Gregory Salvo 16 / Sula 16 Hydration Pack Review

Bottom Line

The Gregory Salvo 16 / Sula 16 hydration pack excels in comfort, hydration efficiency, and lightweight design, making it an excellent choice for short hikes, day trips, or active outdoor activities. We tested it for an extended winter hike and found the pack a favorite. Its standout features include a lightweight build, supportive framed back, and easy-to-use hydration system with a leak-proof bite valve. The hip belt ensures comfortable weight distribution, and the roomy compartments provide just enough space to carry essentials without unnecessary bulk. Additionally, the durable mesh materials and smooth zippers contribute to the pack’s longevity.

However, there are a few areas for improvement. The non-adjustable shoulder straps may not provide the perfect fit for everyone, and there can be water seepage through the zippers during heavy rain. If you’re looking for a more weather-proof pack check out our guide to the best hydration packs.

The Sula 16 offers great value for those who want a reliable, no-frills hydration pack for short outdoor adventures. It’s perfect for anyone seeking a lightweight, compact solution for staying hydrated during day hikes or activities like biking or running. It may not be suitable for longer treks or extreme weather, but it’s a solid investment for active individuals who prioritize convenience and comfort in their gear.

How We Tested

We took the pack out near Snoqualmie Pass in Washington in the winter to test for comfort and assess how much gear it could carry effectively. We also tested ease of use for the hydration system and used a shower text to evaluate water resistance.

Comfort & Fit

The Sula 16 is designed with comfort in mind, providing a supportive framed back that keeps the pack stable even when moving quickly. The breathable mesh back panel kept our backs well ventilated even as we trekked quickly in the snow, preventing too much back sweat. 

The padded hip belt was another key feature we loved. It helped to distribute the weight of the pack evenly across our bodies, making the 10 pound load feel lighter. It was a step up from the Gregory Swift 16/Inertia 18 H2O pack while maintaining the same volume. 

Even though it’s a great choice for short to moderate hikes, it’s worth noting that the pack lacks load lifters and is not fully adjustable for different torso lengths. This limited our ability to fully customize the fit for our shorter torso. For most users, the pack provides a secure and comfortable carry, especially for a lighter load on shorter day hikes. Overall, the fit is stable and comfortable, but more customization in the straps would have been a nice addition for a more personalized experience.

Hydration System

The Gregory Sula 16 excels when it comes to its hydration system. The 3L hydration reservoir features a great full-length handle, which made it easy to fill, clean, and handle without slipping. The design ensures that even when your hands are wet or dirty, the bladder won’t slip out of your grip. Though the handle isn’t as ergonomic as a pan handle, it still does its job effectively. 

We liked that the hose attachment has a clear, audible click when re-attaching the hose to the bladder. This was a thoughtful detail to make sure the connection is secure in order to prevent leaks. However, the button to detach the hose is a bit stiff, which can make it harder to remove quickly if needed. The bite valve did not leak on us during the hike. It was easy to stow away with the strong magnet attachment to the sternum strap and didn’t get knocked off while hiking. 

We found the side pocket was not barely big enough to fit a Nalgene bottle when the pack was full. This could be problematic for those who prefer to carry both a hydration bladder and a traditional water bottle, But, with a 3L bladder capacity, this is only a minor issue. The bladder was easy to slide into the pack with its dedicated compartment but only worked well when we didn’t load the pack first. It was slightly more challenging to fit a full bladder when the pack was also full. Nevertheless, the hydration system is easy to use and very effective for staying hydrated on short hikes.

Compartments

The Sula 16 is fairly minimalist in its design, but it still offers practical storage options for a 16L pack. The main compartment was spacious enough to carry our essentials, even for a winter hike. The hip pockets were particularly handy to easily access smaller items like our phone, snacks, and energy gels. These pockets are roomy and can comfortably accommodate most small essentials. 

The external small pocket includes a key clip, which is a thoughtful feature for securing our keys to the car. The pocket itself is somewhat small and stiff but fits our small phone well along with a bar. We preferred using the hip pocket for the phone. 

The compartments aren’t as expansive as those on larger packs, so we felt the need to be selective about what we carried, limiting our layers to one extra jacket. The pack’s overall design is simple, with just enough storage space for day hikes, but it might be a tight fit if you’re looking to carry extra gear. Overall, it’s functional and well-organized, but don’t expect large compartments or excessive storage.

