A good daypack may be the most essential piece of gear that any outdoor enthusiast owns. Not only do these smaller backpacks allow you to carry everything you need with you on the trail, they can also be a companion while traveling, running errands, or for your daily commute too. This level of versatility helps them to stand out from your favorite backpacking pack for example, which is why it is all the more important to find one that you love. The new Gregory Miwok 24 -- shipping later this spring -- could easily fall into that category thanks to its thoughtful design, plethora of features, and high level of comfort.
At its core, the Miwok is a technical daypack designed for use on the trail. It is hydration ready, had built-in bottle holders, and an excellent harness and suspension system. But, the pack is also versatile enough to pull double duty for use as part of your daily commuter, complete with a padded laptop sleeve as well. That's a nice touch for a backpack that is clearly slanted towards the outdoor crowd.
Speaking of the harness and suspension system, Gregory has clearly put a lot of thought and time into the design of tis pack. The shoulder straps and waist belt are both easy to adjust, giving the wearer the ability to dial in the right fit quickly and easily. Those components are paired nicely with the BioSync suspension, which holds the Miwok firmly in place, while also allowing it to move with you was you hike, run, climb, or even ride. The resulting effect is that the pack doesn't restrict your motion, but also isn't flopping about when things start to get energetic.
As its name implies, the Miwok 24 features 24 liters of storage capacity, most of which fits inside its main compartment, which is subdivided by dual internal mesh organizers. Additional carrying capacity is found in two external side pockets, an external accessory pocket, and an expandable stretch front pocket that can accommodate a helmet if necessary. The shoulder straps are also equipped with a sunglasses quick-stow system for keeping your shades within easy reach, and quick-access pockets on the belt are always a welcomed addition too.
One of the biggest advances for the new version of the Miwok is the inclusion of the 3D AirWave backpanel, which does a good job of keeping fresh air flowing to the wearer's back. Most small daypacks attempt to incorporate a some kind of suspension with a backpanel these days, but few are actually effective. I'm happy to report that I found Gregory's new option to work quite well, making it great choice for keeping you cool and comfortable on the trail. Even in warmer weather and with aerobic exercise, the AirWave helps regulate your temperature nicely, which is a big plus for these smaller packs.
What I like most about the Miwok 24 is that is feels like it is more than just the sum of its parts. Reading through the list of features above, it is easy to come to the conclusion that this is yet another daypack in a sea of daypacks, with very little to separate it from the crowd. Nothing could be further from the truth however, as this is a bag that is extremely comfortable to wear and has all of its various pockets, straps, pads, and other components work together in a seamless fashion. That not only makes the Miwok a nice hiking pack, but one you'll want to use for your other activities too.
Gregory is offering the Miwok in three different sizes, 12-, 18-, and 24 liters. Personally, I prefer the larger of those sizes because it isn't particularly big, but still has the capacity to carry everything you need when you set out for the day. It is easy to stuff an extra layer, some snacks, a USB battery pack, and even a drone or a camera inside the bag, with room to spare. That adds another level of versatility for my particular needs, although I'm sure plenty of people will love the smaller versions of the Miwok too.
The backpack is also priced nicely. The 24-liter version sells for just $120, while the 12- and 18-liter versions are $89.95 and $99.95 respectively. For a high quality, well-designed and made daypack, that isn't a lot of money these days.
Watch for the redesigned Miwok line coming later this spring. The current models are also available on the Gregory website at substantial savings as well. Those packs are excellent too, but they lack some of the features that the redesign will bring to the table. If you can wait another month or so, the 2019 version will be worth the wait and will be extremely budget-friendly too.
Find out more at GregoryPacks.com.
