Now is the time for exercise near home, and when you set out on your local trails (practicing social distancing measures, of course), you need a day pack that can go all day long, carrying everything you need. The Gregory Juno pack fits the bill with all the bells and whistles you could need in a sleek body shape and streamlined profile.
If you need something minimalist, you’ll want to go with Gregory’s Nano, but the Juno is still lightweight while offering everything you’re going to want for a full day trip outside. You get a fully ventilated mesh back panel, two oversized side pockets on the waist strap (perfect for stashing your phone or a small camera), and all the zippers feature molded handles that make gripping them easy, even with gloves on.
The large back compartment is hydro-system ready, with clips and tube holes ready for Gregory’s 3D Hydro reservoir (not included) or any other hydro system. I had a Gregory Hydro, so I tested it out: it hooks onto the interior of the pack securely, and is very easy to fill even while remaining in the back. I love that the mouth valve features a magnetic disk so it can mount on the chest strap while you’re hiking, ensuring you never have to deal with the tube swinging freely while you hike (which can be annoying).
The middle pocket is deep and roomy, with plenty of space to pack a lunch for two and several layers or puffy jackets. There’s a small top pocket that’s perfect for those little items, too, like chapstick, sunscreen, gloves, a knit hat, etc. The mesh outer pocket can stash additional gear or layers. You also get two mesh side pockets that fit any water bottle size I’ve tested it with. The Juno also features a trekking pole / tool attachment point with a bungee closure system. In short, you get tons of pockets and storage space in this pack.
The Juno comes in 24 liter (which is the size I tested), as well as a 30 liter and a 36 liter. The men’s Citro is the equivalent. The 24 liter Juno weighs 1.9 pounds and has the following dimensions: 20.5″ x 11″ x 7.9″ / 52 x 28 x 30 cm. Pick it up on the Gregory site for $119 in the following colors: spruce blue, arroyo orange, or lunar gray.