Gear Review: Gregory Maya 22 Women’s Daypack

As a stubborn minimalist, I’m often caught outside with gear that is barely working for its intended purpose. This is especially true when it comes to packs.  Resort skiing? No problem. I’ve got a 45-liter climbing pack. Hiking a peak? I’m sure I can stuff enough layers into my low-profile running vest

Aside from the occasional embarrassed looks from my adventure partners, this method seemed to be working. If I have a bag that is “working,” why would I need anything else? I’m sure all of you are familiar, but thus entered a novel concept to me: the daypack. Adding the Gregory Maya 22 to my gear repertoire justified itself right away. I now had a pack big enough for layers AND snacks for daylong adventures. It quickly became my go-to bag for many activities: from daily commuting to hiking blustery mountain ridges.

Gregory Maya 22 Women’s Daypack At-a-Glance

MSRP: $120
Weight: 1.76 pounds
Storage: 22 liters
Dimensions: 19.5 inches x 10.5 inches x 9 inches
Use: Day hiking

Fit

Photo by Eli Grillo

The Maya 22 has a women-specific strap system with flexible and adjustable straps along the waist and across the chest. The Biosync Suspension technology functions to keep you light and agile—perfect for transitions from hiking to downhill jogging or rock-hopping. Even if stuffed full, the low profile pack never feels cumbersome. A mere 1.76 pounds combined with all that freedom in movement, you’re bound to be moving quickly and working up a sweat. Luckily, the back panel consists of breathable layers of 3D Perforated EVA Foam, so you don’t have to peel your sweaty back from a soaked pack after working hard on trail. 

Features

This pack has an intuitive design with smart pocket placement and useful storage zones. Each zipper features wide hard-sided loops for easy access even when wearing gloves. The hydration compartment is large enough to fit a full three-liter bladder and has a Speed Clip hook for easily placing or removing your hydration system. The main compartment is large enough for layers and equipment, and even has a small mesh inner pocket with a key clip to keep valuables or small items. 

There is also a small outer pocket on top of the pack to place smaller accessories for easy access without opening the main compartment. The outside of the bag features a flexible front storage area for quickly stuffing shed layers or trash found on the trail. It also has two deep mesh side pockets perfect for a Nalgene or gear that needs to be accessed quickly. Several bottom loops and an upper bungee tab make securing trekking poles or an ice axe fast and easy. The hip straps also offer storage with surprisingly roomy pouches on each side. I like to stuff these chock-full with snacks, but they could also be used for other trail essentials or personal items. There is a Sunglasses Quickstow feature on the shoulder straps, but I didn’t find this particularly useful, instead opting to securely stow them in the small outer pocket. 

The durability of the pack itself seems solid. I am notoriously rough on my gear, and appreciate a design that accommodates such usage. The nylon outer includes a dual-layer construction to the bottom panel of the pack, ensuring function and durability for many seasons. The straps could use a little work. After several uses, the adjustable webbing on the hip straps have several noticeable tears. These straps may need to be replaced in as little as one season. 

Intended Use

Photo by Eli Grillo

The Maya 22 is versatile for all-around active day use. It functions best as a light daypack for adventures like hiking peaks or checking out alpine lakes. It also works well as a commuter bag, as the hydration compartment is the perfect size to stow a laptop. Hikers that want a light and agile fit for day trips will be happy with this pack. If you’re carrying heavy equipment or planning to haul more than 20 pounds, this pack is not up to the task.

The Maya 22 has more than enough space for everything you need for a day out even if the forecast is volatile. Its durable construction and easy access zippers also make this pack a good contender for day use with winter activities. The Maya 22 would be a great pack for exploring a new area on snowshoes or a sunny day in the woods on cross country skis. The simple design and construction mean that nothing gets lost in the shuffle. You’ll find what you’re looking for quickly, which is especially helpful in the cold winter months. This pack may even find its way into my ski setup on days that call for a few inbound laps at the local ski resort.

Comparable Packs

 

Gregory Juno 20

MSRP: $120
Weight: 2.13 pounds
Storage: 20 liters

Osprey Sirrus 24:

MSRP: $130
Weight: 2 pounds, 9 ounces
Storage: 24 liters

Deuter Speed Lite 22 

MSRP: $105
Weight: 1 pound, 9 ounces
Storage: 22 liters

Shop the Maya 22 Here

This pack was donated for purpose of review.

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