Gregory Jade 43 Backpack Review

Designed for women hikers, this pack is light enough for day hikes but roomy enough for short overnight trips. It boasts a special ventilated back panel and a supportive hip belt that moves with you, keeping your back cool and your shoulders happy. Whether you’re conquering a mountain peak or exploring a new trail, the Gregory Jade 43 promises a comfortable and enjoyable hike.

Highlights

Weight: 3 lbs. 8.3 oz. (S/M)
Capacity: 43 liters (XS/S) or 41 liters (S/M)
Suspension: FreeFloat ventilated suspension with dynamic hip belt flex panels
Fit: Women-specific 3D comfort cradle hip belt and adjustable torso length
Access: U-zip access to main compartment, top pocket with additional compartments, front stretch mesh pocket
Other: Hydration compatible, dual side mesh pockets, sternum strap with safety whistle

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Perfect Size for Day Hikes and Overnights

This 43-liter pack hits the sweet spot in size. It’s roomy enough to fit all your essentials for a day hike, but it won’t feel bulky or overwhelming. Plus, it has enough space for you to comfortably pack for a night or two on the trail.

This in-between size is perfect for hikers who mostly do day hikes but also enjoy the occasional overnight adventure. You won’t feel bogged down with a huge pack on shorter adventures, and you’ll have the flexibility to extend your exploration when the opportunity arises.

Unmatched Comfort and Fit

Forget about sore shoulders and a sweaty back! This backpack is designed with comfort in mind. It features a special suspension system called FreeFloat. This keeps air circulating between your back and the pack, preventing you from getting overheated. Plus, the back panel is made of ventilated mesh for extra breathability.

Another key to comfort is the fit. The Jade 43 has a specially designed hip belt for women that hugs your curves comfortably. It also has adjustable shoulder straps and a torso length that you can customize to your body. This perfect fit ensures that the weight of the pack is distributed evenly, taking the pressure off your shoulders and making your hikes more enjoyable.

Plenty of Storage and Organization

Staying organized on the trail is a breeze with the Gregory Jade 43. This pack comes loaded with pockets and compartments to keep all your gear within easy reach. There’s a handy top pocket with extra compartments for snacks, sunscreen, and other essentials you need on the go. Plus, a front mesh pocket lets you stash your rain jacket or hat for quick access.

For bigger items like your sleeping bag or extra clothes, the main compartment offers plenty of space. And the cool part? You can access it from the front or the back thanks to a special U-shaped zipper. There are also two stretchy side pockets for your water bottles and other things you want to grab easily.

Minor Wish List for Improvement

Even though the reviewer loves the Gregory Jade 43, there are a few things she thinks could be even better. One thing she noticed is that the water bottle pockets could be a bit tighter. On one hike, her water bottle actually fell out and rolled down a hill! To prevent this from happening, she wishes the pockets had a cinch cord or another way to secure bottles more

Another wishlist item is the ability to adjust the top compartment. The reviewer likes to store her tent under the top brain compartment, but right now it’s not big enough. An adjustable top compartment would create more space for bulky gear.

List of minor improvements I’d like to see:

• Tighter side pockets to prevent water bottle loss
• Adjustable top compartment for bulky items like tents
• Bottom straps for attaching a sleeping pad (acknowledging it’s a day pack size)
• Front access to the top brain compartment

What I like about this pack

• Perfect size: Ideal for day hikes and weekend trips, offering enough space without feeling bulky.
• Unmatched comfort and fit: FreeFloat suspension provides ventilation, while the women-specific hip belt and adjustable torso ensure a comfortable carry.
• Plenty of storage and organization: Easy access pockets for essentials, dedicated compartments for bigger items, and U-zip access to the main compartment.
• Lightweight: Makes it a good choice for day hikes.

What I don’t like about this pack

• Water bottle pockets could be tighter to prevent accidental spills.
• Top compartment not adjustable, limiting space for bulky gear like tents.
• No bottom straps for attaching a sleeping pad (acknowledging it’s a day pack size).
• Top brain compartment only accessible from the back of the pack.

Overall

The Gregory Jade 43 is a great backpack for women hikers who value comfort, and organization, and a versatile size for day hikes and occasional overnights. While there are a few minor design tweaks the reviewer would prefer, the pack’s overall comfort, features, and functionality make it a solid choice.

Conclusion

If you’re a woman hiker searching for a comfortable and versatile pack, look no further than the Gregory Jade 43. This backpack tackles day hikes with ease and offers enough space for short adventures. It boasts a ventilated design to keep you cool, a supportive fit for happy shoulders, and plenty of pockets for organized packing. While a few minor improvements could be made, the Gregory Jade 43’s overall comfort, functionality, and size make it a great companion for hitting the trails.