Gregory Juno/Citro 24 Hydration Pack Review

Bottom Line

The Gregory Juno 24 Hydration Pack excels in comfort, fit, and hydration performance, making it an excellent choice for day hikers, trail runners, and outdoor enthusiasts.

Its lightweight build, breathable back panel, and adjustable shoulder straps ensure a comfortable fit, even when fully loaded. The pack’s hydration system is user-friendly, featuring a leak-proof bladder and a strong magnet clip that keeps the hose in place. The ample storage, including deep hip pockets and a keychain hook, allows for easy access to essentials like snacks, phones, and small gear. However, the pack may not suit those needing extensive storage or a more customizable fit as its single size might not accommodate all body types comfortably. Additionally, the outer mesh material could wear down over time with heavy use.

Overall, the Juno 24 provides excellent value for anyone seeking a reliable, lightweight hydration pack for short outdoor adventures and moderate hikes. That’s why it’s our top pick for the best hydration packs of 2025.

How We Tested

We took the pack out on a 6-mile winter hike to Skyline Lake by Washington’s Stevens Pass to test for comfort and assess how well it carried our snacks, gear, and other items for hiking. We also evaluated the ease of use of the hydration system and tested the pack’s waterproofing under simulated rain.

Comfort & Fit

The Gregory Juno 24 H2O is built for comfort with padded shoulder straps and a soft, breathable back panel. The fit is generally good, but it is important to note that the pack is designed as one-size-fits-all. Even so, there is some amount of adjustability with the shoulder straps, allowing more leeway for larger or smaller built bodies. 

It took some effort to fit the pack correctly but once sized right, we felt that the pack sat snuggly against our bodies. The back panel is designed with a breathable mesh that helps reduce heat buildup and potential sweat, which was important as we tested this out in our winter gear. The hip belt was supportive, designed to be soft and cushioned. We found both of those features useful on our 8-hour hike into the backcountry. We carried 10 pounds of extra layers and winter gear, but the weight wasn’t an issue since the padded shoulder straps kept us comfortable. Individual fit and comfort preferences may vary, but this pack works well for a wide range of hikers.

Hydration System

The Gregory Juno 24 H2O comes equipped with a 3L hydration bladder that is easy to fill and use, making it a standout feature. The bladder has a large opening that allows for quick and simple refills, and its design helps prevent leaks. The handle is slip proof, though not as ergonomic as other bladders with a panhandle, such as the 2L version. When we were hiking, the bladder’s magnetic clip securely held the hose in place and out of the way, which made hydration on the go easy and convenient. The bladder can easily slide into the pack’s designated sleeve prior to loading the pack, but we found it difficult to slide the full 3L bladder back into the loaded pack during our test hike. Although the June 24 has a side exterior pocket, it was too stiff to  hold a normal 1L Nalgene bottle. We found it better to stow it inside the pack.

Compartments

The Gregory Juno 24 H2O shines in organization with its variety of compartments, making it ideal for short hikes or day trips. For our winter hike, the main compartment offered enough space for a hydration bladder, extra winter clothing, and snacks. We loved how there was a separate sleeve to keep the bladder secure and out of the way from accessing our essentials. The hip belt pocket was deep enough to store our phone and snacks while still giving us quick access to them as we navigated the trail. The internal organization includes mesh pockets, though these can feel a bit tight when overstuffed, so we ended up not using it. The small top pocket was great to hold small items, but its limited size meant we had to pick and choose what items to place. We eventually only used it to fit a bar and keys and used the key clip inside to ensure safety from losing the keys during the hike. 

Hikers who need extra storage space or more versatile compartments might find the Juno limiting, but we found the internal storage sufficient for day hikes. Overall, the Juno 24 H2O offers great organization for longer day trips.

Waterproofing

The Gregory Juno 24 H2O offers reasonable water resistance. Since Washington rarely has heavy rain days, we decided to simulate a heavier rainstorm by testing the pack’s durability under a shower faucet for 30 seconds. Over the first few seconds, the pack handled it without issues. The zippers have their own cover, which allows water to slip off the pack instead of seeping through the zipper like many other packs. Likewise, water didn’t easily seep through the hydration hose hole of the pack. After the full 30 seconds, the uncovered zippers did allow water to drip through over time, so a pack cover might be useful in wet conditions to protect your pack contents.

Durability

The Gregory Juno 24 H2O is built to last, with durable fabrics and strong zippers that hold up well to regular use. The main compartments feature tough, abrasion-resistant material that can withstand the rigors of day hiking and outdoor adventures. On our test outing, we did not see any glaring issues with the main body fabric. It never snagged, and any dirt slid off easily. Additionally, the zippers were smooth and easy to use, even when the pack was loaded to capacity. 

However, the mesh material did not feel as durable as the main body material, making it more susceptible to snagging. Similar to many packs, the Juno’s outer mesh could tear over time under heavy use or exposure to rough environments. Otherwise, the Gregory Juno 24 H2O performed well for our winter hike. The stitching and overall construction felt robust enough for years of use. Overall, the Juno 24 H2O is durable enough for typical outdoor activities.

Weight

The Gregory Juno 24 H2O is a relatively lightweight hydration pack, especially for a 24L daypack, weighing just 1.9 lbs (875g). Other packs we tested with 20+ L volume weighed over 2 pounds by comparison. When packed, the Juno 24 H2O distributed weight effectively across the shoulders and hips, reducing strain during our hike. Despite its slim profile, it carried a significant amount of gear for a winter hike in the Cascades, including snacks, multiple extra layers, and a hydration bladder. The load always felt balanced and close to our body, keeping us comfortable on longer hikes. This pack feels sturdy for carrying heavy loads and will carry all the essentials – even for winter hikes when you might bring a few more items to stay warm.

Should You Buy the Gregory Juno/Citro 24 Pack?

The Gregory Juno 24 H2O Hydration Pack is ideal for day hikers, trail runners, and outdoor enthusiasts who need a lightweight, functional, and comfortable pack for short trips. It is extremely comfortable to wear all day. It excels for those seeking a hydration solution with great organization, including easy access to essentials like snacks, phone, and water. Its well-designed hydration system, comfortable fit, and breathable back panel make it a solid choice for moderate hikes, especially in cooler conditions. However, this pack may not be the best option for those needing a highly customizable fit or more storage space for extended trips. Overall, the Juno 24 H2O offers good value for those looking for a reliable hydration pack for day hikes or short excursions.

What Other Hydration Packs Should You Consider?

While the Gregory Juno/Citro 24 H2O is our top pick, you might find something more tailored to your intended use in our complete hydration packs guide:

Osprey Mira/Mantra 22/24 (W/M) Review: Though the Gregory Juno/Citro 24 H2O excels in comfort and fit, the Osprey Mira/Mantra offers more organization, waterproofing, and support. However, it is heavier for its size.

Gregory Swift 16 / Inertia 18 H2O (W/M) Review: The Gregory Swift 16 / Inertia 18 H2O offers a more compact design and smaller volume compared to the Gregory Juno/Citro 24 H2O. It has a better hydration bladder for the most ergonomic usage.

CamelBak HAWG Pro 20 100 oz Review: The CamelBak HAWG Pro 20 100 oz offers more internal organization than the Gregory Juno/Citro 24 H2O. However, it’s slimmer and more difficult to add bulkier items to its main compartment.