Gregory Nano 18

The Gregory Nano 18 is an excellent choice for hiking and everyday adventures for pre-teens and up. Read on to find out why this is a great versatile pack that older kid adventurers are sure to love!

As pre-teens and teens begin outgrowing that kid-sized backpack, it’s sometimes hard to know what backpack to transition to next. The Gregory Nano 18 is an excellent choice as it is very versatile and will get plenty of use on the trail as well as everyday adventures.

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Tech Specs

Volume: 18 L
Weight: 1.00 lbs
Dimensions: 19.5″H x 9″W x 8″D
Hydration Compatible: Yes (reservoir not included)
External Pockets: 5
Material: 100% Nylon
Ages: 10+ (Depends on size of child – fits torso 16″ – 21″)

Key Features

Designated zippered pocket for hydration reservoir
Dual side mesh pockets (for water bottles and extra storage)
Breathable die-cut backpanel
Removable webbing hip belt (not exactly removable…but has special hidden pockets where you can tuck it out of the way)
Reflective webbing loops for visibility
Adjustable sternum strap

The Gregory Nano (also available here at Moosejaw) 18 has been the perfect pack for my 12 year old to transition to. The hydration compatibility as well as the incredibly comfortable shoulder harness makes this a great choice for my preteen.

Best Uses for the Gregory Nano 18 pack

Day Hiking

The Gregory Nano 18 is the perfect pack for our day hikes! There is more than enough storage to get everything that you would need for a longer hike.

The hydration compatibility is always a must for us, so this pack easily meets that requirement! The designated zippered compartment keeps the hydration reservoir separate from the main storage area and even has a handy clip to hang it on and is very easy to route it to the shoulder harness.

This pack is designed for a person with a 16-21″ torso, so it actually fits my average sized 12 year old really well! This will be something he will be able to use for years to come (and Mom and Dad can borrow it from time to time, too…bonus!)

The mesh padded shoulder straps add an extra layer of comfort on the hiking trail. Between that and the breathable die-cut backpanel, this is a VERY comfortable backpack!

The sternum strap is adjustable which will definitely be helpful as he grows. The pack also has a hipbelt to help make it a little more comfortable on longer hikes.

Everyday Adventures

This backpack was designed to be an everyday adventure pack! Whether hiking, traveling or just everyday use, it really does serve many purposes well!

The front zippered pouch has two mesh pockets that will help keep smaller items secure. It also has a key hook for when those teens begin driving and need to keep up with their keys! (Or for when Mom or Dad borrow the pack!)

Appearance and Functionality

The quality and the design of the pack is outstanding. The Gregory Nano 18 feels very durable and the material looks and feels like it will definitely last a long time.

It comes in several bright colors that pre-teens or teenagers would love. There are also a couple of more muted colors like gray and fennel green for those wanting something a little more subtle.

The design and function of this pack was very well thought out. The Gregory Nano 18 is a very versatile pack that will serve a young adventurer for many years!

What Does it Hold?

The Gregory Nano 18 has more than enough storage space! On a typical day hike, my 12 year old will usually carry a rain jacket, his Keens, a water bottle (and/or his hydration reservoir), a hat, a journal, and lots of snacks!

There is also still extra room for a change of clothes and several more smaller items if needed. Storage definitely should not be an issue with this pack!

The Bottom Line

What we Love

The Gregory Nano 18 is a high quality pack; it is comfortable, well designed and is an overall outstanding backpack!

The price point of $50 for this pack is very reasonable considering the overall quality, versatility, and function that it offers.

We love the separate hydration reservoir compartment as it keeps the main compartment a little neater. We also love how comfortable the backpack is; the shoulder harness and the back panel are very comfortable and well made.

What we aren’t so crazy about

Honestly, this is one solid everyday backpack. If you are looking for a more specific hiking backpack, the waistbelt might be a little disappointing.

But considering it is advertised as an “Everyday Adventure” backpack, the waistbelt still gets the job done and can be tucked away in hidden pockets if you choose not to use this feature.

Also, keep in mind that the pack does not include a hydration reservoir, so if you wish to use this feature you will need to purchase one separately.

Where to buy

The Gregory Nano 18 is available for purchase directly from Gregory, from Amazon and from other outdoor retailers. It is also available at Moosejaw. It is recommended to test the pack out beforehand if possible.

However, if purchasing online, remember to measure your child’s torso carefully as this pack is designed to fit older kids or adults (with 16″ – 21″ torsos).