A Comfortable, Thoughtful Fit for Bigger Frames on Real Trail Days
For the past five months, I’ve been putting the Gregory Arrio 22 Plus Size daypack through the kind of use most daypacks see in real life — fall hikes, moving days, travel, and quick trail escapes when a few extra layers and snacks make all the difference.
At 6’3” and 265 pounds, one of my biggest ongoing challenges with outdoor gear is simply finding packs that fit my frame comfortably. Daypacks in particular often feel narrow through the shoulders or short in the torso. So when I had the chance to test Gregory’s plus-size line, it immediately felt like a pack designed with someone like me in mind.
First Trail Impressions: Hoover Wilderness
My first hike with the Arrio 22 said everything I needed to know.
On a crisp fall day in the Hoover Wilderness, we climbed roughly 1,000 feet up to North Lake. It was one of those classic shoulder-season outings — cold wind at the lake, golden foliage along the trail, and the kind of day where carrying extra layers and food lets you stretch the adventure a few more hours.
Right away, the fit stood out.
The wider shoulder harness made slipping the pack on feel natural and easy, not like squeezing into something built for a smaller frame. Once moving, the suspended airflow back panel was excellent — a feature I especially appreciate as someone who tends to run warm and sweat through my back on climbs. The ventilation reminded me more of a lightweight backpacking pack than a typical daypack.
Storage & Trail Functionality
One of the biggest surprises with this pack is how roomy it feels without looking oversized.
- Two deep side pockets easily handle water bottles or a rolled layer
- The front bungee system is perfect for stashing a jacket on the fly
- A single large main compartment swallowed my first aid kit, headlamp, extra layers, and lunch with room to spare
- A small front zip pocket kept wallet, keys, and snacks organized
There’s also an internal hydration sleeve I didn’t initially plan to use, but it turned out to be versatile. On a couple of travel days, I slipped my laptop into that sleeve, and it worked surprisingly well — a nice bonus for a pack that moves between trail and everyday life.
Compared to my previous daypack, the Arrio simply feels more spacious and usable, without adding bulk or complexity.
Comfort Over the Long Haul
After months of use, the biggest takeaway is consistency. The pack rides comfortably, distributes weight well, and never feels restrictive through the shoulders or upper back — something that’s been a persistent issue with other daypacks I’ve owned.
For bigger hikers, that kind of comfort isn’t just nice to have — it’s the difference between noticing your pack all day and forgetting it’s there.
A Pack That Encourages Lingering Days Outside
One of the ways this pack has quietly earned its place in my regular rotation is how easy it makes spontaneous, slow days outdoors.
More than once, I’ve pre-packed the Arrio 22 with a hammock and a lightweight towel — the kind of simple kit that turns a quick hike into an afternoon. I love heading to a lake, stringing up the hammock, and just letting the day unfold while the dog runs and explores.
The pack handles this style of adventure effortlessly. There’s plenty of room for a hammock setup, snacks, layers, and a few extras without feeling overstuffed. In fact, after a few of these outings, I started thinking the same thing many hikers do when a daypack feels just right — with a minimalist mindset, I could absolutely see this working for a slim, no-frills overnight trip.
That kind of versatility is what makes a pack stick around. It’s not just for hikes; it’s for the kinds of days that turn into memories.
One Minor Drawback
If there’s one small critique, it’s the side pockets when paired with taller, slimmer bottles.
I often hike with a Hydro Flask Trail Series bottle, and its narrow profile tends to slip out when bending over or swinging the pack back on after a break. It’s a minor annoyance rather than a deal breaker, but it’s something I noticed consistently.
Honestly, it may just push me back toward using a hydration bladder, which this pack is clearly designed to accommodate well.
Product Details & Specifications
Model: Arrio 22 Plus Size
Color Tested: Empire Blue
Fit & Design
- Plus Size fit comparable to apparel sizing 2X–6X
- Extended shoulder straps and hip belt for larger body shapes
- FreeSpan suspended open-air mesh backpanel for ventilation
- Removable webbing hip belt
- Perforated breathable harness with sternum strap and safety whistle
Storage & Access
- Panel-loading zippered main compartment
- Internal hydration sleeve with SpeedClip hanger (reservoir not included)
- Front adjustable bungee system with reflective loops
- Swing-around side zip stash pocket with key clip
- Side stretch mesh pocket
Materials & Build
- 210D Honeycomb CryptoRip HD Nylon (PFAS-free C0 DWR)
- 420D High Density Nylon pack bottom
- 40% recycled polyester lining
- Alloy perimeter wire frame
Technical Specs
- Volume: 22L
- Weight: 1.56 lbs
- Dimensions: 19.1 x 10.6 x 8.1 in
- Max Carry: 15 lbs
- Torso Fit: 16–21 in
- Waist Fit: up to 60 in
- Hydration Compatible: Yes
- Warranty: Limited Lifetime
Final Thoughts: Who This Pack Is For
The Arrio 22 Plus Size feels like a thoughtful, well-executed solution for hikers who have long struggled to find daypacks that truly fit.
For me, it’s become a reliable companion — roomy enough for longer day adventures, comfortable enough for steady climbs, and versatile enough to double as a travel or everyday pack.
Most importantly, it’s a reminder that when gear is designed with real body diversity in mind, the experience on trail simply gets better.
Bottom Line
A breathable, roomy, and genuinely comfortable daypack built for larger-framed hikers who want simplicity and versatility for everything from quick lake days to full trail outings.
