Gregory Swift 16 H2O / Inertia 18 H2O Hydration Pack Review

Bottom Line

The Gregory Swift 16 H2O / Inertia 18 H2O excels as a lightweight, compact hydration pack, perfect for short hikes, or biking. It offers a comfortable fit for light loads, with a well-distributed weight that minimizes fatigue. The hydration system is efficient, with a sturdy bladder and an ergonomic pan handle for easy filling and hydration on the go. 

The pack’s 16L capacity provides enough space for essentials, though it’s best suited for minimal gear due to its smaller compartments and limited storage. The pack is durable overall, but the mesh material on the shoulder straps and back may not be as robust for extended wear. It lacks a padded hip belt and adjustable shoulder straps, which can affect comfort during longer outings. If you’re looking for a larger or more robust pack, please see our full guide to the best hydration packs. 

The Swift 16 offers great value for those seeking a no-frills, efficient pack for short adventures. It’s ideal for active individuals who prioritize comfort and simplicity.

How We Tested

We took the pack out on a 6-mile winter hike at Lake Keechelus in Washington during the winter to test for comfort and evaluate how effectively it carried our snacks, gear, and other items for hiking. We tested ease of use for the hydration system and used a shower to evaluate the pack’s weather resistance.

Comfort & Fit

The Gregory Swift 16 H2O offers decent comfort for short hikes but lacks some features for long-term wear. During our winter hike in Washington, we felt slight discomfort with wearing the pack due to the lack of a padded hip belt. With 8 pounds on our back, we did not overpack the Gregory Swift 16 H2O but felt that any more weight would be uncomfortable for a longer hike. Additionally, there are no load lifters on the shoulder straps which reduced the adjustability.

However, with the lighter load we used during our testing, the fit was generally comfortable. Both the shoulder straps and back mesh were breathable, keeping us cool in the winter sun. This is not the most supportive pack on the market, but it’s ideal for minimalist adventures where comfort isn’t the highest priority.

Hydration System

One of the standout features of the Gregory Swift 16 H2O is its hydration system. The 2L bladder is easy to fill and insert, especially when the pack is full, thanks to its well-designed bladder compartment. We loved how the pan handle felt when filling the bladder and how easy it was to hold with just one hand. The pan handle ensures that the bladder doesn’t slip around, and the sturdy, long handle makes refills simple. There is no external side pocket for a Nalgene-sized bottle, but the 2L bladder is sufficient for the smaller pack size.

All connection points with the bladder were easy to use, such as the clip between the bladder and hose. The slightest issue we found was that the button to detach the hose was stiffer than we prefer. At least it gave us a piece of mind that the hose wouldn’t accidentally self-detach and cause a bladder leak. We like the bonus feature that the bladder mouth is the perfect fit for a Nalgene-sized filter (like the Katadyn water filter pump.

Overall, the bladder fits comfortably in the pack and is the most easy and ergonomic to use compared to all other hydration bladders we tested. The hydration system is reliable, and the bladder’s easy setup makes it one of the best features of the pack.

Compartments

The Swift 16 H2O features minimalist compartments that provide basic organization but lack versatility. There’s a separate compartment for the bladder, keeping the main compartment dry after filling the bladder. That main compartment offers enough room even after the hydration bladder, including snacks and a few small essentials, but it’s not roomy enough for larger gear. We were barely able to fit in a winter jacket with our lunch food, which limited what we could bring on the hike. 

Beyond those main compartments, the key pocket is a nice touch, keeping small items secure. The side zippered pocket is spacious, but the stiff fabric makes it harder to access. It’s the right size for a phone but due to the zipper location, we didn’t feel like it was a great option to place a phone in case it fell out.

However, we felt that the two external small pockets were helpful for providing extra storage divisions for small snacks as opposed to just a single compartment like more minimalist packs. There’s no internal hidden pocket, which was a drawback for hiding away important items like keys and wallet. For light adventures, the compartment layout works, but it may be too limiting for those who need more organization.

