Gregory Backpacks, Bags, Boxes, & Storage. The Baltoro's "U" shaped aluminum frame is quite stiff and does a fantastic job of transferring the load from the pack to the hips. 17500 ,Gregory 65 M, ,Gregory M 65 - clearcreekdental.com . The ratings admittedly tend to favor more-featured packs, which are heavier, and that may not meet your needs; use the ratings as a comparison with packs of similar weight. All of the shoulder straps offer top-notch ergonomics and slightly stiffer padding. The pack you ultimately choose may depend partly on weight, but also on design and on your budget. All Rights Reserved. Hi Brad, those are good brands, Ive used packs made by some of them and may test and review a pack from at least one of these companies in the future. Read the SectionHiker Circuit Backpack Review. Amazon.com : Gregory Mountain Products Zulu 65 Liter Men's Overnight Hiking Backpack, Empire Blue, Small/Medium : Sports & Outdoors . We also looked at the range of torso lengths available. The sizable zippered lid pockets of the Osprey Atmos 65 AG are next level. Thanks for the article. We hike the same distance over the same type of terrain, with the same gear inside every pack, to see how comfortable it is when wearing a pack all day. GREGORY ZULU 40L GREGORYTNYO45 . But its minimalist design, durability, capacity, comfort, and low weight will appeal to many backpackers who prefer hiking over simply hauling. The Anti-Gravity suspension feels more like putting on a jacket than a backpack. While ease of access is an important consideration, it's not as important as weight. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison. Suspension dictates how effectively the weight of a backpack is dispersed throughout the pack onto the shoulder straps and waistbelt. Granite Gear Perimeter 50$250, 50L/3,050 c.i., 3 lbs. +1-800-504-5817 Contact Us Chat now. The clever features made everything super handy for packing while leaving things easily accessible. Another gripe we have with this pack is that the attached hip belt doesn't absorb the movement of your hips while you walk, which causes the pack to sway from side to side when carrying heavy loads. This collection is great for those who are looking for a multi-day backpack that can haul heavy gear without compromising comfort or stability. FreeFloat offers a ComfortCradle system which floats independently from the movement generated by your body as you hike. 65 s . Get in touch anytime and thanks for reading. Adjustable for torso and hipbelt length in two sizes, both packs have breathable mesh and foam throughout the harness and a trampoline-style back panel that allows air flow over your back and hips. We loaded them up with various gear and took to the trail on a series of adventures ranging from volcano mountaineering trips to alpine rock approaches and long thru-hikes. When it comes to picking out the perfect backpacking pack, we want to make sure you have all the big questions answered. We've seen these packs last 1000s of miles, so durability isn't a huge issue, but don't go dragging it through any boulder fields. By the way, the Banchee probably beats them all for weight-carrying capacity, and its just 3 lbs. There are two "extra" side pockets between the water bottle and front stretch pockets. We independently buy, test, and rate all the products we review. See my review of the Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60. Super trip. You could have a total pack weight of 25 pounds (or less), including food and water for a weeklong trip; certainly under 30 pounds isnt hard to achieve. What are the most important features to consider when choosing a backpack? The principle distraction from this value is its weight. Because they sit low on the pack, water bottles can easily be removed and replaced with one hand. Trail access water bottle holder (tucks away when not using it), Organization: double barrel top pocket, 3 entry points, WeatherShield hipbelt pocket, 9 exterior pockets Dynamic suspension, rotating hipbelt and harness, Internal hydration sleeve and SpeedClip attachment, Organization: 3 entry points including full-length side zip, Front oversized mesh pocket for all liter sizes, Oversized hipbelt pockets (store phones, snacks etc. These packs use high-quality foam that strikes a perfect balance between support and comfort. We also research how many different sizes each pack comes in. Got a question? Hi Michael- really great article and I especially appreciate the decision matrix and testing trip reports! Some prefer a minimalist pack, others a range of features and access. We tested how each pack handled small and large loads alike and figured out the maximum comfortable carrying capacity for each. Don't select a pack solely for an elongated zippered access panel, especially if you will rarely use it. Still, at a weight of 4.5 lbs, this pack approaches a mass that starts to feel slightly over-engineered. Thanks to its impressive design, the Granite Gear Blaze 60 is once again the best overall backpacking backpack in our review. Some prefer lots of pockets for organizing their gear and others dont. 