Gregory daypacks – which one would you choose?

David,
The Gregory Z30 (or Z35) have enough volume to be used for short UL trips allowing you to save the larger and heavier Z55 for longer duration trips requiring more pack volume. The smaller packs you listed, Z22 and Iso, would be only usable as day packs. Go with the Z30.

I'll second the Z30 as a daypack. It's a bit heavy for short ultralight trips at ~2#12oz(size M), but for dayhiking, especially in winter when I may be carrying my snowshoes stowed in its beavertail pouch along with the usual winter extra gear, its excellent carrying characteristics are much appreciated, as also its convenient pocket layout and hydration bladder setup. If you can purchase it at REI, I'd suggest buying one and taking it out for a spin. With their "no questions asked" return policy, what have you got to lose?

I was very tempted to buy the Iso, but I figured that it would be of limited use. (Ideally, I'd have a pack for every situation, but then I'd end up with 10 packs). I ended up ordering the Z30, but I'm wondering if I should try the G pack (now extinct but around in certain places). The G pack I think weighs around 2 lb, 9 oz–less than the Z30? The G pack looks slightly less durable (silnylon?) than the Z30 but packs more.

What do you guys think of the G pack as a daypack and weekend pack wrapped up in one package?

David,
Of the Gregory packs I would recommend you staying with one of the Z series packs even if slightly heavier. If alternate brands are an option I would suggest you look at a ULA pack, either the Conduit or Relay. These are lighter and tougher then the Gregory G pack. I hope this helps.

another vote for Z30. It will give you more versatility as mentioned before. Keep in mind that you can pack a 20L or 22L volume in a 30L pack, but you can not do it the other way around. With Gregory's fantastic compression system and suspension design you can carry smaller volume and smaller load very comfortably. I have tried it with my Gregory Juxt and the balance and comfort is never a problem.

no matter if Gregory's are heavy or not, but they sure do fit me well. They also provide a well balanced and well designed thats comfortable over a long hike. My Juxt is about 4 years old now, its still going strong.

What's better about the Z series than the old G pack?

I've used Gregory packs, and they are fine, but try a ULA pack, really. Replaced my Z55 with a ULA Circuit. ULA is more comfortable, has more usable space, weighs a pound less, has bigger hip belt pocket, less straps to get in the way, and is somewhat customizable for about the same price. No contest to me.

Nathan, all great points. You did forget to mention that gregory packs have a frame, thus can carry more weight more comfortably when needed. Also the frame design of the new Z packs really have kept me from getting a sweaty back. Both things no frameless pack can say. All depends on what is important to the individual buying the pack.

"You did forget to mention that gregory packs have a frame, thus can carry more weight more comfortably when needed."

The Circuit Nathan mentioned does have a frame – and it doesn't even weigh a kilo. In any case there's heaps of info here and on TLB about the carrying capacity of "frameless" packs. And I have a couple of frameless packs that don't create sweaty-back-syndrome but in the case of my Miniposa, because the Z-Rest I use is against your back it does get sweaty on hot days, but no more than my Lowe Alpine Contour daypack.

the Z30 is $119 and the ULA Circuit is $175…..thats a significant difference in price.

I like the comfort and design of Gregory much better than the ULA myself. Specially when you are carrying heavier weight.

What I like about the Gregory packs is that they are available from REI (Return Every Item). If there's a problem down the road, or I change my mind, then back it goes.