Gregory Citro 24 H2O/Juno 24 H2O Review

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a daypack with an excellent hydration setup, look no further than the men’s Gregory Citro 24 H20 and women’s Juno 24 H20. These twin bags are the only packs with reservoirs included on our best daypacks for hiking guide. Senior Gear Analyst Ian Krammer has hiked hundreds of miles When comfort matters, this day pack delivers in spades. The supportive internal frame and wide waist belt transfer weight to the hips well. Thick mesh straps and a ventilated back panel feel breathable during all-day use. And, the Citro and Juno’s thoughtful organization includes numerous pockets, trekking pole attachments, and convenient access to gear, making them Golidlocks packs for almost any hike.

That said, the Citro and Juno may not suit minimalist hikers. Their heavier build, slightly bulkier size, and extensive features can be overkill for simple outings. Plus, these bags are priced on the higher side. Still, for those seeking durability, on the go hydration, and long-lasting comfort, the Citro and June shine on challenging routes.

Comfort

The Gregory Citro and Juno 24 H20 are among the comfiest framed daypacks in their size range. During testing, we immediately noticed how their lightweight frames and wide waist straps distributed weight evenly to the hips. Senior Gear Analyst Ian Krammer found this suspension reduced strain on his back and shoulders, even on 20+ mile day hikes through Colorado’s rugged San Juan Mountains. Thanks for the thick mesh shoulder straps, we did not feel pressure points or rubbing when we wore the Citro in our test hikes. We also appreciated the ventilated back panel for staying cool on hot summer days and the adjustable sternum clip for a personalized fit.

The downside of this level of comfort? Added weight and bulk. Ian often prefers the feel of a lighter, more minimalist daypack like the REI Flash 22 or the Salomon Trailblazer for their lighter weight and simpler design. That said, for days where carrying more weight and staying comfortable are top priorities, these packs deliver.

Organization

If you love having a place for everything, staying organized on the trail is effortless with the Citro and Juno 24 H20. One of the reasons Ian returns to the Citro is because it has a ton of pockets tailored for his essentials. He can access his keys, snacks, and small necessities from the top outside pocket and stuff his puffy or hat in the large mesh outside pocket. The huge hip pockets let him grab his phone and trail snacks without removing the pack. Trekking pole attachments and a sunglass stash hook on the shoulder strap are our other organizational favorites.

We’re also big fans of the two full-length internal compartments. One is dedicated to storing the hydration bladder – keeping it secure and isolating it from the main compartment. The other has a zippered mesh pocket for small items and a wide opening for easy access to our gear at the bottom.

All these pockets, compartments, and straps can feel excessive for some adventures. For example, our senior gear analyst is more of a minimalist for day hikes, so he gravitates towards light packs with only a few pockets. However, if organization is important to you, these day packs pass with flying colors.

User-Friendliness

At 2 lbs for the Citro and 1.9 lbs for Juno, these bags are average weight for framed day packs, but they’re heavier and bulkier compared to frameless options like the REI 22 or the LL Bean Stowaway. In addition to adding support and comfort, the internal frame and padded shoulder straps also add weight. These bags’ burly nylon and polyester fabrics also add bulk. However, these daypacks are designed to carry weight, so we don’t mind too much – and barely notice those two pounds when we’re on the trail.

Compression straps tighten down the weight of the packs when loaded. However, the alloy steel frame prevents these daypacks from being folded or rolled.  Although they flatten fairly easily when not in use, they’re not a great choice for fitting into a larger backpack or luggage. If you’re looking for an ultralight or super-compressible option, these aren’t the best options on our list.

Weight and Compressibility

At 2 lbs for the Citro and 1.9 lbs for Juno, these bags are average weight for framed day packs, but they’re heavier and bulkier compared to frameless options like the REI 22 or the LL Bean Stowaway. In addition to adding support and comfort, the internal frame and padded shoulder straps also add weight. These bags’ burly nylon and polyester fabrics also add bulk. However, these daypacks are designed to carry weight, so we don’t mind too much – and barely notice those two pounds when we’re on the trail.

Compression straps tighten down the weight of the packs when loaded. However, the alloy steel frame prevents these daypacks from being folded or rolled.  Although they flatten fairly easily when not in use, they’re not a great choice for fitting into a larger backpack or luggage. If you’re looking for an ultralight or super-compressible option, these aren’t the best options on our list.

Durability

If long-lasting gear is important to you, the Citro and Juno H20 are built to last. Senior Gear Analyst Ian Krammer has pummeled his Citro for two rugged summers of hiking in Colorado. He dragged the Citro over rocks, scraped them through some of the thickest bushwhacking in the San Juan Mountain Range, and endured spring snow flurries, summer hail, and fall rain. After 300+ miles of testing, Ian’s pack still looks almost new thanks to its abrasion-resistant materials. A beefy alloy steel frame, burly nylon fabric, and strong components make these backpacks as rugged as they come. 

The pack’s small weight penalty pays off in durability. They’re not ultralight packs, but the Citro and Juno shouldn’t need replacing for many seasons and years of hard use. Durability is a strong point for these men’s and women’s day packs.

Should you buy the Gregory Citro or Juno 24 H2O pack?

The Gregory Citro 24 H20 and Juno 24 H20 are excellent daypacks for hikers who want durability, comfort, and hydration on the go. With their sturdy internal frames, abrasion-resistant nylon construction, and thoughtful storage, these models are perfect for a 1-2 hour hike in your local hills or a 12-hour hike in the mountains. On the other hand, these packs are a bit heavy and bulky, so they’re not our first choice for ultralight hikers, minimalists hikers, or those seeking a lightweight, compact daypack. We think the price is worth every penny if you’re looking for a top-performing bag for staying hydrated on long days on the trail.

What other day packs should you consider for hiking?

If the Citro or Juno isn’t your dream pack, head over to our guide to the Best Daypacks for Hiking to see our other recommendations.

Osprey Talon 22 / Tempest 22 Review: The Osprey Talon 22 offers stellar organization, is slightly smaller, and adds a helmet clip for biking or mountaineering, which makes it a better choice for cycling or summit attempts.

REI Trail 25 Review: If you need a bit more space in the main compartment and prefer a bit less structure in your day pack, the Trail 25 is more affordable.

Osprey Stratos 24 / Sirrus 24 Review: If durability, support, and comfort are your top priorities, these Osprey daypacks are worth a try, especially for those who don’t mind the extra weight for a more rugged pack.