Looking for the perfect day pack with a little extra room? The Gregory Maven 45L is a great candidate. As someone who has a dog and likes to make sure I account for almost any possible incident, this pack checks all the boxes.

The Maven 45L is available in Rosewood Red or Helium Grey. I chose Rosewood Red because I like to spend time in southern Utah and have a feeling it will hide the red rock dust well. This pack comes with a matching rain cover, taking out the guesswork in finding the right size and shape for your pack. The pack has a few small straps and buckles, but all hardware looks sturdy and capable of wear and tear. I am 5’10” with broad shoulders and a long torso and the S/M is the perfect fit!

For a 3lb 5oz pack, the Maven 45L carries so much. The side access zipper feature means no more hassling to grab that fresh pair of socks at the bottom. Plenty of extra pockets means everything stays organized with easy access. The supportive straps were molded to my shoulders right out of the box. The hip belt is secure without being restrictive. A full pack with the chest strap clipped feels like a big hug.

The hip belts definitely hold their own in helping evenly support the weight of your load. Not only that, but they have pockets big enough to fit your phone and easy access for snacks. The metal frame of the pack is made from alloy steel providing the best support for your back while keeping things light and flexible. The chest strap has a whistle and along with the buckle, can be moved up and down depending on where you feel the most secure. Though I have not used it, there is a hook for your water bladder inside the pack and clips along either shoulder strap for left or right tube access.

It may not be intended for air travel luggage, but the Maven 45L was a fabulous pack for checked baggage. I packed it to the brim, but if I were bringing less, it could be a great carry on. From a weekend camping trip to a weekend at a friend’s house, the pack is now my go-to bag! The Gregory Maven 45L is a must-have pack for someone like me who is just getting into backpacking but wants a piece of equipment that will be versatile and lasting for years to come.

$199.95 - BUY NOW + check out discounts on Backcountry.

Gear Hub: Gregory Maven 45L Backpack