REVIEW: Gregory Maya PLUS 20 Plus Size Backpack
Plus size hiker Claire put the Gregory Maya Plus 20 backpack to the test over many months, in late 2024 and early 2025. It's proved to be a reliable and comfortable carrier of all her gear for a day hike.
Features
It’s a lovely lightweight construction without a rigid frame on the back making it very comfortable. I particularly like the wide padded hip straps with handy pockets to keep my phone, snacks or even my binoculars in. As a size 4XL with a larger tummy there’s ample room for movement and the bag stays in place and doesn’t dig in or rub so I’m comfortable all day.
There are two large mesh pockets on the side and one on the front to keep water or items you need to have handy clear to easily grab. The bag has an internal zipped compartment for valuables and a separate section for a hydration bladder if you use one which means you’re not using up valuable bag space! For a 20L pack I can get all the things I need for a day hike inside.
Fit
The size chart was helpful in confirming the waist/hip belts would fit my body when ordering so I knew it would fit my frame. For my body type the straps at the shoulders sit comfortably and don’t dig in. There’s also a chest strap that goes across the front which is a good length and isn’t tight (even has a built-in emergency whistle).
I’ve also found the adjustable back length to be a feature I didn’t know I needed, but wouldn’t go back to static sized backpacks now!
Materials
The bag is made of durable nylon (some of which is recycled) which looks to be made of a rip stop type material. It weighs less than 1 kg and has targeted padding to keep you comfortable and breathable when you’re active.
Overall impression
This was the first plus-size backpack I had ever tried on, I’d had a standard sized women’s fit pack previously, and thought that’s the best I could get. This is now my go-to pack for day-hikes and the difference in getting a bag designed for plus-size cannot be overstated.
You can tell Gregory have kept our bodies in mind when designing this bag from the hip belt padding to the different compartments and features anyone would want for a hiking bag. I know this bag will last me for a long time to come and highly recommend at least trying on this pack to see the difference!