Breathable Shoulder Harness - Constructed from Lifespan foam to provide a generations worth of comfort, the harness are perforated to maximize airflow and comfort on the trail. The Exos is not adjustable. However, it comes in three different sizes. I didn’t have a hard time finding a size that fits me well. The suspension system you have here is simply great, this is what Gregory calls CrossFlo ventilated suspension. This is a suspended mesh, or trampoline-type system, the best possible for ventilation. Moreover, I had a bit of a hard time removing, cleaning, and refilling the hydration bladder. It is more difficult to use than Osprey Sunyco’s hydration reservoir. However, all of these cool features come with a weight penalty. The Endo is even heavier than the Osprey Syncro.

William Lobley is a Deputy Commercial Content Editor and reviewer for Whats The Best, specialising in technology, gaming and the outdoors.Webbing keepers make sure the excess straps on the side compression straps are kept under control. I wish the shoulder straps had webbing keepers too. Even though it’s a lightweight model, the Optic comes with fully padded shoulder straps and waist belt. I hope those suggestions are helpful. I would be very curious to hear what you decide on. Thanks again for the question.

Adjustable torso provides 3.5" of adjustment, allowing for a custom fit without compromising support. On a hot and humid hut trek in New Hampshire’s Presidential Range, a friend and I hiked 21 miles and over 12,000 cumulative feet up and down on some of the hardest trails in the White Mountains. In that laboratory of sweat and arduousness, the Deuter AC Lite 23 demonstrated its strengths of comfort and ventilation. Hydration sleeve with SpeedClip hydration hanger compatible with Gregory's 3D Hydro reservoir (reservoir not included) Construction: 3 of 5 — The craftsmanship of the Zulu 30 is solid and what you’d expect from Gregory, but the materials used are nothing special. It’s all medium-density nylon, which strikes a balance of durability and weight. Gregory Mountain Products was begun in 1977 by Wayne Gregory in San Diego, California. Gregory was no stranger to building and designing outdoor equipment.I’m carrying an Osprey Manta 28 bought in 2018. It’s too small, kinda heavy, and is quite angular and cumbersome as a carry-on… plus the hip belt is wimpy. Shoulder straps are beautifully designed, anatomic and with a great padding. The same material is on the waist belt. I really like the well-designed shoulder straps. They are wide, nicely articulated, and ergonomically shaped. So that the load wouldn’t shift much as you walk over difficult terrain, the shoulder straps are securely connected to the frame.

Particularly great in the suspension which you have here is also the lumbar area, with an excellent padding and a ventilation channel, just see the picture above. Comfortable and stable, intuitive and functional design, modular set-up, utilizes recycled materials

Our Verdict

Compression: Excellent compression straps allow it to compress down dramatically without hindering other features. Hydration sleeve with SpeedClip hydration hanger compatible with Gregory’s 3D Hydro reservoirs (reservoir not included). Modular strap attachment system: 4 side compression straps included, top and bottom vertical straps, optional helmet carrier and extra modular straps