Waterproofing

The Sula 16 performs reasonably well when it comes to keeping your gear dry in light rain. We simulated a rainstorm by setting the pack under a shower faucet for 30 seconds. We found that the Gregory Sula/Salvo 16 was one of the best packs for rain rain protection around the hydration hose, preventing water from getting into the system. Other packs allow more water seepage through the hydration compartment and thus the main pack itself. 

But even with the better waterproof design on the hydration compartment, none of the zippers have a zipper cover, so water seeped through the zippers. In heavier rainfall, this pack would not stay dry inside, but on a shorter hike with light rain – like many hikes in Washington – the pack would offer decent protection. If you’re heading into more unpredictable conditions, you might want to consider adding a rain cover or using waterproof bags for your electronics and valuables. However, for light or brief exposure to rain, the Sula 16 will keep your gear dry.

Durability

Like many Gregory packs, the Sula 16 is built to last with high-quality materials that feel durable and ready to withstand regular use. The mesh back panel is more robust than other packs we tested and did not easily snag on rocks and debris along the trail. The zippers run smoothly, offering easy access to the compartments without catching or jamming, which is an important feature for any pack. It uses a 210D High Density nylon – half as thick as the other Gregory packs we reviewed.

Still, the pack is relatively durable, all things considered. We trust this pack will hold up to everyday hikes and feel the Greogry Sula/Salvo 16 will last for many seasons of light-to-moderate outdoor activity. For those who plan on using the pack in extreme conditions or for long, rugged treks, it may not hold up as well as more heavy-duty backpacks. Still, for its intended purpose—short hikes, daily use, and lighter outdoor activities—the Sula 16 is more than durable enough.

Weight

Weighing just 27.2 oz, the Sula 16 is sturdy but light enough to make your hike a breeze. This makes it a great choice for quick outdoor activities where you don’t need to haul around heavy gear. Gregory has carefully engineered the pack to balance weight and capacity. Weighing a half-pound more than the Gregory Swift 16 pack,  it’s not the lightest on the market, but it provides plenty of space and functionality for short hikes or daily use. Keeping our loads limited to 10 pounds, the pack felt light to carry and comfortable on the body. 

Whether you’re heading out for a day hike or just want a pack to carry essentials on a run or bike ride, the Sula 16 makes carrying gear effortless. It’s not overly padded or loaded with excessive features. But that’s part of its charm—light, simple, and effective for its intended use.

Should You Buy the Gregory Sula 16 Hydration Pack?

The Gregory Sula 16 hydration pack is a well-rounded, lightweight, and efficient solution for short hikes and day trips. It excels in comfort, functionality, and hydration, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking for a minimalist pack that still provides everything you need for a day outdoors. Its hydration system is top-notch, the fit is comfortable, and the compartments are organized without being overwhelming.

Though it may not be as customizable in terms of shoulder strap adjustments or as large as some other packs, it’s perfectly suited for carrying the essentials on shorter adventures. Whether you’re out for a hike, bike ride, or a run, the Sula 16 offers reliable hydration and thoughtful features to make your outdoor experience easier and more enjoyable.

What Other Hydration Packs Should You Consider?

If you’re just not into the Gregory Sula/Salvo 16 Hydration Pack, check out the rest of the best hydration packs for some great contenders.

Gregory Juno/Citro 24 H2O Review: The Gregory Juno/Citro 24 H2O offers a larger capacity and more comfort for longer hikes compared to the Gregory Sula/Salvo 16. With a more supportive hip belt and adjustable torso length, it is ideal for extended adventures where carrying extra gear is essential.

Osprey Dyna/Duro 15L Review: The Osprey Dyna/Duro 15L is a better choice for runners and fast hikers. It provides a sleek, body-hugging fit that minimizes bounce, unlike the more rigid structure of the Gregory Sula/Salvo 16. 

Deuter Speed Lite 13 Review: Super compact, the Deuter Speed Lite 13 is a great alternative for shorter adventures. Although it doesn’t offer the same organizational features as the Sula/Salvo 16, it’s a better choice for those prioritizing weight savings and speed on shorter, lighter hikes.