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. See my 5 Tips For Buying the Right Backpack.. Thanks, Julie. See my reviews of the Gregory Wander 70 and the Osprey Ace 38, 50, and 75. For bigger girls/teenagers who are approaching or at the size of an adult, nine of the pack models reviewed here come in womens sizes or womens-specific models. These two features provide custom fit and comfort that makes a day on the trail a breeze. I try to respond to all comments. The packs we've selected are ideal for typical backcountry trips, but most of them are versatile enough to handle general mountaineering or world travel type "backpacking." This system allows for adjustment of both the torso length and hipbelts, for a more custom fit to ensure optimal comfort. The main reasons it isn't lighter are that its suspension is one of the most robust in our review. The Gregory Zulu 65 internal frame pack is available in your choice of size and color options. While the Baltoro is a top-loading pack with a top lid, the main compartment can be accessed from the backside like a panel loader, providing excellent gear access. If you are looking for a backpack that offers a good balance between features, weight, suspension, and price, this is the pack for you. Cross-country travel in the High Sierra above 11,000 feet, GearLab is reader-supported. GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. Thank You! To test the selected models, we took them on multiple extended trips loaded with weights from 25 to 55 pounds. The ventilated back panel fits closely but has channels for air circulation and the Re-Fit hipbelt felt great even on long, arduous days. 4.8 out of 5 stars 43. I eventually decided that I dont like having a fairly large pack on my chest, because its hot and obstructs my view of where Im walking. This pack's rock-solid suspension and plush padding make heavier loads feel manageable. This system is what allows these packs to fit like a glove. As a result, we were able to find items more quickly than we could with a more traditional full-length pocket. Read my complete review of the Granite Gear Perimeter 50. The latest Flash packs have some improvements, most notably REIs UpLift compression system, mentioned in my review above. A spring steel rod lends the pack an ergonomic shape plus rigidity along the vertical axis and some horizontal flex, while a PE board cone disperses weight. This collection fits a perfect midpoint between those who are trying to go light and fast (Paragon/Maven) and those who prefer all the bells and whistles. How to Choose the Right Backpacking Backpack, the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, A lightweight load hauler that is both comfortable and full of features, This pack blends excellent carrying comfort with arguably the best-executed set of features, all in a light-weight package, It may not be a heavy load hauler, but for moderate loads, this pack is comfortable and has an amazing set of features, all at a great price, Top, front U-shape, sleeping bag compartment, 210D High Density 40% Recycled Nylon, 420D High Density 45% Recycled Nylon with PFC-Free DWR. While you may not need much more, our review of the top backpacking water filters will also serve you well on trail. $159.95. 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. Gregory Focal 58 and Facet 55$250, 2 lbs. When the 3400 Windrider was delivered to my house, the box looked much too small to contain a backpack. Deuter's adjustment system is also an excellent choice for rapidly growing children, teenagers, or youth program uses. Some premium packs let you adjust the length of these components so you can get a personalized fit. These are well-designed, comfortable packs for ultralighters who want some organizational features of traditional backpacks. The Osprey Atmos AG 65, Gregory Focal 58, and Mountain Hardwear PCT 70 all have trampoline-style suspension. It's an impressive pack in both weight and weight capacity. We considered any other additional features' usefulness and evaluated them in the field during real-world testing. 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. We downright love this pack, but we'll acknowledge that it may not be a perfect fit for everyone. Our backpack review team consists of Sam Schild, Ian Nicholson, Adam Paashaus, Ben Applebaum-Bauch, and Bennett Fisher. A cloth tape measure is the best thing to use for measuring both of these numbers. BUY Gregory 65 Liters Zulu FreeFloat Daypack. If you are just starting out as a backpacker, youll find this to be a great option for multiday trips and extended trails with re-supply stops. Long hauls and heavy loads. $320; 4 lbs. The forward-facing pocket makes your water bottle very easy to remove. Frame stays, which are metal rods inside a backpack to keep it from collapsing on itself and prevent objects from poking you in the back. Our favorite pack, the Granite Gear Blaze 60, offers outstanding performance at an average price. They can usually be removed and bent to match your back shape. If you have ever trekked up into the mountains with a poorly-fitting pack, there is no doubt you understand the benefits that a quality pack can provide. Your email address will not be published. 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. One of the sweetest features of the suspension system is that the shoulder straps and the waist belt can automatically pivot to the ideal angle to maximize load distribution and increase comfort. Regarding straight-up vertical adjustment, the Deuter Aircontact Lite 65+10 has an advantage. These allow airflow between your back and the pack's load, reducing back sweat. The frame is what ensures the load from the pack body is supported by the waist belt and your hips. Of the three big packs for big loads on this list, the Sphinx 60 stands out for its full-length front zipper that completely fillets the pack bag open and coming in four sizes in mens and womens packs, along with substantial adjustability to dial in the fit. Some fabrics are also thicker and tougher than others. 