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Reviews > Packs > Frameless Backpacks and Day Packs > Gregory Maya 10 Daypack > Owner Review by Morgan LypkaName: Morgan LypkaAge: 25 Gender: Female Height: 5’4” (1.6 m) Weight: 110 lb (50 kg) Email address: m DOT lypka AT yahoo.com City, Province, Country: Fernie, British Columbia, Canada Date: May 13, 2017 Backpacking Background: I mainly started backpacking 2 years ago, when I moved to Fernie for work. I am originally from Saskatchewan, Canada, where I have done some Northern canoe trips. Most of my backpacking ventures are between the lengths of 1 to 5 days. I normally get cold very quickly, and handle heat very well. Mostly, my trips involve hiking, trail running or day trip mountain biking. I am starting to do more ski touring, and some rock climbing ventures. GREGORY MAYA 10 DAYPACK – WOMEN’S 1. Product Information Manufacturer: Gregory Mountain Products Company Stores, LLC Manufacturer Website: https://gregorypacks.com MSRP: $85.00 USD Size: one size (610 in3 or 10 L) Listed Weight: 19.2 oz (544 g) Measured Weight: 18.4 oz (523 g) Main Fabric: 100-denier ripstop nylon Access: Clamshell zip Body Dimensions (measured): 17.5" x 9.0" x 5.25" (44.5 cm x 22.9 cm x 13.3 cm) Torso Length: 14.0-21.7 in (35.5-55 cm) Hip Belt Circumference: 26.0-40.0 in (66-101.5 cm) Year of Purchase: 2014 Colour Tested: Pink (current colours available from manufacturer’s website are grey, blue, purple) Hydration compatible: claims to fit a 3 L bladder (I have only tried a 2 L) 2. Product Description The Maya 10 is meant for day trips, marketed for running and biking. The pack has a sternum strap and a waist strap. There are 2 pockets on the waist strap, which is great for smaller items (I use them for keys or electrolyte gummies when I run). The pockets are unfortunately too small for a larger size iPhone (it doesn't fit my 6C). There are also 2 side compression pockets. I generally store bear spray in one, and if I’m running with music I will put my phone in the other. The pack is compatible with a hydration pack. There is a clip on the right strap for a hydration pack hose. There are also elastic bands on the straps, and I occasionally use them for my headphones cord or for better positioning of the hydration pack hose. The pack has one main compartment, with an exterior stretch front pocket with a bungee cord closure. If I’m bringing a rain jacket, I like to put in the exterior stretch front pocket. The pack doesn’t have the extendable sides for the outside pocket, so it can’t hold larger, bulkier items (it doesn’t fit my bike helmet, however the main compartment does). There is also a top smaller pocket, and inside it has a zipper and a hook. I store my wallet and sometimes keys in there (if my keys aren’t in the waist pocket). The narrow shoulder straps allow thick-strap tank tops to be worn without the straps chafing on bare skin. The pack also has a ventilated back panel (made with Aero Mesh), which helps the user keep cool and provides some rigidity along the back, which I like. The pack also has dynamic suspension, which allows the pack to move with the body’s movements. 3. Field Description I have used this pack mountain biking, hiking and trail running. I have used it on a couple non-backcountry overnight trips when I was travelling, and only wanted to take a portion of my things with me for a night. I have used this pack close to 30 times, and I have used it in every season. On average, I use the pack for distances ranging from 5 to 15 km (3.1 to 9.3 mi), typically trail running in the Canadian Rocky Mountains and primarily in the spring, summer and fall. Annual daily averages in the town of Fernie range from 19.4 F (-7 C) in the winter to 60.8 F (16 C) in the summer. Annual daily precipitation averages in the town of Fernie range from 0.6 in (15 mm) in the winter to 2.4 in (61 mm) in the summer. Elevation gain on a Fernie cross country trail for this distance is about 1300 ft (400 m) in heavily treed areas. Moose and bears (black and grizzlies) can be seen on the trails, and elk and deer are in the area as well (usually at the lower elevations). Initially I bought the pack because I was looking for a lightweight pack for trail running that could hold a few items. The pack replaced another backpack I was using that was not lightweight and not intended for trail running). I wanted something that would fit me snugly, and that wouldn’t bog me down. I have used the pack in all four seasons. Typically when I trail run, I carry in it bear spray, my wallet, a key, my cell phone and a 2 L hydration bladder. Depending on the season, I will also have a rain jacket and or gloves, and depending on the length of the run, I will carry snacks in it. It has no problem fitting these items. It worked for me in the winter because I wasn’t putting any larger layers in it, and I used it in the same way I would in the summer. In my trail running trials (mainly in the Rocky Mountains in Fernie) I have found that the pack bounces around a little bit. However, this doesn't occur while hiking or mountain biking. I would equate this to my frame being smaller. I have the straps at the tightest lengths. If the pack is more weighted down, this is less of an issue for me. I have never experienced chafing from the backpack, even when I wear a tank top, so this is a huge plus. The ventilated back panel also keeps me cool while I run. I have used the pack in the rain, and with it not being waterproof, things inside will get damp. There is a lot of precipitation in Fernie, but since I use the pack for day use, I don’t mind if I things get a little damp and haven’t yet purchased a waterproof cover for the bag. I have used it on the Fernie mountain biking trails on the outskirts of the town. I bring it with me mountain biking so that I can have bear spray, and I will sometimes bring my hydration pack. It fits this purpose perfectly, the bear spray is easy access in the side pouch, and the bag doesn’t move around nor do I really notice it on by back.  This is a photo of the Gregory Maya 10 pack (left) on top of Turtle Mountain, Crowsnest Pass, Alberta, in June 2015 where I did a day hike with 3 friends. The elevation gain of the hike is 4,535 ft (1,382 m). It’s a hike in the Rocky Mountains with shale portions. I used a 2 L hydration pack, and have my rain jacket in the external stretch pocket. The pack suited the day’s needs perfectly; it held my snacks and lunch for the day, my hydration pack, and my rain jacket. 4. Observations • A little big for my size, it moves slightly from side to side when I run, and I have the straps as tight as they will go • I once tried to ‘fold’ it into a larger bag, and the rigid back brace has never been straight since. This makes it more difficult to stack things in the pack, and sometimes they will pool at the bottom • Narrow straps prevent chafing • Waist pocket too small for iPhone 6 • I have had no issues with the zippers since I bought it • The bungee cord that holds the external stretch pocket has stretched a little from trying to overstuff the pocket, but it doesn’t hinder the pocket’s performance • Easy to find what I’m looking for (1, it doesn’t hold too much so I just bring the essentials, and 2, it has a smaller internal pocket for wallet, keys etc.) 5. Summary What I like 1. Hydration compatible 2. Lightweight 3. Good storage 4. Vented back 5. Material is durable What I dislike 1. Not a perfect fit for me (bit too loose with the straps) 2. Back brace isn’t super durable (once it bends, backpack won’t pack as well) 3. External stretch pocket not extendable (doesn’t fit a bike helmet) 4. The pack is not waterproof 5. Waist strap pocket not compatible with larger smart phone Even though the straps are a bit loose for me, I do recommend this pack. It’s lightweight, has easy access pockets (important for bear spray) and fits its purpose. Read more reviews of Gregory gear Read more gear reviews by Morgan Lypka Reviews > Packs > Frameless Backpacks and Day Packs > Gregory Maya 10 Daypack > Owner Review by Morgan Lypka | ||||