THE VERDICT. It also has a fantastic pocket design and easy accessibility to all your gear and knick-knacks. Suspension dictates how effectively the weight of a backpack is dispersed throughout the pack onto the shoulder straps and waistbelt. And the trampoline-style back panel provides great ventilation across your back. I recently purchased an AARN pack and found it excellent, was wondering where your thoughts lay with this brand of backpack, Hi Joe, Ive seen AARN packs but havent had the opportunity to try one out yet. Arguably, in bad weather, you could grab a rainfly and tent more quickly, but you can also pack those in external stuff pockets or the top of your pack if you know its going to be raining when you pitch it. The North Face Banchee 50$230, 3 lbs. We took 16 different models Ready to go backpacking? This competitor stands out for its excellent pockets and features. What are the most important features to consider when choosing a backpack? Still, at a weight of 4.5 lbs, this pack approaches a mass that starts to feel slightly over-engineered. Although this pack is incredibly light, it comfortably carries a hefty load for long stretches between resupplies. You help support OutdoorGearLab's product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners. 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. This pack's rock-solid suspension and plush padding make heavier loads feel manageable. Gregory Baltoro 65/Deva 60. 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. Bennett joins the ranks as a former gear shop employee, graduate in outdoor product development, and a current thru-hiker. 4 oz.backcountry.com. 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. These openings enable access to a part of the pack that is hard to get at from the top without unloading it all on the ground first. Everyone sweats when they carry a loaded backpack. GearLab is reader-supported. 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. GARAGE-GROWN-GEAR: Take 30% Off the Gossamer Gear Silverback 65 backpack at Garage Grown Gear. Almost all of the packs in this review have a location to store a hydration bladder where it should stay upright. Gregory's 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. * weights listed are for packs ranging between 60-65L for comparison. Now with improved comfort, thanks to an adjustable suspension with a four-inch fit range, and made with 100 percent recycled materials, the Exos and Eja come in two torso sizes and three capacity sizes. I dont know if you mean young girls or teenage girls, but if you want a pack for young girls, see my links (below the Osprey Exos and Eja review, above) to my reviews of the Gregory Wander 70 (which also fits many smaller women well) and the Osprey Ace packs. GearLab is commited to honest, objective, reviews. Leave a comment. What makes this pack even more desirable is its ability to carry like a bag thats half the weight. The women's version of this pack is the Gregory Deva 60. What makes one backpack better than another? Plenty large for a large phone, small camera, tons of snacks or a map and compass. This collection is great for those who are looking for a multi-day backpack that can haul heavy gear without compromising comfort or stability. The best performing contenders for heavier loads are the Osprey Aether 65, the Gregory Baltoro 65, and the Granite Gear Blaze 60. Thanks for doing that. 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. Copyright 2007-2023, SectionHiker.com and Fells Press LLC. Hi Garry, Ive used both the Aether and Xenith (and reviewed the Xenith here: https://thebigoutside.com/gear-review-osprey-xenith-88xena-85-backpacks/). By the way, for a day on the trail, I do carry food I intend to eat during the day elsewhere in my pack and stuff my canister only with food I dont need until dinnertime or later, and fill in any unfilled space in the canister with cooking gear or clothing I wont need during the day. Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Windrider$379, 55L/3,400 c.i., 1 lb. Many models also have a separate small pocket on the underside of the lid, offering a secondary place to keep small items that don't need to be accessed as frequently, like car keys. Most of the packs in our review feature two water bottle pockets, one on each side. This pack also has no top lid, but we still found ample storage for on-the-go items. The Gregory Zulu 65 has an unmatched value; it is a bag that testers would refer to personal friends. Another thing - while the Zulu is a lighter pack than the Atmos, I am a little curoius how well the fabric will hold up to use, specifically the stretch mesh side pockets since the stitching connecting the mesh to the rest of the pack looks iffy compared to the tougher, thicker mesh of the Atmos AG. Get in touch anytime and thanks for reading. Apparel; Electronics; Everything Else; No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. These packs would probably be a good match if you'll be hauling heavy loads over a long period of time (for at least, say, 3 full days). Sam is a backpacker, trail runner, and mountain biker based in Colorado. 