Reviewed by Pete Chadwick from UK Climbing.com - Sep 2009

I've been impressed with its comfort and it's durability. It has a number of features worth mentioning; firstly the DTS (Dynamic Transfer Suspension) refers to the system that stops the pack from compressing and transferring all the weight to the waist belt when you've stuffed it full of ropes, gear, harness and boots. It is designed to distribute weight between the belt and shoulder straps. Secondly the Jetstream part of the name means that the pack has been designed to prevent the inevitable sweat that comes from working hard from gathering too much around ones back

Did it work?

It did what it says on the tin, transferring weight very comfortably between back and waist, the waist strap is very easily adjusted and along with all the other straps, zips and clasps it is all well designed and robust. It also kept me reasonably well ventilated despite wandering around a very hot Rodellar in search of a free route! Other features I like are; a front opening section to gain access to the lower half of the pack, side mesh pockets which are thankfully very tough as they get lots of use with water bottles constantly being taken out and pushed back in, ice axe loops, a separate area inside the main body ideal for a few clothes, large pocket in the lid with the essential key ring tie and finally, handy waist belt pockets that can be accessed when the sack is on your back just big enough for a small snack or mobile phone. One other thing I can't quite figure is that I seem to be able to get more in this 35 litre sack than I can in my old 40 litre sack. It happily swallowed up three pairs of rock boots, spare clothes, gear rack, harness, rope, lunch along with flask and water. As this is the only Gregory pack I've used I'm not sure whether this generous sizing is across their whole range or unique to the Z35 but I like it.

In conclusion, the Z35 is an excellent day sack that feels very comfortable, has some great features, is robust and has enough space for UK climbers.

This pack from our 2009 Gear Guide won't buckle under even the heaviest loads. by: Kelly Bastone from Backpacker Magazine

Load Monster Sybarites, rejoice:

If you like to pack serious poundage–a bottle of bubbly on the summit, anyone?–get the Z35 (or Jade 35, the women's version). "Even if you're carrying bricks, it'd be hard to overload this workhorse," reported a tester who toted it through Arizona's McDowell Mountains. The suspension uses two tubular steel stays that flex like tent poles and reinforce a tensioned nylon framesheet; its curved shape supports 30 pounds and effectively distributes the weight to your hips. The well-padded hipbelt proved sufficiently cushioned under maxed-out loads, and it never sagged. "While hopping boulders during a steep descent, I noticed no slippage thanks to the sticky lumbar pad," reported one hiker. The trampoline-style mesh backpanel allows superior ventilation. The top-loader has excellent organizational features: A zippered pouch stashes flat items like gloves or a journal; a U-shaped zipper provides access to the main compartment; two small hipbelt pockets hold snacks (cameras don't fit); two shock-cord attachments hold trekking poles; and webbing loops on the bottom make it easy to lash on a sleeping pad. But the Z35 isn't light, and capacity is cut when you load the pack with a full hydration bladder.

The first thing I noticed about the Z35 was its size for a 35 litre pack; it swallowed the contents of my normal Mountain Rescue pack which is 45 litres with room to spare!

Being tall, 6’4” I have always found it difficult getting a pack that fits properly and is comfortable. The version of the Z35 I tested was the large, which after several long days in the hills carrying the Z35 fully loaded, I was vastly impressed. The ‘Jetstream’ suspension system worked exceptionally well. The zipped pocket in the main body of the pack is a great feature and allows easy access to items that you need to get too quickly. The expandable ‘bucket’ pockets on the side of the pack I found great for holding bottles of water, walking poles and even wet rain gear. The waist belt pockets are a perfect size for my GPS and for some nibbles while on the move.

Overall this is an outstanding pack for long days & winter use.

Fearghal Bracken Deputy Team Leader

Well-featured with airy back system that has a narrow cut to help air move. Compression is good with four straps pulling the load up on to your back. They also help reduce the volume and profile of the pack considerably for lighter days too. Shoulder straps are well-shaped to fit shoulder contours.