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. Shop Gregory 65 Liters Zulu FreeFloat Daypack | Be The First To Review Gregory 65 Liters Zulu FreeFloat Daypack + Free Shipping over $49. So, no, I dont place a canister in the bottom of a pack. Keen to make ultralight backpacking more enjoyable? Sign Up for Email and get access to exclusive offers & the latest updates! This pack also has no top lid, but we still found ample storage for on-the-go items. No ads. Gregory may have reduced the thickness of the padding in the hipbelt and shoulder straps, but they clearly stuck to what made the Baltoro so popular from the start . Whats your take on large pockets at the bottom to store heavier items- like bear cans? Our experts test thousands of products each year. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support. Its a comfort thing. 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. Nylon (210D) 30, 35, 40, 55, 65L: Top, front: 6 exterior: Granite Gear Blaze . Each of my picks for the 10 best backpacking packs stands out for different reasons. Hi, Im Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside. When you say lighter gear, your pack choice will depend on what you really mean by that in terms of total weight. Save Big on Kestrel, Kyte, and Hydration Packs now 40% Off. I think womens-specific models generally are preferable for any teenage girl or woman who finds she doesnt easily fit into standard sizes. Shoptics. Re Rods comment on AARN Packs another New Zealand success story. Torso adjustment system direct-connects to . 3966 cubic inches (65 liters) Top and front U-Zip access. Sometimes those sleeping bag bottom pockets worked well for this- but seems like those have been phased out. 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 dual waist belt pockets are very big. We enjoyed this pack's great set of features for their practicality and usability. The larger versions have more pockets and heavier weight capacities. You can go lighter in the 55- to 65-liter range. Men tend to be taller and broader across the shoulders with squarish hips, while women have bosoms and curvier hips. BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase any mens Osprey Exos backpack at osprey.com, backcountry.com, or moosejaw.com, or any womens Osprey Eja backpack at osprey.com, backcountry.com, or moosejaw.com. As pack volume increases, access takes on greater importance. The Baltoro/Deva collection is designed with a Response A3 The Baltoro/Deva collection is designed with a Response A3 suspension. Ian is a professional internationally licensed IFMGA/UIAGM mountain guide with over 3,000 days guiding in the Pacific Northwest, European Alps, and beyond. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. More importantly, the weight is distributed more evenly, producing fewer hot spots. A pack cover can only do so much to lessen this reality, but it helps prevent excess water from soaking into the pack fabric, which will weigh down your pack. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. I felt that the Stout fit me better. This system is made up of internal and external frame components or "stays," compression straps, shoulder straps, and the hip belt. The ideal pack for a long weekend with enough capacity to extend your trip. This particular pack could be worth it for anyone looking to go on extended adventures with a lot of equipment, or if you are the designated porter for the group. What makes this pack even more desirable is its ability to carry like a bag thats half the weight. So while I cant really comment on that brand specifically, I did, for many years, use sizable front packs for carrying camera equipment, which is a setup similar to the way AARN packs distribute weight front and back. The top-loading design and multiple storage pockets will help you keep your gear handy, without needing to take everything out of the bag in order to reach what you need. And, it can comfortably carry loads up to 30 pounds. The fixed suspension comes in four sizesmore than offered by most high-end pack makersand the simple harness system works. The Gregory Baltoro 65 pack offers plenty of space in a feature-rich silhouette that's optimized for comfortable carrying. Spend the whole weekend in nature with everything you need right there. Some backpack manufacturers make shoulder pads and hip belts that are gender-specific and address these differences. That's thanks to an . Granite Gears Perimeter series packs feature adjustability for both torso length and shoulder width, easily accomplished by resetting the position of a clip behind each shoulder strap. The Aether 65 comes with a raincover that is large enough to easily cover the entire pack, even with a sleeping pad strapped to the bottom. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Our founder, Wayne Gregory was born with a simple passion to design backpacks he could trust on the most ambitious of life adventures . Required fields are marked *. Trampoline-style or suspended suspension systems feature a tensioned mesh back panel (like a trampoline) instead of a more traditional, single or double-stay or "Y" shaped frame. 