Simplicity of design is nice – but a simple design that’s also highly functional is wonderful. The Gregory Miwok 24 offers a wonderful option for exploring the outdoors.
Gregory Miwok 24 Features:
- Total volume: 24 L
- Weight: 1 lb, 9 oz
- Torso size: : 41-56 cm / 16-22”
- Intended pack weight: up to 25 lbs
- BioSync Suspension technology
- Large zippered main compartment
- Two internal mesh organizer pockets
- Zippered accessory pocket with internal security zip pocket
- Expandable helmet-compatible stretch front pocket with tuck-away bungee closure
- Dual external side pockets
- Dual quick-access hipbelt pockets
- Hydration sleeve with external access
- Accommodates 2L reservoir (not included)
- Adjustable sternum strap
- Side compression straps
- Shoulder strap hydration tube clip
- Shoulder strap sunglass loop
- Three color options
- MSRP $119
Gregory Miwok 24 hits the day hiking sweet spot
As a general rule, it’s good to play to your strengths. We initially tested this pack with the intention of using it as a fastpacks meant for ultralight overnight trail running excursions, and while it performed decently, it wasn’t our favorite pack in that category. However, it truly shines as a daypack, which is really its primary intended use. We also tested the pack during the summer with a couple of weeks of exploring Yosemite and Glacier National Parks, and it proved highly capable of meeting all our needs in a day pack.
For starters, the 24L capacity is really the sweet spot for full day hiking; it allows you to stash ample extra gear, either because conditions are unpredictable, or because you’re serving as a mule for someone else (e.g. children). Gregory makes a Miwok pack in multiple volumes: 6L, 12L, 18L, 34L, and 44L in addition to the 24L.
We stuffed our Miwok 24 with approximately 15 to 20 lbs of food and gear on a regular basis, and the pack dependably rode comfortably against our body, without excess moving around and without any sore spots on the shoulder blades or against the back. Shoulder straps can be cinched to make the pack hug your torso, but the BioSync suspension utilizes flexible “tendon” mesh fabrics at the shoulders and waist areas to allow the pack to move with your body for unrestricted motion. The fit is very secure when walking or hiking at high speeds, but feels a bit bulky when jogging.
A wide unpadded waist belt helps evenly distribute the weight of the pack across your lower back, and contains large zippered pockets on either side of the waist for easy storage and access for things like maps, snacks, phones, or compact cameras.
All of the interior surfaces consist of thin lightweight foam with large ventilation holes, covered by soft moisture-wicking mesh fabric to help with wicking and temperature regulation in warm conditions. The back panel also includes a thin, flexible plastic framesheet for shape retention.
The primary storage areas on the back side of the pack are spacious and well-organized, and the pack closes with clean lines for a sleek and streamlined look.
The large zippered main compartment is completely wide open aside from two small zippered pockets at the top, which are good place to secure keys (one pocket has a key clip) or other valuables that need to be hidden or isolated. External fabric construction for the primary cargo compartments is a triple-ply ripstop material that proved highly durable against abrasion from trees or boulders.
Superficial to the main cargo compartment is a large stretch pocket that occupies almost the entire back surface of the pack; this pocket is equipped with side zips that make the pocket expand wide enough to carry a bike helmet or other bulky items.
Stretch mesh side pockets provide an easy place to stash gloves, hats, maps, or extra water bottles. The openings of these pockets are slightly high to access while on the move, but they provide plenty of depth to keep your items secure. Side compression straps help cinch down a smaller load to minimize movement on the go.
Although it does not come with a hydration component, the Miwok is compatible with a 2L fluid reservoir system; our system of choice (as usual) was a Hydrapak Shape Shift 2L. A small strap and buckle are in place to secure the top of your reservoir and prevent it from sliding downward. The drink tube can be routed over either shoulder, but you’ll probably want to use the right-sided exit, because there is only one tube clip on the right-hand strap of the pack. The clip holds the tube in place very securely, and the reservoir compartment is easy to access and refill without digging through your primary cargo areas, via the Velcro closure in a separate compartment closest to your body.
The Good
- Pack moves well with your body during activity
- Generous storage on waist pockets to easily access items
- Separation of fluid reservoir compartment makes refilling easy
The Bad
- Side mesh pockets can be difficult to access
- Only one size option available; tall or short folks might have sizing issues
Bottom Line: Gregory Miwok 24
Gregory’s Miwok 24 packs a lot of functional features into a seemingly simple design, and works very comfortably for day hikes or other long outdoor excursions.
Buy Now: Get it at REI
