New Womens Maven 38 Rucksack Backpacking Rucksacks

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UOG TOP PICK – For Supportive, Fast-Moving Trips: With excellent load carry, smart storage, and a body-responsive hipbelt, the Gregory Maven 38 strikes a sweet balance between lightweight agility and all-day comfort on varied terrain.

Gregory says: 

Get more miles out of your overnights with the Maven 38, this pack is ready to tackle your most ambitious weekend trips. The AirCushion mesh backpanel is breathable and padded for extra comfort. Keep moving with the On-the-Go pocket, made to stash a snack, a Garmin® inReach® or your sunglasses. The FreeFloat hipbelt moves with you for ultimate comfort.

Our Verdict

The Maven 38 impressed me with how well it carries. At 1350g (XS/S), it’s light enough for fast-paced weekends, but still offers the support and stability needed for more rugged trails. The FreeFloat hipbelt moves naturally with each step, which made a real difference over longer climbs, and the mesh back panel kept things cool even during warmer outings.

The layout is intuitive, with a floating lid that provides handy storage and can be removed to shave weight if needed — just bear in mind the rain cover is stored there. The stretch mesh pockets are deep and easy to access, and I liked that the compression straps are routed inside the mesh rather than over it, keeping things neat when packing out bottles or wet kit. Hipbelt pockets are generous, and torso adjustment is quick and precise. The shoulder strap pocket is convenient for stashing snacks or sunglasses, though a second one would be even better.

It feels balanced and responsive across mixed ground, handling loads up to 18kg without fuss.

A well-fitting pack that moves with you and delivers all-day comfort in a streamlined, trail-ready package.

– Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear

Features

• FreeFloat Hybrid Suspension: Hybrid suspension featuring Gregory’s FreeFloat dynamic hipbelt and AirCushion mesh back panel
• Full length Side Zipper: Full length side-loading access zipper for easy unloading and gear organization
• On-The-Go Pocket: On-The-Go shoulder strap pocket designed for the Garmin inReach®, your favorite trail snack, or sunglasses
• FreeFloat dynamic hipbelt flex panels that move with the natural movements of your body
• Adjustable torso length with AirCushion mesh backpanel that provides breathable, padded comfort
• 3D comfort cradle adjustable hipbelt with 3D construction for hotspot free, body-hugging comfort
• Perforated dual density shoulder harness with sternum strap and hose clip
• On-The-Go shoulder strap pocket designed for the Garmin inReach®, your favorite trail snack, or sunglasses
• Perimeter alloy frame and fiberglass anti-barreling cross-stay for stable load management and torsional flexibility
• Full length side-loading access zipper for easy unloading and gear organization
• Internal hydration sleeve with SpeedClip hydration hanger compatible with Gregory’s 3D Hydro reservoir (reservoir not included)
• Floating top pocket with large zippered compartment and an underside zippered pocket, reflective attachment points and key clip
• Dual side stretch mesh pockets, one with side trail access and pass through for over or under compression
• Front oversized stretch mesh pocket with secure buckle closure
• Quick-pull drawcord closure and top webbing compression
• Zippered bottom sleeping bag compartment with removable divider
• Custom molded attachment loop and upper shock lock for trekking poles or an ice axe
• Comfort-grip molded zipper pulls and molded webbing keepers for strap management
• Raincover included in dedicated zippered pocket under top lid for added organization

Specifications

XS/S

• Weighs: 1350g
• Dimensions: 66H x 35W x 25D cm
• Recommended maximum carry weight: 18 kg
• Volume: 38L

S/M

• Weighs: 1395g
• Torso length: S/M
• Dimensions: 66H x 35W x 25D cm
• Recommended maximum carry weight: 18 kg
• Volume: 38L

Material & Construction

• Body: 100D High Density Nylon / 210D High Density Nylon with C0 DWR: Designed without PFAS
• Base: 300D 40% Recycled Nylon Ripstop with C0 DWR: Designed without PFAS
• Harness/Hipbelt/Lumbar: Lifespan EVA Foam & AirCushion Mesh
• Chasis Support: Alloy Steel & Fiberglass anti-barreling cross stay & HDPE
• Lining: 40% Post-consumer Recycled 135d Polyester with C0 DWR: designed without PFAS
• Pack Hardware: Bluesign approved buckles
• Rain Cover: Yes

Help & advice:

• The Bluesign System
• The Ultimate Guide to Choosing an Ultralight Rucksack
• Time-Saver Guide to Choosing a Rucksack