Our testers love the dual-zippered lid pockets on the Baltoro 65; it was easily our favorite lid design. Theyre all midweights, supportive enough to carry substantial weight and light enough to not be overkill for a weekend trip. Made a bit more durable through little design improvements, the redesigned Exos 58 and Eja 58 have the capacity for weeklong trips and ultralight thru-hiking. This has just about every feature you could ask for and nothing you don't need. Discover the best trails in the world for biking, hiking, skiing, moto, and more with Trailforks. Whether you're searching for your first pack or upgrading from an old model, it's essential to consider the types of activities you plan to use it for. Read my complete review of The North Face Banchee 50. Comparison of Five Ultralight Backpack Liners, Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60L Backpack Review, 10 Best Backpacking Water Filters of 2023, Nitecore 10000 mAh USB Power Bank (5.9 oz), Feathered Friends Flicker 40 Quilt Sleeping Bag. FREE delivery Feb 1 . Price and other details may vary based on product size and color. Gregory Maven 65 Pack - Women's. (26) $279.95. 14 oz.osprey.com. These allow airflow between your back and the pack's load, reducing back sweat. When Adam isn't thru-hiking with his family, you can find him trail running, rock climbing, planning his next trip, or scouting the next place to call home. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison. We answer all of these questions below, and many more. Anything from overnighters to longer hikes. See Details. Mystery Ranchs Adventure Frame carries 45 to 50 pounds comfortably. GARAGE-GROWN-GEAR: Take 30% Off the Gossamer Gear Silverback 65 backpack at Garage Grown Gear. While ease of access is an important consideration, it's not as important as weight. Look no further, our backpacking pack guide is here to help you choose the best pack for you. Searching for the best backpacking backpack? From this I cant quite tell which you think is more comfortable. For those who like an assortment of compartments and pockets for organization, the Granite Gear Blaze 60 and the ULA Catalyst have particularly convenient pocket designs. Hi Garry, Ive used both the Aether and Xenith (and reviewed the Xenith here: https://thebigoutside.com/gear-review-osprey-xenith-88xena-85-backpacks/). The Deuter Aircontact Lite 65+10 has by far the most vertical adjustment of any pack in our review. Check out the detailed hyperlinked reviews for each pack listed below and the list of criteria we use to select and rate the backpacks below. These packs feel very different, in a good way, the first time you put one on, and that positive first impression bore out as I carried the Atmos AG 65 on two treks in New Zealands Fiordland National Park and other backpacking trips. Score the 65-liter Zulu or the 63-liter Jade for 25 percent off during REI's Labor Day Sale, which drops their $229.95 list price down to $172.39. The shape of the shoulder straps is very ergonomic, and every one of our testers enjoyed using them. Keen to make ultralight backpacking more enjoyable? You have focused on the three packs I would describe as the best all-around models for someone whos new to backpacking or simply wants one pack that can handle just about any trip and amount of weight you might carry. 4 oz.backcountry.com. Every pack, other than the ULA Catalyst, has a top lid with a zippered pocket, and many of them can be removed and left at home to reduce weight. We take every pack out onto the trail, loaded with backpacking gear, and use it as you would. And, it can comfortably carry loads up to 30 pounds. All Rights Reserved. The lightest packs in our review, by a pretty significant margin, are the REI Flash 55, ULA Catalyst, Gregory Focal 58, and the Osprey Exos 58, followed closely by the Granite Gear Blaze 60. A well-balanced design and rich feature set make this collection a perfect companion for both quick overnighters and extended trips. When comparing fabric durability, those with higher denier counts (100D vs 210D) tend to be most abrasion and puncture resistant. Bear canisters are definitely tough to fit conveniently in packs. $299.95 $224.96. Want a well-priced, adjustable pack with a good fit and more access and features than these ultralight packs? Comfort is key when you're deep in the backcountry. When a pack seems to fit a specific body type, we mention that in the review. What is the difference between a unisex and a gender-specific backpack and why would you pick one over the other? This feature-rich contender is one of our favorites for its overall comfort and its excellent heavy load-hauling ability. ; Buy Now. This model has extremely well-designed and auto-rotating shoulder straps that conform to the shape of your upper back. We looked at each pocket and asked ourselves: Does this pocket make my life easier and keep me more organized? I think you should contemplate whether youre going to regularly push the weight capacity of these packs or remain within their range, and after that, choose the design you prefer. This unique system has flex panels that allow for harmonized movement between you and your pack actively flexing with your bodys natural movements on the trail. Gregory Zulu 65: $230: 3 lb. Read my complete review of the Gregory Focal 58 and Facet 55. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support. . Baltoro 75. See my review of the Gregory mens Zulu 55 and womens Jade 53. At just a half-pound heavier than some ultralight packs, it has hauls 40 pounds or more comfortably, I discovered during a rugged, six-day, 74-mile backpacking trip through the Grand Canyon. Let us know! How can we improve GearLab? Almost all of the packs in this review have a location to store a hydration bladder where it should stay upright. You could stand upright with them and have the center of balance of a pack lower. Osprey Exos 58 and Eja 58$260, 58L/3,539 c.i., 2 lbs. I used and liked the previous version of the Flash 45, too, which is very similar to the pack you have if you have the same generation of that pack series. What is the Difference Between a Single-Wall Tent and a Double-Wall Tent? Though it doesn't have the most breathable suspension in the line-up, it definitely holds its own. Our team researched over 60 of the top backpacking backpacks on the market and selected 15 of the best contenders for hands-on testing. Granite Gear keeps things simple, and by using some of the lightest and most durable fabrics available, they manage to keep the pack light and strong. After a decade of testing close to 60 different models, our expert reviewers purchased 16 top packs available today for a meticulous side-by-side comparison. What are the best multi-day backpacking packs for thru-hikers, weekend backpackers, and wilderness explorers? The REI Co-op Traverse 60 comes in a useful extra size: large torso with a small waistbelt, which we thought was useful for all those tall, skinny folks out there. However, we found it was also pretty easy for a water bottle to fall out of this pocket if you lean over too far. At once fully featured and streamlined, the Gregory Baltoro 65 Backpack is a versatile weekender pack that will have you crushing the miles in serious comfort. See my reviews of the Gregory Wander 70 and the Osprey Ace 38, 50, and 75. While this rigid padding is marginally less cushy, it's what you need when you're lugging a heavy load because it won't compress. That massive zipper will add a lot of weight to the backpack. 3 models Gregory Baltoro 100L Pro Backpack $419.95 3 models Gregory Paragon 58L Backpack - Men's $259.95 . We teamed up with Ambassador Where To Willie to walk through the differences in our four major backpacking collections. Entire Store; Camp & Hike; . Backpacks (and outdoor gear in general) can be quite expensive, but the right gear is often well worth the investment. SINCE 1977. We've ventured all over the world with these packs on multiple extended trips, from sweaty Appalachian slogs to hot and dry Mojave crossings to alpine rambles. We also determined how well the pack's top lid provides access to small items and whether those items stayed organized. 17500 ,Gregory 65 M, ,Gregory M 65 - clearcreekdental.com . Lighter Weight but Still a Heavy Hauler. Tested: Gregory Mountain Katmai 65 versus Gregory Baltoro 65, Osprey Atmos AG 65, Deuter Vario 50+10 In reply to Chris 222 Sep 28, 2021 4 We tested the new-for-2021 Gregory Mountain Kalmia 65 backpack over 400 miles in diverse terrains and weather conditions, including a no-food-resupply, week-long hike with all 4 packs loaded with over 50 . Long hikes, when youre trying to go light and fast. We love the comfort and design offered by the Osprey Atmos 65 AG and consider it one of the best all-around backpacking backpacks. While you can go lower and higher, this is a good place to start looking, since many packs are available in smaller and larger volume models. Comparison Table. The Baltoro's suspension is stiff and robust, but this makes the pack quite heavy. Bennett joins the ranks as a former gear shop employee, graduate in outdoor product development, and a current thru-hiker. I have been looking at your blog and reading your pack reviews but am not sure 100% the things I should be looking for in a pack. The main reasons it isn't lighter are that its suspension is one of the most robust in our review. Plus, TNFs unique new Dyno Lite suspension (also used in TNFs larger Griffin packs) allows for on-the-fly torso adjustment and one-hand dialing in of the self-equalizing load lifters. Each pack mentioned above offers subtle advantages that will help transfer the load to your hips and keep you moving towards camp in relative comfort. The latest gear, trips, stories, and more, beamed to your inbox every week. When Ian is not guiding or climbing, he works in an outdoor gear shop, which allows him to stay up to date on innovative pack technology. And the trampoline-style back panel provides great ventilation across your back. Rain covers are a practical addition to any backpacking pack. GOSSAMER-GEAR.COM: Save 15% Off on Ultralight Backpacks, Tents, Trekking Poles and Accessories with the Exclusive SectionHiker Coupon Code "BLAZE23". No ads. +1-800-504-5817 Contact Us Chat now. Each person's body is different, so our test included a wide range of users, including GearLab editors, friends, and our climbing and backpacking partners, to gather a wide variety of data. Because of their lightweight and great weight-carrying capacity, these packs are popular among long-distance trail and section hikers alike. The value placed on this metric depends on the user and the pack's volume. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Thats why weve put together a guide to help you determine which of our backpacking collections is the perfect fit for you. All of our testers agreed that the Granite Gear Blaze 60 has a robust suspension, while the pack is super light (3.0 pounds), considering the amount of weight it can carry. After putting on some serious miles with the Gregory Baltoro 65 in Utah's Canyon Country, we can attest to its high level of comfort. Got feedback? Privacy | Cookies | Terms. . This competitor stands out for its excellent pockets and features. Weighing well under five pounds, theyre a great choice for backpackers who usually carry moderate to heavy loads. Some packs, like the Granite Gear Blaze 60, Gregory Baltoro 65, and Osprey Aether 65, allow the foam padding of the waistbelt to extend out to fit larger waist sizes. Do this while wearing the clothes you expect to hike in. Our favorite pack, the Granite Gear Blaze 60, offers outstanding performance at an average price. Read the SectionHiker Circuit Backpack Review. This pack is one of the most comfortable in our review and is comparable to other top performers. For an extended wilderness hike requiring a week or more of food, parents carrying food and gear for young kids, trip leaders and others, the Mystery Ranch Sphinx 60 ranks among the very best big packs for comfort, access, and features. Thin and flexible plastic frames sheets that are sewn into the back of a pack, but are not removable. Men tend to be taller and broader across the shoulders with squarish hips, while women have bosoms and curvier hips. We considered each pack's overall ergonomics in our fit metric. A top-loader with a roll-top closure, the 3400 Windrider is noticeably bereft of features found on many other packs. Our experts test thousands of products each year. The Osprey Atmos 65 AG provides a snug ride with its trampoline-style suspension that spreads the load evenly across the body. Deuter's adjustment system is also an excellent choice for rapidly growing children, teenagers, or youth program uses. From the manufacturer. CampSaver. For suspension and comfort, we assess how the suspension system affects how comfortable the backpack is fully loaded. Gregory Baltoro 75 Price: $350 Weight: 4 lbs. Hey Aaron, good question. Rating: (4.7/5) See the Men's Gregory Baltoro 75 See the Women's Gregory Deva 70 When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support. The Gregory Zulu 65 has an unmatched value; it is a bag that testers would refer to personal friends. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. We also looked at access points and evaluated whether they seem useful for retrieving items or if they're impractical to zip shut when the pack is full and are thus just for show. Its tough Dyneema Composite Fabrics is fully waterproof. Readmy complete review of the Granite Gear Blaze 60. If you have to carry bulky or awkwardly shaped gear like a foam pad, a large tent, a packraft, paddle, snowshoes, trekking poles, and ice ax, or bear canister, it pays to get a backpack that has special straps or places that you can attach gear to. As a result, we were able to find items more quickly than we could with a more traditional full-length pocket. Not as supportive for super heavy (45+ lb) loads. Gregorys attention to comfort in its ultralight backpack is evident in the aluminum perimeter wire frame with a fiberglass cross-stay and an HDPE framesheet that lend the pack substantial rigidity, distributing most of the load across the hips. These advantages include a supportive suspension, foam stiffness, and well-designed shoulder straps and waist belts. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Searching for the perfect pack? In every respect, the mens Baltoro and womens Deva packs have long filled the big-pack role extremely well, and trips in Idahos Sawtooth Mountains and on the Teton Crest Trail demonstrated that the latest versions of these two packs are only better. Which one of the sub 3lb bags would you say carries heavy loads better? We assess how well the weight is distributed between the hips, back, and shoulders by loosening and tightening the shoulder straps, hip belt, and load lifter straps. How can we improve GearLab? Three big, external mesh pockets add nearly 10 liters of capacity, and the roomy, zippered hipbelt pockets offer convenience. For folks who love to stay super organized, the Gregory Zulu 55 and Baltoro 65 offer excellent gear access and the ability to get to your items quickly without having to remove anything. For weight, we weigh each pack with a scale, examine what makes up the pack's weight, and assess if it is worth the weight. The forward facing water bottle pocket made it easy to stay hydrated. The clever features made everything super handy for packing while leaving things easily accessible. Some buckles on this pack are small and hard to operate with gloves. Still, at a weight of 4.5 lbs, this pack approaches a mass that starts to feel slightly over-engineered. While it's not an adjustment in the traditional sense, the shoulder strap attachment points pivot and automatically create the best fit for the wearer. The back panel and shoulder straps are firm and supportive, remaining comfortable with loads up to 50 pounds. The Optic and Exos are fairly similar, and the significantly lighter HMG pack will carry as well as those twoassuming it fits you, and it comes in four sizes, so it should fit. This pack had excellent hip belt pockets. Whats your take on large pockets at the bottom to store heavier items- like bear cans? The high-quality and reinforced materials also add some extra weight, but these heavier materials are more durable. (There is a larger model, The North Face Banchee 65.). Finally, while most users have a good experience with the Atmos 65 AG, some testers found the waistbelt confining and too hug-like, especially when adjusting clothing. Read my complete review of the Mystery Ranch Sphinx 60. The big difference here is that these models are more comfortable for people without a base pack weight below 20 pounds. When you say lighter gear, your pack choice will depend on what you really mean by that in terms of total weight. Click here for my e-guides to classic backpacking trips. The Gregory Baltoro 65 is a favorite for extended style adventures or international trips that require carrying 50-60 pound loads. Backpack $ 419.95 3 models Gregory Paragon 58L backpack - Men & # x27 ; s. ( 26 $... 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