Waterproofing

The Gregory Swift 16 H2O performs reasonably well in wet conditions. We simulated a rainstorm by testing the pack under a shower faucet for 30 seconds. Overall, the pack kept most of its contents dry, but water did find its way into the compartments through the zippers since they weren’t covered.

However, the water-resistant fabric itself did not allow water seepage during the simulated heavy rain. Therefore, we believe that this pack would stand against a light-to-moderate Washington rain but not a heavy Colorado storm without a pack cover. Consider getting a pack cover if you plan to hike in heavy rain with the Gregory Swift 16 H2O pack.

Durability

The Gregory Swift 16 H2O is built with durable materials that can withstand regular use. Across most of their packs, Gregory uses 420D High Density Nylon, a thick and abrasion-resistant fabric that’s a great choice for frequent outdoor activities. On the outing, we did not see any glaring issues with the main body fabric. It never snagged on rocks or other sharp objects and any dirt always slid right off easily.

The mesh on the shoulder straps and back was clearly less durable. The terrain probably won’t rip or tear it, but it might not hold up to heavy loads over time. The zippers are smooth and easy to operate, great for on-the-go quick access without snagging the fabric. Overall, for a medium-sized day pack, the Gregory Swift 16/Inertia 18 H2O pack feels sturdy and long-lasting.

Weight

The Gregory Swift 16 H2O is a lightweight, compact hydration pack that is easy to carry during short hikes and outdoor adventures. Weighing in at 1.2 pounds, this pack is obviously lighter than any larger volume pack but also lighter than packs of similar size – some of which weigh closer to 2 pounds. Although the pack material felt slightly denser and heavier than expected for its size, the efficient build and compartments make the pack lightweight as a whole. 

The pack’s design also keeps weight close to the body, which helps maintain comfort and balance, even with a full bladder. It did not feel heavy while hiking despite not having a padded hip belt. Its 16L capacity is perfect for hikes with limited gear, but packing it too dense decreased the ergonomic feel and increased how heavy it felt on trail. Overall, the Swift 16 H2O is a solid option for light-to-medium loads and is well-suited for short-distance hikes, offering a good balance between size and weight.

Should You Buy the Gregory Sula 16 Hydration Pack?

The Gregory Swift 16 H2O is a solid hydration pack for short hikes, offering a lightweight design, easy-to-use hydration system, and good comfort for light loads. Even though its compartments are basic and lack organizational features, the pack excels in its hydration bladder and overall durability. The absence of a padded hip belt and adjustable shoulders may limit comfort for longer hikes, but it’s an excellent choice for those seeking a compact, efficient pack for quick adventures.

The value lies in its lightweight design and dependable hydration system, making it ideal for active individuals who prioritize simplicity and functionality.

What Other Hydration Packs Should You Consider?

If you’re looking for something different, please see our complete hydration packs guide – or try the following packs:

Teton Oasis 18L Review: For budget-conscious hikers, the Teton Oasis 18L offers solid performance at a lower price. While the Gregory Swift 16/Inertia 18 H2O excels in comfort, the Oasis provides plenty of storage space and a pack cover for rainy days for those looking to save without sacrificing too much quality.

CamelBak M.U.L.E. 12 Review: If you prioritize organization, the CamelBak M.U.L.E.® 12 is a stronger contender than the Gregory Swift 16/Inertia 18 H2O. With a well-designed layout and multiple compartments for quick access to gear, the M.U.L.E.® offers a better balance of capacity and organization, especially for short-to-medium treks.

Deuter Speed Lite 13 Review: For a lighter and more compact option, the Deuter Speed Lite 13 outshines the Gregory Swift 16/Inertia 18 H2O. Weighing less and featuring a minimalist design, it’s perfect for fast, short hikes where carrying extra weight isn’t a concern.