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Gregory Wasatch 12

rated 4.5 of 5 stars
photo: Gregory Wasatch 12 daypack (under 35l)

This is a small daypack that is great for light loads and moving fast. This product is great for hiking, biking, and trail running. I would recommend it to anyone who wants a light-duty pack that carries the basics.

Pros

  • Compact size limits bouncing around
  • Back zippers allow easy water bladder access
  • Comfortable hip belt

Cons

  • Small size limits what you can carry
  • Side mesh pockets tight for a Nalgene

This pack is a wonderful day hike companion. I bought it because my full size daypack was usually mostly empty and the contents were always jostling around. The back clings tightly to your back without feeling like it is causing your back to overheat. The back of the pack is covered in a mesh material that is very breathable.  The close fit of the pack combined with its small size allows you to move quickly with it on, and not feel as if it's moving up and down excessively.

I am a short woman (5'1") and the pack fits me just fine. I think its size allows it to work with a wide range of body types. The hip belt and shoulder straps are well padded and the chest strap moves up and down for comfort. I think the padding works well for a light load (under 8 lbs), but anything heavier and you'd be pushing the limits of the pack and therefore making it less comfortable.

Though the pack looked really small out of the box, I can fit my 10 essentials plus food for the day no problem. The pack has three compartments: a main compartment with a water bladder separation, and secondary compartment in front of that one, and a big shove-it pocket in the front.

There is ample room for most things anyone carries on a day hike, even in the winter. I have fit a puffy, a rain jacket, snacks, navigation gear, and a Subway sandwich all in the main compartments. I carry two Nalgenes in the side pockets, and these don't compromise the capacity, as side pockets can on other packs.  I have not used it with a bladder yet, so I cannot speak to its effect on capacity.  There are two hip belt pockets that easily hold a small GPS or iPhone.  

The side compression straps connect to the top of the shove-it pocket so that when tightened, they secure the bags entire load and kept things from bouncing around.  I have used it completely full, as well as near empty and both ways the pack feels quite secure.

One caveat is that the pack must be at least partially removed to access the side pockets with the water bottles. This can be avoided with the use of the bladder, and there is a built in route to attach the hose to the shoulder strap.  

There are several small interior pockets that keep your compass, multitool, knife, ID's, and whatever else from falling down into the bottom of the pack. The mesh on the side pockets and sides of the shove-it pocket is really thick and sturdy — far more so than on some of my other packs.  I don't fear if I rub against rocks in a scramble.

I have been using this bag for over a year and it shows few signs of wear.

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $45

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The Wasatch 12 replaced the Gregory Wasatch.

Specs

Price Historic Range: $44.48-$89.00
Reviewers Paid: $45.00
Weight 1 lb 6 oz / .60 kg
Capacity 736 cu in / 12 L
Torso length 16 in - 22 in
Product Details from Gregory »

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