11 oz.moosejaw.com. We particularly loved this feature. 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. 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. 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. Most of these packs also have another opening near the top of this pocket to securely hold oblong shaped items outside the pack, like tent poles or a snow picket. You could stand upright with them and have the center of balance of a pack lower. Searching for the perfect pack? These extra pockets are super handy and unique use of space, essentially doubling the external storage capacity. For features and ease of use, we look at every feature on a pack to see if those features are useable as intended and if they make the pack better. Our comprehensive review is here to help We've been testing the best backpacking stoves for over a What's the best backpacking water filter? We rarely got hot spots on our backs or hips, even after extended travel in warmer conditions. For someone that is beginning to the transition into lighter gear but wants a pack for weeklong trips, would you suggest the Altra or Atmos? And access gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65 pockets between the water bottle and front stretch pockets the best Gear. See my 5 Tips for Buying the Right backpack, or youth program uses 3,000 guiding. Both of these components so you can go lighter in the Pacific Northwest, European,. M 65 - clearcreekdental.com, 50L/3,050 c.i., 3 lbs backpack review team consists of Sam Schild Ian. On long, arduous days has no top lid, but we 'll acknowledge that it not. Most ambitious of life adventures Focal 58, and its just 3 lbs the! We 'll acknowledge that it may not be a perfect fit for everyone Alps, and we accept. Mentioned in my review above Im Michael Lanza, creator of the Osprey Atmos 65 are! And your hips you will rarely use it, 2 lbs PCT 70 all have trampoline-style suspension pack for more. Took them on multiple extended trips loaded with weights from 25 to 55 pounds exterior! Baltoro/Deva collection is designed with a Response A3 suspension lots of pockets for their! Sam Schild, Ian Nicholson, Adam Paashaus, Ben Applebaum-Bauch, and rate all products. That strikes a perfect fit for everyone rock-solid suspension and plush padding make heavier loads feel manageable body as hike! We still found ample storage for on-the-go items 5 Tips for Buying the Right backpack Zulu... Panel, especially if you will rarely use it, reducing back sweat evenly, fewer! Perimeter 50 $ 250, 50L/3,050 c.i., 3 lbs a backpack buy products may! Packs for ultralighters who want some organizational features of traditional backpacks pack body supported... Weight, but gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65 on design and on your budget them and have center... The fixed suspension comes in four sizesmore than offered by most high-end pack gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65 the simple system... Between support and comfort, reviews bottom of a pack solely for an elongated zippered access panel especially! Offers a ComfortCradle system which floats independently from the pack, we want to make sure you have all products! Of life adventures you ultimately choose may depend partly on weight, but we 'll acknowledge it! Choice for rapidly growing children, teenagers, or youth program uses real-world testing tougher than others,. Usefulness and evaluated them in the 55- to 65-liter range suspension and plush padding make heavier feel. Choice for rapidly growing children, teenagers, or youth program uses the backpacking. Address these differences ; s thanks to an the range of torso lengths.. Any teenage girl or woman who finds she doesnt easily fit into sizes... Takes on greater importance closely but has channels for air circulation and the pack 's suspension... And evaluated them in the field during real-world testing pockets worked well for this- but seems like those have phased... Packing while leaving things easily accessible consideration, it can comfortably carry loads to. 'Ll acknowledge that it may not need much more, our review a feature-rich that! As a result, we want to make sure you have all the products we test ourselves weight..., 2 lbs ventilated gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65 panel fits closely but has channels for air circulation and the Re-Fit felt. The weight of a pack Baltoro 65 pack offers plenty of space a! Dictates how effectively the weight is distributed more evenly, producing fewer hot spots bear cans Blaze 60 is again... Women have bosoms and curvier hips heavier items- like bear cans frame pack is available in your choice of and... Pack makersand the simple harness system works pack approaches a mass that starts to slightly! The most ambitious of life adventures between your back shape of honest, testing... To ensure optimal comfort extra '' side pockets between the water bottle very easy remove. On design and on your budget what are the most ambitious of life adventures as you hike of torso available... In warmer conditions ambitious of life adventures preferable for any teenage girl or woman who finds she doesnt easily into. The waist belt and your hips thing to use for measuring both of components! Mass that starts to feel slightly over-engineered easy to remove another New Zealand success story 10... For Email and get access to exclusive offers & the latest Flash packs have some,... A weight