ProView – Gregory Rhune 20 Review

If, like me, you are someone who likes everything to have its place, the Gregory Rhune 20 backpack might just be your dream come true. This backpack not only has a place for almost literally any little item that you would think to carry, it also fits and carries so well I sometimes forgot I was even carrying it.

Initial impressions

If I’m being honest, my expectations were not very high when deciding to test this backpack. However, when I first got the Rhune 20, I had to quickly alter my thoughts that this bag would not be used very often in lieu of a more versatile option. The Gregory Rhune 20 is well built, comfortable and stylish. 

I have always had purpose driven gear; being a professional guide allows you the luxury (or should I say excuse) to have a single piece of gear for each purpose or activity. However, I also seek out gear that can serve multiple purposes equally well negating the need for specifically purposed pieces. As you might well imagine, these two thought processes are definitely at odds. I have backpacks for biking, backpacks for hiking, backpacks for climbing, backpacks for weekend trips and backpacks for expeditions. Many of these backpacks serve double or triple duty as my activities and adventures expand or change. I have not had, until now, a backpack dedicated to commuting since I was walking to school in the nineties. Since those formative years walking to school in rainy Oregon, I have opted for more technical backpacks rather than the book bags of old. After only a few short weeks using a stylish, purpose driven commuter backpack, I have become a believer. It doesn’t matter if you commute by bus, train, bike, or foot, the Gregory Rhune 20 is perfect for the daily commuter. 

Features/Fit

This 20 liter backpack seemingly has a pocket or a pouch for virtually anything you would need to carry in a commuter backpack. It has dedicated spots for a laptop (padded of course), a tablet, keys, earbuds, pens, books, chargers, water bottle, snacks, sunglasses, facemasks, etc. 

My one gripe with the pockets is that the pocket for smaller items like earbuds, located on the left shoulder strap did not fit the small recharging case I have for the buds that I currently have. This was unfortunate, but nevertheless, I found a convenient spot in the side pocket which was accessible by simply slipping off one shoulder strap and swinging the bag around to your front. 

The shoulder straps were padded, contoured, and very comfortable. The lack of a waist strap was a moot point as this bag is not designed for heavy load carrying. The pack has a comfortably padded AirCushion foamless back panel that allowed the pack to sit comfortably on my back regardless of the amount of or lack of items I was carrying. I also particularly liked the padded grab handle on the top of the backpack which made the bag easy and balanced to hold and carry with one hand. The zippers were all very smooth and did not catch on the fabric. The main compartment had a double zipper which I very much appreciated. Each of the zippers was outfitted with an easy to grasp custom ComfortGrip molded zipper pulls that made it easy to locate and pull even with gloves on in the winter. 

Quality/Durability

I have owned Gregory products before and have put their backpacks through the wringer on long multi-week expeditions. The Rhune 20 does not need the rugged design and durability of an expedition style backpack, however, the feel and finish of this bag give me confidence that it will last just as long as any backpack I’ve had. Nothing about this backpack screams cheaply made. Although this is a technology centered commuter/daypack, its styling and features have a decidedly technical feel and look to them. 

The Rhune 20 (as well as the 22 and 25 liter sizes) are all made using recycled products. According to gregorypacks.com this results in a 57% reduction in carbon footprint compared to a conventional nylon daypack. 

Room for Improvement

If I were to change anything about this bag it would be two small things — I would make the mesh bottle holder bigger to allow larger 32oz insulated bottles to fit, and I would give the bag the stability to stand upright on end. I found that unless the bag was fully loaded with books or clothing, the bag would simply fall over even if leaned up against a table leg, bike tire, or a wall. Adding some stiffness to the bottom of the bag would surely do the trick. 

Final Word

This bag is stylish enough to bring to the office, yet rugged enough to tote along on a moderate day hike. I genuinely appreciated the thoughtful features in this trim, durable package. Overall, the Gregory Rhune 20 is ideal for someone who spends a lot of time commuting and needs to stay organized. If you’re in the market for a technology centered everyday carry commuter backpack, the Gregory Rhune 20 is well worth considering. 

For a review on a larger size, see the Proview – Gregory Rhune 25 review.

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