Gregory Citro/Juno 24 H20 hydration pack review

Gregory Citro/Juno 24 H20 is a pocket-rich hiking daypack with an exceptional hydration system and storage management

Gregory Citro/Juno 24 H20
(Image: © Gregory Citro/Juno 24 H20)

Advnture Verdict

Overall, we found the Citro/Juno 24 to be a very well-executed modern version of a classic daypack. The best part of this outfit is the 3D hydration bladder, and the dedicated hydration sleeve and hanger that provides for simple, one-handed, snap-and-go fillings and attachment/removal. It’s by far the best hydration reservoir system we tested. The Citro/Juno 24 H20 is ideal for traditional hiking endeavors, but it’s also optimal for peak-bagging adventures, minimalist bivouac outings and hut-to-hut trekking excursions.

Pros

  • +

    Easy to fill hydration system

  • +

    Wide range of pockets

  • +

    Ventilated suspension system

Cons

  • -

    Pack can feel heavy with 3L of water

  • -

    No easy-access front pockets

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First impressions

This smartly designed day pack (named Citro in its male iteration, and Juno for the women’s version – the only difference being the colour options) can carry all the gear you need on your multi-hour adventures, and it distributes the weight of your cargo evenly and keeps sweat at bay with a ventilated suspension system, moisture-wicking mesh and minimalist alloy frame that promotes air flow.

The well-organized storage system includes a large main compartment and zippered interior security pocket with a key clip, one large external pouch, two large mesh side pockets, two zippered waist-belt pockets and a zipper slash pocket on top with dedicated sunglasses compartment.

No matter how big or obtuse of a load you’re carrying, it can be snugged down with series of clipped straps and cinch cords — which includes dedicated trekking pole storage loops. A larger 30L version is available in both the Citro and Juno.

On the trails

We took this pack on several high-mountain hiking adventures in Colorado, including a trip up Mount Bierstadt (14,060 feet/4,285 meters), across Sawtooth Ridge that connects to Mount Evans (14,262 feet/4,347 meters).

We loved this pack for on our wear-testing excursions, especially because the ever-changing Colorado weather conditions forced us to continually remove or add layers of clothing. The Citro/Juno 24 H20 is easy to get on and off and a breeze to wear on long days. Even though it’s not light (and, actually, proves moderately heavy when the 3L reservoir is full), we found it to be a rugged, durable and well-designed pack with an appropriate amount of pockets off the back and hips.

We loved how the minimalist frame and airy mesh back panel supported the weight of our load but greatly reduced the surface contact on our backs. Gregory’s proprietary 3D Hydro reservoir system was easy to fill, easy to clean and easy to pack.

Brian Metzler

Brian is an award-winning journalist, photographer and podcaster who has written for Runner’s World, The Times, Outside, Men’s Journal, Trail Runner, Triathlete and Red Bulletin. He's also the author of several books, including Kicksology: The Hype, Science, Culture and Cool of Running Shoes. He lives in Boulder, Colorado, and loves to run, bike, hike, camp, ski and climb mountains. He has wear-tested more than 1,500 pairs of running shoes, completed four Ironman triathlons, as well as numerous marathons and ultra-distance running races.