Review: Gregory Zulu 40 Backpack

The Gregory Zulu 40 is an extremely comfortable, full-feature backpack, perfectly suited for full-day adventures or shorter multi-day hikes where you don’t need a tent. There is also a women’s specific Jade range.

Key Information

Price (at time of writing): R3 099
Capacity: 40 L
Weight: 1.33 kg
Access points: Top & front
Material: Pack body – 210 D High Tenacity Nylon; Pack bottom – 420 D High Density Nylon
Recommended max load: 16 kg

Suspension & Comfort

One of Gregory’s taglines is “Great packs should be worn, not carried.” Right off the bat, this brand markets itself on comfort — and the Zulu 40 delivers. It’s one of the most comfortable backpacks I’ve ever used.

Gregory’s FreeFloat dynamic suspension system uses a trampoline-style mesh attached to the hip belt with flexible fabric. The result is a system that hugs your back and hips while allowing the pack to move naturally without that pivoting sensation on uneven terrain.

Dynamic suspension and vented back panel keep the Zulu 40 comfortable all day.

The padding on the shoulder straps and hip belt is soft and breathable, and the ergonomic shape creates a secure “hugging” fit. The alloy frame terminates in the corners rather than the centre, eliminating pressure on the lower back while retaining lumbar support. The mesh breathes well on hot days.

The FreeFloat system lets the pack move naturally with your body.

The recommended max carry weight of 16 kg is ideal for full-day adventures or quick overnighters. The Zulu 40 handles that load with ease and stays comfortable throughout.

Comfort and balance make the Zulu 40 ideal for long days on the trail.

Durability

After several overnight and day hikes, the pack still looks new — thanks to its tough 420 D nylon base. Gregory also offers a limited lifetime warranty covering manufacturing faults and even animal damage.

Heavy-duty materials ensure years of reliable use.

Features

The Zulu 40 comes with everything you’d expect from a premium pack — rain cover, hydration compatibility, trekking-pole storage, lid pockets — plus a few excellent extras:

Front U-Zip opening for easy access to the main compartment without removing the lid — perfect for quick lunch stops.

U-Zip panel grants fast access to gear inside the main compartment.

Integrated hydration clip on the sternum strap secures any hydration tube — no special attachments needed.

Simple hydration tube management via built-in sternum clip.

Sunglass QuickStow system on the shoulder strap offers scratch-free quick access to your sunglasses.

QuickStow slot keeps your shades secure and accessible.

Pass-through holes in the side mesh pockets let compression straps tighten without pinning water bottles — brilliant design.

Smart side-pocket design maintains compression and bottle access.

Front stretch mesh pocket with buckle closure for quick access to a rain jacket or fleece.

Front stretch pocket is ideal for layers you need on the go.

Custom comfort-grip zipper pulls and strap keepers reduce dangling webbing, while the large hip-belt pockets fit plus-size phones.

Roomy hip-belt pockets keep essentials within easy reach.

Minor Shortcomings

Two features that would add versatility:

• Sleeping-pad straps under the pack for wild camping setups.
• Forward-facing side pockets to let you grab bottles on the move.

Both are found on larger Zulu models such as the Zulu 55.

Adjustability & Fit

The Zulu comes in Small-Medium and Medium-Large sizes, each with 10 cm of torso adjustment for a custom fit. Even smaller hikers found the larger size remarkably comfortable thanks to its balanced design.

Conclusion

One of the most comfortable backpacks I’ve ever used — light enough for a big day out yet sturdy for overnight trips. If you hike often and value comfort and mobility, the Zulu 40 is worth every cent.

This backpack was provided for review by Gregory Packs South Africa and can be purchased directly from their online store.