Runner Up for Best Daypack

The Gregory Miwok has been a great pack for years and every new iteration unveils some new technology. The Miwok is minimalist and built well. There are smart pockets, and the harness system has been built to breathe and move well with the user. There is no solid frame in the pack, which does cause problems with the pack when it is set down. A few great additions help the pack stand out, such as the glasses holder and plastic hydration hose holder on the shoulder straps. The Gregory Miwok 24 is also offered in a female specific variant as the Gregory Maya 22. Overall, the Gregory Miwok is our pick for Runner Up for Best Daypack.

Compare to Similar Products

See Our Best Hiking Daypack Review 2021

The Gregory Miwok 24 is a fast and light daypack. The design is streamlined, and it’s a very good looking pack in my personal opinion. Though looks, especially in daypacks, don’t matter, it’s what is on the inside that counts. For its simple design and look, the Miwok is full of great features. Gregory offers a very similar version designed for female hikers called the Maya 22, and it is designed the exact same but is more comfortable for most women. 

Gregory’s Miwok line includes a variety of sizes; 12L,18L, 24L, 32L, and 42L. The main reason for the same name is that the packs are designed the same minus additional overall storage. The Gregory Miwok 42 comes with a top lid that includes additional storage. Every pack in the Miwok family will have the same BioSync back panel ventilation and harness system. The large packs are designed to get you into the backcountry for longer. 

Ventilation and Suspension

The Gregory Miwok 24 has some amazing design features that are included in the harness system. The stretch mesh and 3-D foam BioSync system along the back panel and shoulder straps combine for a comfortable fit with solid ventilation. However, the pack is frameless, so it will sag if there are a lot of items in the top pockets. 

The shoulder straps are fully adjustable to fit longer torsos and include load lifter straps to keep the pack weighted properly along your back. The shoulder straps also include an adjustable sternum strap for added customization.

The hip belt is where Gregory added something special. They let some of the stretch mesh flow from the hip belt onto the back panel. This gives the wearer extra freedom of movement without shifting the pack around during movement. It is a great feature that should not go unnoticed. The hip belt itself is well padded and quite large. This extra size increases overall comfort and support for the wearer. 

Storage

The Miwok 24 looks quite minimalist but has nine total pockets to keep you organized. The main pocket has a large U-shaped zipper. Inside of the main compartment is a small zippered mesh organization pocket, an excellent spot for small items⁠—cash, cards, and keys⁠—with an integrated key clip. Gregory has built-in a separately accessed hydration pocket closer to the wearer’s back. This is a great feature that allows access to the hydration bladder without having to take everything out of your main compartment. 

There is a small padded zipper pocket on the top of the Miwok 24 as well for the storage of delicate valuables like phones or sunglasses. On the outside of the pack is a stretch mesh pocket for awkward items⁠—like shoes⁠—or an additional layer that needs to be accessible. 

On the side of the Gregory Miwok 24 are two stretch mesh open pockets, which are great for water bottles or sunscreen. The hip belt comes with zippered pockets to store small items and snacks. Two smaller features that are handy include a plastic hydration hose clip on the right shoulder strap and a sunglasses loop and cinch. These small features help keep these items from moving around too much on the pack. 

The organization of the Miwok 24 is simple but well thought out and should give the user excellent ability to store everything needed for a day hike in the great outdoors. 

Material and Weight

At 822g, the Gregory Miwok 24 is a light pack, but this low weight does not compromise its comfort or durability. The foam back panel keeps the pack lightweight without compromising comfort and offers support for longer days. 

The external material is 100% nylon, with higher density nylon on the bottom to increase the lifetime of the pack. Gregory uses a 210D Honeycomb CrytoRip HD nylon for the main body to reduce weight but improve durability. There is no mention on their website about waterproofing, but many packs of this caliber will provide a small amount of water resistance. If you know the area that you will be hiking is likely to get very wet, it is always wise to get a waterproof backpack cover. 

The Bottom Line

Gregory makes excellent packs. Personally, I have used an older version of the Miwok 24 for years now and love it. My one complaint is if the upper pocket is loaded, the pack folds in half when placed on the ground. This is the negative of not having a true frame system. However, the foam keeps the pack light and well ventilated. 

At $120, the Gregory Miwok 24 is well worth the investment and will be your go-to day pack for years to come. The build and design keep everything close to the body for excellent movement and overall comfort. 

^ Back to Top ^