Review - Gregory Jade 38 Pack - Women's
Specs:
- Volume: 38 liters
- Weight: 2.8 lbs
- Material: Nylon
- Frame Type: Internal
- Hydration Compatible: Yes
- Number of Pockets: 6 + main compartment
- Gender: Women's
- Adjustable Torso: Yes
- Hipbelt: Padded and adjustable
Before we jump into the review - If you want to read our Best Daypacks for Hiking comparison article, you are welcome.
The Gregory Jade 38 Pack for women is a versatile choice for those looking to tackle longer day hikes or even weekend trips. Its design is meticulously crafted to cater to a woman's anatomy, ensuring a snug and comfortable fit. The adjustable torso and well-padded shoulder straps make it easy to tailor the pack to one's body, reducing potential discomfort during extended treks.
Ventilation is a standout feature of the Jade 38. The back panel promotes airflow, significantly reducing sweat and ensuring a cooler back even during intense hikes. The hydration compatibility is a thoughtful addition, allowing hikers to stay refreshed without the need to stop and search for a water bottle.
Storage is where the Jade 38 truly shines. With a 38-liter capacity, it offers ample space for all hiking essentials and then some. The multiple pockets, both internal and external, make organization a cinch. The stretch mesh side pockets are spacious enough for larger water bottles, and the front stash pocket is ideal for quickly accessing items like maps or snacks. The pack's nylon material is robust, showing minimal signs of wear even after several hikes.
However, every product has its nuances. While the Jade 38 is relatively lightweight for its size, when fully packed, it can feel a bit heavy, emphasizing the importance of proper weight distribution. Additionally, in persistent rain, it's a good idea to use a rain cover to ensure the contents remain dry.
Diving into the technical: A Review of the Gregory Jade 38 Pack - Women's
Key Features:
The Gregory Jade 38 Pack for women is a testament to Gregory's dedication to producing ergonomic and efficient backpacks. One of its standout features is the CrossFlo suspension system, which ensures even weight distribution, reducing the strain on any particular point. Another notable feature is the integrated rain cover, which proves invaluable during unexpected weather changes.
Material:
The Jade 38 is constructed from high-quality nylon, ensuring a blend of lightness and durability. The material feels robust, and its ripstop quality ensures that minor snags don't escalate into significant tears, making it ideal for varied terrains.
Fit and Comfort:
Tailored specifically for women, the Jade 38 offers an ergonomic fit that aligns with the unique contours of a woman's body. The back panel is cushioned and contours comfortably to the spine. After several hikes, I found that the pack adapted to my back, providing a snug fit without any uncomfortable pressure points.
Capacity and Size:
With a 38-liter capacity, this pack is versatile, suitable for both day hikes and overnight trips. It can comfortably house essentials like food, a first-aid kit, a change of clothes, a tent, and even a hydration bladder. Its design ensures that even when fully packed, it retains a streamlined profile.
Shoulder Straps:
The shoulder straps on the Jade 38 are generously padded, ensuring that the weight is evenly distributed. They are also adjustable, allowing for a custom fit. The addition of load lifters ensures that the pack stays close to the body, reducing the chances of it swaying or throwing off your balance.
Hip Belt:
The hip belt on the Jade 38 is both functional and comfortable. Not only is it cushioned for comfort, but it also features pockets, which are perfect for stashing small items like snacks or a compass. The belt ensures that the weight is distributed to the hips, reducing the load on the shoulders.
Ventilation:
The CrossFlo suspension system is not just about weight distribution; it also offers excellent ventilation. The tensioned mesh back panel ensures that there's a gap between the pack and your back, allowing for airflow and reducing the chances of a sweaty back, especially on warmer days.
Durability:
After several hikes with the Jade 38, its durability became evident. The nylon material, combined with quality stitching and zippers, ensures that this pack can withstand the usual wear and tear of hiking.
Water Resistance:
While the nylon offers some water resistance, the integrated rain cover is the real hero during heavy rain. It's easy to deploy and ensures that the contents of the pack remain dry.
Organization and Access:
The main compartment is spacious and has a U-zip opening, which allows for easy access to items. Inside, there's a sleeve for a hydration bladder and a clip for keys. The pack also features a front pocket with mesh organizers, which is perfect for smaller items.
External Pockets:
The Jade 38 doesn't skimp on external storage. There are stretch mesh pockets on both sides, ideal for water bottles or compact umbrellas. The hip belt pockets are a boon for items you want to access without taking off the pack.
In essence, the Gregory Jade 38 Pack for women is a well-thought-out backpack that combines functionality with comfort. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or someone just starting out, this pack has features that cater to a range of needs.
Gregory Mountain Products Jade 38 Liter Women's Hiking Backpack ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.7)
- Quality & Design: The backpack is praised for its good quality, beautiful color, and fit. It has a vented mesh back, which is beneficial for hot days, and the adjustable shoulder size feature is highly appreciated by users.
- Comfort: Users have found the backpack to sit nicely on the back, especially with the hip belt that helps distribute weight. The adjustable shoulder size provides a customized fit, enhancing the overall comfort.
- Features: The backpack comes with straps on the front that help compress it when not fully packed. This ensures items remain stationary during hikes. The straps can also be extended to accommodate a full pack.
- Concerns: Some users mentioned that the webbing on the shoulder straps can rub against the neck, causing discomfort. Additionally, there were expectations for trekking pole attachments and other features based on the product description and images, which were not present in the actual product.
- Overall Recommendation: The Gregory Jade 38 is a well-designed and comfortable backpack suitable for hiking. While it has received mostly positive reviews, potential buyers should be aware of the mentioned concerns and ensure the features match their requirements.