Kit review: Gregory Packs Jade LT Plus 28 Rucksack
Reviewed by Steph
For many people, a 28-35 litre rucksack is the perfect size for a daypack, meaning you can still fit in all the layers you need even on the coldest of days. This pack from Gregory Packs is the first extended fit pack to reach the market in this size bracket.
FEATURES
This rucksack has one main pocket in the body, plus a small zip pocket in the front and a top pocket in the lid. The two side pockets are a good size and hold a water bottle, there are compression straps to tighten up the bag, and an attachment loop for poles. There is a pouch inside the body for a water bladder and a clip on the shoulder strap for the hose attachment. It has a ventilated back panel to provide more air flow and reduce the dreaded sweaty back.
SIZE AND FIT
The hip strap is very generous, with much longer padded sections and easy to access pockets, and will fit up to a 60 inch hip. The extended shoulder harness means the padded webbing comes further down and doesn't rub on my shoulders like other packs, and the chest strap has also been lengthened.
The main disappointment I have with the pack is that it doesn't have an adjustable back. As someone who is 5'10 tall and with a fairly long torso, it fits me reasonably well, but I think someone who was significantly shorter would struggle with the back being too long and/or the pack sitting far away from their body due to the ventilated structure.
PERFORMANCE
As someone who needs a good amount of space in a daypack for hiking through the winter, the size of this pack is great. Because of the rigid suspended back, it's not the easiest to pack and you have to make sure you fill the bottom part fully which is a bit annoying if you need to access the back regularly, but the lid pocket and front zip are welcome additions for small easy to access items.
One issue I had was due to the ventilated back - the frame for this is quite rigid and narrow, so I found the bottom corners dug into my lower back/upper bottom where I carry a bit of weight. It might suit people better who don't have big bums!
RRP £145
