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The Zulu is awash with good ideas. First of all it comes in two different lengths, medium and large. It’s packed with cute features for storage and weight dispersal, including a stretchy panel on the front which can hold anything from an OS map to a light fleece. And there’s a concealed arch-shaped zip which allows you to open the main section like a suitcase and find what you need easily. The trouble is I’m not sure how well all these ideas combine. The front of the pack is so complex that it all becomes a bit fiddly, with the front panel, the arch zip and a secret compartment holding the raincover all lying on top of each other. Thus I’m occasionally unsure where to find what I’m looking for. But it is brilliantly stable, and the hip-belt and mesh back-system combine neatly in a firm embrace. I particularly like the lumbar support padding at the bottom of the pack – firm enough to give you a decent little massage but without letting you overheat. Target Price £115.
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SPECIFICATION
Weight: 1406g
Capacity: 40L
Pockets: 8 (2x lid, 2x side, 2x hip-belt, 2x front)
Back system: Suspended
Contact: 01572 772511, www.gregorypacks.com
VERDICT
PROS: Comfy back-system, very stable, plenty of features.
CONS: Front panel a little over-designed for easy access.
Comfort: 5/5
Stability: 4/5
Features: 3/5
Ventilation: 4/5
Best for: Big day-walks and the occasional overnight stopover.
Review from Country Walking magazine.