me about the Zulu 30 S/M is the shoulder strap length is much shorter than the Stratos 24. Otherwise, the Zulu would be my choice. Really bummed about that. Would the Zulu 30 M/L have a longer shoulder strap? I have 18” torso and S/M is 15”-19”.
I guess so.
Man I wish the Zulu was sold in black in the US. It looks SO good.
Thank you Sir. Know I know that Gregory Zulu is much better.
Cool!!!!! FromJapanese samurai
Great review! Did you ever have problems with wind coming through from the side hitting the back? I've always avoided considering these ventilated back panels because of that and because it might lead to be pulling the weight away from the body when packed with heavier loads.
No problem to be honest. I can’t really tell the difference between trampoline and normal back.
@@evacoutdoors5867 Thanks, will check it out!
Wind coming through between your pack and your back is not a problem. There is not that much space. Maybe a few inches at most. If you have a really heavy load (greater than 35 lbs) , trampoline mesh is not the way to go anyway.
Gregory copies Osprey back System with the velcro which is a bad non stable back system . The most stable Backpacks are Deuter backpacks . They use internal bladder compartment which is best to keep water cool . The shoulder straps are connected directly to the backpack and not to a flimsy velcro .
I've never found the velcro to be flimsy. In fact, it is extremely strong and not a concern. I do know that some earlier models had minimal velcro and if you lifted a fully weighted pack by the shoulder straps only, you might pull the velcro loose. That has been rectified and no longer an issue.
Totally agree, no other brand beats Deuter on small day packs. The Deuter futura 26 is just outstanding soooo many features for such a small bag.
@@ruiseverino7609 comments on amazon say that comfort of the hip belt is kinda so-so, especially for thin people
@@eugene9000pro I got one of them, so far no complaints, but everyone is difrent.
Ok one complaint, would be nice to have the front access on the Futura 32, could do with a bit more space but still have total front access.
@@ruiseverino7609 Unfortunately no torso adjustment on the Deuter Futura 26 so it's a no go for me