Best Daypacks · #8
Nano 22 Plus
Gregory
Reader rating
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The best value harness in the category, with a hydration sleeve and a shape that carries loose loads without slumping.
Pros
- Superior harness system for comfortable load carrying at this price point
- Internal framesheet prevents sagging and improves stability with varied loads
- Durable 210D fabric withstands trail abuse and everyday wear
- Excellent value for the features and build quality
- Hydration sleeve and hose routing for trail use
Cons
- Not the lightest option available in the 22L category
- Minimalist hip belt pockets are absent
- Aesthetic is purely functional, not stylish for urban use
- Lack of extensive internal organization
Best uses
- Day hiking
- Casual commuting
- Travel day pack
- Light climbing approaches
Specifications
- Capacity
- 22 Liters
- Weight
- 1 lb 7 oz (650g)
- Materials
- 210D Honeycomb CryptoRip Nylon
- Ventilation
- Perforated foam backpanel
- Hydration
- Internal sleeve, hose routing
Pricing
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Best for
Day hiking, Casual commuting, Travel day pack, Light climbing approaches
Where to buy the Nano 22 Plus
We don't have a direct Amazon listing on file yet — this opens an Amazon search for the exact make and model.
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The Gregory Nano 22 Plus punches above its weight class, delivering a surprisingly effective carrying experience for its price point. While many daypacks in this category feel like glorified sacks with shoulder straps, the Nano 22 Plus integrates a sturdy framesheet and a well-padded, breathable harness system that truly distributes load. It's a genuine step up from basic recreational packs, offering a level of comfort and stability usually found in more expensive options. It won't win any awards for ultralight design or minimalist aesthetics, but for day-long excursions where you're carrying more than just a water bottle and a snack, it provides reliable performance. This pack's greatest asset is its ability to handle varied loads without feeling sloppy. Whether it's partially filled with a light jacket and lunch or stuffed with extra layers, a camera, and a substantial water reservoir, the Nano 22 Plus maintains its shape and keeps the weight close to your back. It’s not the most feature-rich pack, nor is it the lightest, but its core function of comfortable load carriage is executed exceptionally well. For hikers, casual climbers, or even busy parents who need a versatile daily hauler that can transition seamlessly from trail to town, this pack deserves a close look.
Construction & Materials
Gregory opted for a 210D Honeycomb CryptoRip Nylon, which is a smart choice for balancing durability and weight. It's tough enough to shrug off abrasion from brush and rocks, yet it doesn't feel overly stiff or heavy. The pack's construction feels solid, with reinforced stitching at stress points and quality zippers that operate smoothly. The internal framesheet, while not adjustable, provides crucial structure, preventing the pack from becoming a formless blob when loaded unevenly. This attention to build quality sets it apart from many competitors in its price range, which often skimp on fabric density or structural components to cut costs.
Real-World Performance
Out on the trail, the Nano 22 Plus shines in its ability to carry a moderate load comfortably. The perforated foam backpanel and shoulder straps, while not revolutionary, do a decent job of promoting airflow and preventing excessive sweat buildup. The sternum strap and removable hip belt, though minimalist, help stabilize the pack during more active movements. We’ve used it on day hikes up to 10 miles, carrying water, snacks, a first-aid kit, and an extra layer, and it consistently felt stable and comfortable. The main compartment is roomy, and the external stretch pockets are genuinely useful for stashing water bottles or quick-access items.
Carrying Comfort
This pack’s most significant advantage is its harness system. The shoulder straps are well-contoured and sufficiently padded without being bulky. What truly elevates the comfort is the integrated framesheet, which prevents gear from poking into your back and helps distribute weight evenly across the entire contact area. For a pack of this size and price, the load transfer is surprisingly effective, making it feel lighter than its actual weight when properly adjusted. It handles loads up to about 15-20 pounds without complaint, which is more than enough for most day trip scenarios.
Storage & Features
The main compartment is straightforward, with a sleeve that doubles for a hydration reservoir or a laptop. The front zippered pocket includes a key clip and organizational slots, which are handy for small essentials. External stretch mesh pockets on the sides accommodate water bottles up to a liter, and the front bungee system is surprisingly versatile for stashing a jacket or helmet. While it lacks dedicated hip belt pockets or elaborate internal organization, its simplicity contributes to its overall usability and keeps the weight down. It’s a functional layout that prioritizes core carrying capacity.
Who It's For
The Nano 22 Plus is ideal for hikers, urban explorers, or students who need a durable, comfortable daypack that can handle a bit more abuse and carry a bit more weight than a basic commuter bag. It's a solid choice for someone transitioning from casual walks to more challenging day hikes, or for an everyday carry option where comfort and load stability are priorities. If you appreciate a robust, well-constructed pack that prioritizes carrying comfort over ultralight minimalism or excessive features, this pack offers exceptional value and reliable performance across a range of activities.
How we chose
We started with a long list of best daypacks that people actually buy, cut anything that could not clear our baseline for durability and field performance, then ranked the 10 that were left against the same criteria. Rankings are editorial. No brand pays for placement, and affiliate links never move a pick up or down.
- Load carriage
- How the suspension handles the loads the pack is actually rated for, over long days.
- Real-world durability
- How the material, stitching, or steel holds up after a season of hard use — not how it looks new.
- Performance in bad conditions
- Wind, rain, cold, and grit are the test. Anything that only works on a nice day gets marked down.
- Weight and packability
- Every ounce has to earn its place in the pack, but not at the cost of something that fails in the field.
- Ease of use
- Setup, adjustment, and maintenance with cold hands, in the dark, without the manual.
- Value at its price point
- Compared against the closest competitors in the same tier, not against cheaper gear in a different class.
Nano 22 Plus — frequently asked questions
- Is the Nano 22 Plus worth it?
- We rank it #8 in Best Daypacks. The best value harness in the category, with a hydration sleeve and a shape that carries loose loads without slumping.
- What is the Nano 22 Plus best for?
- Best for day hiking, casual commuting, travel day pack and light climbing approaches. Standouts: superior harness system for comfortable load carrying at this price point and internal framesheet prevents sagging and improves stability with varied loads.
- What are the downsides of the Nano 22 Plus?
- Not the lightest option available in the 22L category, Minimalist hip belt pockets are absent and Aesthetic is purely functional, not stylish for urban use.
- What are the key specs of the Nano 22 Plus?
- Capacity: 22 Liters · Weight: 1 lb 7 oz (650g) · Materials: 210D Honeycomb CryptoRip Nylon · Ventilation: Perforated foam backpanel · Hydration: Internal sleeve, hose routing
- Construction & Materials — what should I know about the Nano 22 Plus?
- Gregory opted for a 210D Honeycomb CryptoRip Nylon, which is a smart choice for balancing durability and weight. It's tough enough to shrug off abrasion from brush and rocks, yet it doesn't feel overly stiff or heavy.
- Real-World Performance — what should I know about the Nano 22 Plus?
- Out on the trail, the Nano 22 Plus shines in its ability to carry a moderate load comfortably. The perforated foam backpanel and shoulder straps, while not revolutionary, do a decent job of promoting airflow and preventing excessive sweat buildup.
Compare side by side
Put the Nano 22 Plus against any other pick on this list — specs, price, pros, cons and reader ratings.