With just two minor downsides, the Gregory Miko 30 is an easy Best in Test for Peter Macfarlane.
At first glance it might look like the trusted pack brand has followed a tried and tested format with the Gregory Miko 30, but after many months of use I’ve found that it’s the little things that make a difference.
Peter Macfarlane’s Best in Test
The layout, features, carry and little details like the huge faff free zip-pulls make the Miko an easy Best in Test for me and my current go-to day pack.- fit
- comfort
- usability
- features
- hip fin pockets could be a little bigger
| Quick specs |
|---|
| RRP: $169.95 / £145 (available from SportsShoes.com) Weight: 994g Capacity: 30 litres Materials: Body: 100D High Density 30% Recycled Nylon & 210D High Density 45% Recycled Nylon. Base: 210D High Density 45% Recycled Nylon. Lining: 40% Post-consumer Recycled 135d Polyester. All with PFAS-free DWR. Bluesign approved buckles. Back system: adjustable length air mesh back Pockets: lid with pocket, internal and external zipped pockets, accessible side pockets, attachment points, padded hipbelt with pockets Features: single top access compartment, hydration compatible Sizes: regular and plus size Men’s version? Maya 30 eu.gregorypacks.com |
The Miko has a single compartment with single buckle lid access. The opening is drawcorded and the lid placed and shaped to completely cover the opening for an excellent weather seal. The drawcord is a dual action type with a webbing loop to pull for easy opening. The lid has a decent sized zipped pocket and two webbing loops that I attached bungee loops to for carrying extra gear, especially my crampons on descent when I didn’t want melting snow inside the pack. Neatly hidden between lid and closure is the zipped access to the hydration sleeve.
Storage options are a strong feature, with a zipped mesh pocket just inside the closure incliding a keyclip. Outside on the front panel there is a bungee web which I used often for wet waterproofs, but it will take a lightweight tent. Under this is a large pocket with vertical zipped access on the right side. There’s a webbing loop at the bass which takes a bike light and by adding a bungee can expand carrying options still further. There are axe/pole attachments on the left side which were easy to use with gloves through last winter. I’d probably have liked to have these on both side of the pack, but the vertical zipped pocket that is the likely reason for the omission is a compromise I’ve been happy with.
The side panels have an excellent layout with large 3D shaped mesh pockets that will take a 1 litre bottle and are accessible while walking. The side compression straps sit above the pocket and are angled away from a hand reaching back so they don’t interfere with the usability and are effective at cinching in the pack.
The back system is adjustable for length via a Velcro panel which forms part of the shoulder strap assembly. It’s easy to adjust and very secure. I have it set at its maximum length and it’s a perfect fit on my frame. The back system feels quite stiff in the hand but the whole pack can be rolled up so there is a lot of flexibility in there. This mix ensures stability and comfort as well as protection from shoddy packing with no sharp corners pushing into my back.
The rear panel includes a meshed ridge design – so there is a some attempt at moisture management – but the closer fit adds comfort and stability. I haven’t felt any downside to the simpler back.
The wide and nicely padded hipbelt is ergonomically grown from the back system giving a wraparound feel which I appreciated on winter early starts with a heavy load. The hipfins also have handy zipped pockets. The shoulder straps are low profile and flexible with a good amount of padding to be comfortable with the fewer layers I was wearing into Spring. Adjustment is easy and the sternum strap does its job.
The lid buckle could do with allowing better adjustment when the pack is only part loaded, the hip fin pockets could be a little bigger volume but otherwise, the layout, features, carry and little details like the huge faff free zip-pulls make the Miko an easy Best in Test for me and my current go-to day pack.
Testing conditions
Reserve Ranger Peter rotated the packs on his regular 11km deer fence inspection walks in the Kilpatrick Hills and took them into the Munros through the winter. Peter is 1.8m in height and wears between regular and tall back lengths depending on design and brand.
This review was first published in the August 2025 issue of The Great Outdoors. Compare it with other daypacks in our guide to the best hiking backpacks.