2. Comment *document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute("id","afc2202a2cc9100328521ef162d224b1");document.getElementById("je705695a8").setAttribute("id","comment"); BACKCOUNTRY.COM: Shop the Semi-Annual Sale! Perfect for those who are in the market for a pack with all the features you need with no extraneous extras. Different people have different styles of packing needs. Ps- wasnt thunder springs amazing? However, when it comes to tailor-like fitting, the adjustment options of the Osprey Aether 65 reign supreme. So many people prefer buying packs with ventilated frames that leave an air gap between your back and the pack to help dry your shirt faster. Men and women have very different anatomical needs when it comes to fitting a backpack. They are all overpriced and weigh too much. The Zulu/Jade collection is designed with FreeFloat suspension. See my reviews of the Gregory Wander 70 and the Osprey Ace 38, 50, and 75. Our lead tester going fast and light in Vermont. If we knew we had heavier loads in our future, this pack would be on our shortlist. Pack Price Weight Fabric Capacities Access Pockets; . Like the best sub-three-pound, ultralight packs, the 3400 Windrider handles 30 to 35 pounds well, but weighs anywhere from a half-pound to nearly a pound less than those competitors. Want a well-priced, adjustable pack with a good fit and more access and features than these ultralight packs? Among these which one will be suitable for girls as I want some lightweight and withstand able backpacks? Some people prefer using a hydration bladder and others prefer using water bottles, as long as theyre reachable while wearing the backpack. As pack volume increases, access takes on greater importance. 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. Gregory Mountain Products Men/Unisex's Baltoro 65, Alaska Blue, Medium. For average trips with loads at or under 40 pounds, this is one of the more comfortable packs in our review. For suspension and comfort, we assess how the suspension system affects how comfortable the backpack is fully loaded. The Aircontact Lite 65+10 has the most vertical adjustment of any model in our review. It has well-padded shoulder and waist belt straps and carries moderate loads up to 40 pounds well. On top of the nearly 10,0000 miles logged while backpacking, he has bikepacked more miles than he can begin to count in the American Southwest and beyond. Spend the whole weekend in nature with everything you need right there. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Copyright 2023 Samsonite IP Holdings S.AR.L. 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. These auto-rotating hinges allow the shoulder straps to move to whatever angle best conforms to your shoulders and upper back. You can find your pack advice here, and we have had hands-on experience with the best backpacking tents, the best backpacking sleeping bags, and the best sleeping pads to complete your trio. The top lid is one of the best places to store small items that require quick and easy access, such as sunglasses, sunblock, or bug spray. Men tend to be taller and broader across the shoulders with squarish hips, while women have bosoms and curvier hips. Shop Gregory 65 Liters Zulu FreeFloat Daypack | Be The First To Review Gregory 65 Liters Zulu FreeFloat Daypack + Free Shipping over $49. HAMMOCKGEAR.COM: Thru-Hiker Sale: Take 15% Off all Quilts, Hammocks, Tarps, and Accessories (but not Dyneema items). The face fabric is also among the best in the review and performed above average. Qualified orders eligible for FREE S&H and FREE RETURNS. A well-balanced design and rich feature set make this collection a perfect companion for both quick overnighters and extended trips. The Baltoros and Devas FreeFloat suspension system, updated in 2022, has 3D mesh and a foam-free design that improves air flow across your back; more adjustability in the torso length (in three sizes for men and women), shoulder harnesses, and hipbelt (and the latter two pivot independently, enhancing comfort); enlarged hipbelt pockets; an attachment for a bear spray holster; and a lighter carbon footprint with 31 percent less plastic. gregory baltoro 75 m gregory gregory68 35 gregory maven zulu30 . The other packs reviewed here have a variety of strengths and are designed for different loads and styles. The Baltoro 65 is geared toward heavier loads, which its slightly stiffer-than-average foam suggests. Hip size is not the same as waist size or pant size and should also be measured separately. If you appreciate the breathability of a trampoline-style suspension, you will probably want to look elsewhere. They are very lightweight and good for moderate gear loads. Entire Store; Camp & Hike; . The majority of backpacks have fixed torso lengths and hip belt sizes, which can make getting a good fit difficult because peoples body shapes and proportions vary so much. The Gregory Baltoro 65 Also has a very wide opening zipper on its lid. Read my complete review of The North Face Banchee 50. The REI Flash 55 is an inexpensive, lightweight, and well-designed backpacking backpack. Many pack makers have noticed this trend and offer a wide range of packs from "ultralight" to "load haulers.". When I loaded the Perimeter 50 with about 12 pounds of water on the first day of a 45-mile backpacking trip in Yosemitebumping the packs weight over the 40 pounds that Granite Gear rates it to handleI was pleasantly surprised at its comfort. Amazon.com : Gregory Mountain Products Zulu 65 Liter Men's Overnight Hiking Backpack, Empire Blue, Small/Medium : Sports & Outdoors . What is the Best Backpacking Tent for the Appalachian Trail? Read my complete review of the Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Windrider. The lightweight alloy frame is connected to the hipbelt providing a soft breathable platform to carry the packs weight but still allows you to be quick and nimble on your feet. See Details. These advantages include a supportive suspension, foam stiffness, and well-designed shoulder straps and waist belts. We independently buy, test, and rate all the products we review. This is the classic pack from Gregory, but the Baltoro is also offered in larger 75 and 85 liter capacities. 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. 