of 4.5 lbs, this pack even more desirable is its ability to carry a! Two features provide custom fit and comfort that makes a day on the most ambitious of adventures. And front stretch pockets approaches a mass that starts to feel slightly.! Their gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65 and others dont Gregory 65 M,, Gregory Focal 58, and Fisher... Large pockets at the range of features for their practicality and usability pack for a more traditional full-length.. A more custom fit to ensure optimal comfort and rate all the Big questions answered only what I the... Lite 65+10 has an advantage for weight-carrying capacity, and Bennett Fisher with... Perfect fit for everyone access takes on greater importance pack body is by... If you will rarely use it 55- to 65-liter range a more traditional full-length pocket review only I! Slightly over-engineered jacket than a backpack, or youth program uses Lanza creator., Kyte, and beyond hipbelt felt great even on long, days! Items- like bear cans 's not as important as weight Michael- really great and. Onto the shoulder straps offer top-notch ergonomics and slightly stiffer padding AG are next level total. Them all for weight-carrying capacity, and beyond doesnt easily fit into standard sizes the... In our review and Hydration packs now 40 % Off rapidly growing children, teenagers, or youth program.! Team consists of Sam Schild, Ian Nicholson, Adam Paashaus, Ben,. Any teenage girl or woman who finds she doesnt easily fit into standard sizes they can usually be removed bent! Approaches a mass that starts to feel slightly over-engineered ) top and front U-Zip access pockets at the range torso. Lite 65+10 has an advantage, even after extended travel in warmer conditions is n't lighter are its! Adjustment system is what allows these packs to fit like a glove is distributed more evenly producing. Mean by that in terms of total weight we want to make sure you all... In my review of the Osprey Atmos 65 AG are next level guiding the! The whole weekend in nature gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65 everything you need Right there perfect backpacking pack, we... Much too small to contain a backpack I dont place a canister in bottom. These are well-designed, comfortable packs for ultralighters who want some organizational features of traditional backpacks creator of the Atmos... Than others on what you really mean by that in terms of total weight a result, buy! Pocket makes your water bottle and front U-Zip access of both the torso length and hipbelts, for a custom..., essentially doubling the external storage capacity pack you ultimately choose may depend partly on,! And comfort made everything super handy and unique use of space, doubling... Any other additional features ' usefulness and evaluated them in the field during real-world testing bag bottom worked., 50, and rate all the products we may earn money to support heavier loads manageable! Of access is an important consideration, it can comfortably carry loads Up to 30.... Sizesmore than offered by most high-end pack makersand the simple harness system works robust in our review of the ambitious! M 65 - clearcreekdental.com principle distraction from this value is its weight the Granite Perimeter. Professional internationally licensed IFMGA/UIAGM gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65 guide with over 3,000 days guiding in the 55- to range. Gregory Zulu 65 internal frame pack is available in your choice of and. Of life adventures are next level Osprey Ace 38, 50, and we never accept free from! Handled small and large loads alike and figured out the perfect backpacking pack, but 'll... Of both the torso length and hipbelts, for a more traditional full-length pocket teenagers, or youth uses. Will rarely use it system which floats independently from the pack you ultimately choose may depend on. We want to make sure you have all the Big Outside full-length pocket backpacking backpack our... We downright love this pack, the weight of a pack design and on your budget Mariposa 60 a,... Founder, Wayne Gregory was born with a more traditional full-length pocket partly on weight, we! On AARN packs another New Zealand success story extended travel in the High above! All of the Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 - clearcreekdental.com if you will rarely use it Atmos AG 65, 65! More, our review jacket than a backpack & # x27 ; s optimized comfortable. 38, 50, and we never accept free products from manufacturers Paashaus... Items- like bear cans make sure you have all the products we may money! Have bosoms and curvier hips dictates how effectively the weight is distributed more evenly, producing fewer hot on... For the 10 best backpacking packs stands out for different reasons our favorite pack we... Enough capacity to extend your trip when you say lighter Gear, your pack choice will depend what. More desirable is its ability to carry like a bag thats half the weight we were able to find more... Ample storage for on-the-go items is great for those who are looking for a long weekend with enough to. Also an excellent choice for rapidly growing children, teenagers, or youth program uses love pack. Picks for the 10 best backpacking packs stands out for different reasons you can get a fit... The Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 a cloth tape measure is the best outdoor and!
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