ProView – Gregory Jade 63 + 3D Hydro Trek 3L Review

I put the Gregory Jade 63 Pack and the Gregory 3D Hydro Trek 3L Hydration Bladder to the test during my springtime backpacking trip in the Rockies. With the epic amount of rainfall we’ve gotten in Colorado this year, it’s no surprise this pack came with me through rain and shine. Through it all this pack proved to be reliable and I’m excited to use it all summer long. 

As a 5’1” petite gal, finding the perfect fit for a backpacking pack has always been a challenge, so I was pleasantly surprised to find the Jade pack fit me well and checked all of my boxes. Additionally, the 3D Hydro Trek Bladder was the perfectly versatile water system I never knew I needed on a backpacking trip.

Fit/Comfort

The Jade 63 pack offered an ideal and comfortable fit for me. The adjustable torso allowed me to customize the pack to my height perfectly. The shoulder straps, constructed from Lifespan foam, were super comfortable, and the hip belt provided the perfect amount of support. Additionally, the breathable back panel with its Open-Air, Precise Fit design kept me cool during hot ascents, thanks to the extra airflow.

Look/Style

The Moab Orange color of the Jade 63 pack added a vibrant touch to my outdoor gear collection. It’s eye-catching and stands out in the wilderness, so just in case I wander off trail, my hiking buddies will be able to find me.

Features

The Jade 63 pack boasts an impressive amount of features. My previous pack didn’t have hip pockets so these were a game-changer for me, allowing easy access to essentials such as snacks, phone, and chapstick. The Full Access U-Zip on the front of the pack eliminated the need to rummage through the top, providing quick access to items. The bottom pocket was perfect for storing my sleeping bag, and the internal separator helped keep me organized. With ample accessible pockets and thoughtful design, the Jade 63 Pack gave me everything I needed for my backcountry adventure.

The 3D Hydro Trek 3L Hydration Bladder is an amazing addition to my backpacking gear and was truly something I never knew I needed. The bladder’s unique shape allows you to pack the bladder horizontally right on top of your pack so that you can access it easily for filtering water. It also can be used vertically like a normal bladder for day hiking. And lastly, it has a convenient strap to hang and a pour spout called the Basecamp Tap to fill up water bottles, pots, and more. I was stoked about the versatility of the bladder and really loved using it at camp.

Weight/Packability

Coming in at 4.15 lbs, the pack is not the lightest option on the market but its weight is justified by the comfort and durability it offers. Previously I owned a more streamlined bag meant for people who travel more ultralight, but it definitely lacked in the comfort department. Pack weight is totally dependent upon what type of backpacker you are and I really felt like the Jade 63 was perfect for what I’m looking for.

Function/Performance

The Jade 63 Pack performed great in various terrains and weather conditions. Its durability stood out, even during my initial use, promising reliable performance for future adventures. The zipper worked well, and overall the bag felt really high-quality in the times I used it. I really enjoyed the 63L capacity as I like to have all of my essentials (and then some). When I was testing I only took it on a one night trip and didn’t fill the pack to the brim. For longer trips I know I will enjoy the extra space in the pack for more food and potentially a few non-essential items, like a hammock!

The 3D Hydro Trek 3L Hydration Bladder and hose were awesome and worked as you’d expect – no leaking and easy-to-use. The bladder came with a magnet so you can have an easy place to store your bladder hose on any backpack while you’re in action. As mentioned before, the bladder is multi-functional and I know I’ll be using it to its full potential throughout the summer.

Durability/Construction

From the reinforced stitching to the high-quality materials, the Jade 63 Pack delivers in terms of durability. Based on my experience with the bag, the construction feels sturdy and I have full confidence that it will continue to withstand the rigors of the great outdoors. The bladder was also made really well and held up on the days I’ve used it for backpacking and also for day hikes.

Eco-Friendliness

In 2019 Greogry started a partnership with a leading firm in Germany to build a customized Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tool to calculate the environmental footprint of the energy used and the impact generated from the entire lifecycle of our product. The LCA gives Gregory the ability to adapt a product’s design, manufacturing, and material selections to reduce its impact on the planet before it’s built. I was happy to hear that Gregory utilized the LCA approach to create the Jade backpacking packs which led to a more responsibly built product with a reduced environmental impact. Both the body and the lining of the Jade 63 are made from 40% Recycled materials. All of the above make this pack a great choice for those that want to lean into a more eco-friendly backpacking pack (and company!).

The Final Word

The Gregory Jade 63 backpack and Gregory 3D Hydro Trek 3L hydration bladder have undoubtedly earned my recommendation. With their exceptional quality and plethora of features, they are a backpacker’s dream. The Jade 63 backpack’s comfortable and customizable design, combined with its large capacity and pockets, make this pack perfect for any backpacker with a big load. The Gregory 3D Hydro Trek 3L hydration bladder’s versatility and convenience is a game changer for staying hydrated during long days on the trail and hanging at camp. Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or a novice adventurer, this duo from Gregory would be perfect for your next trip.

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