GregoryMountain Products Citro 24 H2O

Backpack reviewOsprey Manta 24 vs Gregory Citro 24I narrowed my decision for a daypack with frame and hip-belt with pockets down to these two packs, based on high reviews for both.Manta kudos: has a better back trampoline, pack fully separate from the back. Trekking pole stash while wearing. Built-in rain cover. Adjustable shoulder strap height.Citro kudos: smaller, looks less “over the top”; shoulder straps were more comfortable; more subdivision for storage; larger stretch pocket; easier zippers on waist belt pockets.Equal: side mesh pockets accessible with pack on; both are comfortable, both sit on hips well and take pack weight off shoulders.Both good packs, but kept the Citro. Mainly for trimmer size and better pockets (I prefer multiple pockets, the Manta design was more about one large central storage area).I didn’t prefer (but wasn’t totally against) the Manta’s sideways-entry back panel pocket. The Manta shoulder straps were slightly chafing my shoulders on test loads, so it concerned me that might amplify on actual hikes. I also heard some intermittent squeaking from the Manta on test loads walked around my small house.I really liked the Citro’s pocket setup, lots of areas to subdivide gear, the main storage area had a small separate zippered pouch up top. The main storage is plenty big, but the Manta was bigger. The Manta had smaller and less of the various outer pockets. The back stretch pocket was noticeable smaller than on the Citro.If you don’t like lots of sections and pockets, you won’t want the Citro.I didn’t get a chance to try the water reservoir in the Manta, since I returned it, but even just the connection system for the hanger was easier on the Citro. The Citro mouthpiece worked great, but wasn’t anything special. It looked like the same mouthpiece on the Manta. The reservoir is very easy to access, attach/remove, and fill. I also like that the tube disconnect was up top, unlike my old Camelbak.Both seemed to use the same or similar sternum strap connector, it was minimalist and magnetic (but also had hooks to keep it attached). It can be connected and disconnected one-handed. It worked great on the Citro. The mouth piece stays magnetically starched just fine. And there is also a strap storage hook for the tube when not wearing the pack.The Citro overall felt more like a souped-up day pack, while the Manta seemed more like a toned down backpacking pack.I’m not sure if they both had the same storage volume of 24 liters, but the Manta just looked bigger. It was visibly bigger just sitting next to the Citro. Maybe the Citro was more about the multiple pockets for the volume, while the Manta was more about “one big pocket” design which made the pack need to be larger. And the better back trampoline support in the Manta may have also been a factor. Might have just made it appear larger.I don’t think you could go wrong with either pack.I preferred the multiple smaller pockets approach of the Citro, along with the trimmer profile, the easier to access and unzip waist belt pockets, and the well-engineered water reservoir system.I have to also note that upgrading to a pack with a frame and a hip belt was a worthy investment for my hikes. It’s night and day as far as hauling my gear compared to the Camelbak MULE I am upgrading from.I’ve been using the Citro on multiple extended day hikes, and have been very pleased with the choice and the purchase. I have no regrets, and find that Gregory has put a lot of thought into all the details of this pack.

I spent a week hiking with this bag, and I really love how well designed the hydration pack is, and how well it integrates. I used it on the plane, and while hiking. It fits extremely well and kept my back from getting too sweaty compared to other bags.Extremely nice distribution of weight, and the bottom wrapper pads are very nice. The magnetic chest strap is cool too.

I'm getting back into hiking (day and overnight) after an almost 10 year hiatus. Although I normally eschew spending a lot of money on something like a day pack, I purchased this one on a recommendation. I'm glad I did. I remember the discomfort that's possible with day packs from my previous hiking days, but this pack was so comfortable it might as well not even be there. I've taken it so far on 3 10 - 12 mile conditioning hikes over rugged terrain, with around 2000 ft of elevation change, loaded at 20 lbs., and I can confidently say that this is the most comfortable day pack I've ever used. The included hydration bag is of high quality, and the magnetic chest strap/mouthpiece stowage is nice. The shoulder straps are comfortable, as is the back suspension and waste strap. Multiple pockets help keep things neatly organized and accessible. So far I've yet to have a single chaff or sore spot from a pressure point from this pack . Can't recommend it highly enough, and I'll definitely be looking to Gregory for my overnight backpack.The only con for me is that only the mantis green color was available, which I don't particularly care for. Can't think of anything else about it that I don't like.

Very comfortable and adjustable. Good pockets and gear ties. I gave it 4 stars because when the reservoir is full it takes up about 1/3 of the main compartment. However it is a great pack.

Used this as a hiking backpack on a road trip to great sand dunes, arches, canyonlands, and rocky mountain national park. Worked great too carry first aid, cool water, 2 raincoats, and a few snacks. The elastic strap on the left strap was great for holding my camera while mounted on its selfie stick, too

Great day hiking pack. Super comfortable and light. Has plenty of space if you're not camping overnight. Could use a couple more small pockets for organization but that's a minor complaint. Plus it has my name on it and it's orange.

I just used this pack on Mt Whitney. Hardly noticed I was wearing it. I wish it was just a little bigger but I am kind of a Boy Scout and like to be prepared. Worked great overall.

Great for hiking or everyday use. Light and durable with a lot of compartments.