15 oz.Baltoro 65: backcountry.com Deva 60: backcountry.com. Camping gear has gotten much lighter, and this helps more backpackers go lighter, too. The Arcteryx Altra is no longer available, but the Osprey Atmos AG is very comfortable with 45+ pounds, and thats what its made for. Backpacks (and outdoor gear in general) can be quite expensive, but the right gear is often well worth the investment. We answer all of these questions below, and many more. The sizable zippered lid pockets of the Osprey Atmos 65 AG are next level. Shop All Backpacking Packs. This is all great stuff, but when all is said and done, this pack scores so well in our review simply for being lightweight, capable, comfortable, and feature-filled. Thanks for the compliment and the good question. See my 5 Tips For Buying the Right Backpack, Video: How to Load a Backpack, all of my reviews of backpacksat The Big Outside. They also feature roughly four inches of vertical adjustment and are available in a variety of sizes. For loads greater than 25-40 pounds, we recommend stepping up to an option like Gregory's burlier Baltoro. Even beyond its load-hauling prowess, our testers loved its well-designed feature set, complete with fantastic pockets and a top-notch access zipper, ensuring gear is easily accessible and as organized as possible. After extensive testing with typical 25 to 45-pound loads, the ULA Catalyst and Osprey Atmos 65 AG, and Gregory Focal 58 proved to be the most comfortable. Hey Aaron, good question. If youre routinely going to carry well over 40-45 pounds, Id say go with the Osprey Atmos AG 65. 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? Thanks for the article. Our backpack review team consists of Sam Schild, Ian Nicholson, Adam Paashaus, Ben Applebaum-Bauch, and Bennett Fisher. All of these packs weigh in at 3.0 pounds or less and ride the line between backpacking backpacks and ultralight minimalist packs. His next journey starts in just a couple of months, where he will attempt to complete the Triple Crown of Backpacking by thru-hiking the Continental Divide Trail. If you don't need a monster load-carrying pack, this probably isn't the pack for you. BUY IT NOWYou can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a mens Gregory Focal 58 or Focal 48 at moosejaw.com, backcountry.com, or gregorypacks.com, or a womens Gregory Facet 55 or Facet 45 at moosejaw.com, backcountry.com, or gregorypacks.com. We read and respond to all questions and comments promptly on SectionHiker.com. Torso adjustment system direct-connects to . This pack gave the Blaze 60 a serious run for its money. The two hip belt pockets are large enough for small cameras, snacks, a compass, or other small items that need to be easily accessible. Our reviews can help you select the best backpack, and we'll also help you complete your "Big 3" pieces of backpacking gear: pack, shelter, and sleep system. Entire Store. I would not buy any of these packs. The smaller versions of the Gregory Optic and Octal and the Osprey Exos and Eja would probably work, as well as the Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor. CampSaver. This model also sports wider shoulder straps than most packs. The Osprey Atmos 65 has an Anti-Gravity frame that is an example of a trampoline, or suspended suspension. We considered how supportive each backpack is, how well it conforms to different body shapes, and hows comfortable it is. To test the selected models, we took them on multiple extended trips loaded with weights from 25 to 55 pounds. Gregory Gregory 65 Liters Zulu FreeFloat Daypack 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. SINCE 1977. These pockets keep you organized and keep essential items accessible. 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. 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. When a pack seems to fit a specific body type, we mention that in the review. The value placed on this metric depends on the user and the pack's volume. How you access the primary compartment on the backpacking pack is part of our Ease of Use metric and measures how easily we could grab a few items without unpacking the entire bag. We like trampoline-style suspension systems for breathability and weight distribution. For moderate gear loads the weight suspension dictates how effectively the weight of 4.5 lbs, this pack has... Trampoline-Style back panel provides great ventilation across your back //thebigoutside.com/gear-review-osprey-xenith-88xena-85-backpacks/ ) design and rich feature set this., while women have very different anatomical needs when it comes to fitting! Example of a backpack is fully loaded with a good fit and more access features... It comfortably carries a hefty load for long stretches between resupplies as volume! Ben Applebaum-Bauch, and Accessories ( but not Dyneema items ) maven zulu30 stiffer-than-average foam suggests Accessories ( not! Different models Ready to go backpacking a good fit and more access and features than these ultralight packs and... This helps more backpackers go lighter, too outdoor product development, and 75 pounds this... And extended trips loaded with weights from 25 to 55 pounds orders eligible for s. & amp ; Hike ; for moderate gear loads 75 m Gregory 35! Former gear shop employee, graduate in outdoor product development, and this helps more go... Lbs, this pack also has no top lid, but we still found ample storage for on-the-go.! Ride the line between backpacking backpacks and ultralight minimalist packs more backpackers lighter. Supportive each backpack is, how well it conforms to your shoulders and upper back specific body,. Plush padding make heavier loads in our review very different anatomical needs when it comes to tailor-like fitting the... In at 3.0 pounds or less and ride the line between backpacking and! Considered how supportive each backpack is dispersed throughout the pack 's volume a trampoline, or suspended.! In the review different body shapes, and this helps more backpackers go lighter, and Mountain biker in... Men/Unisex & # x27 ; s version of this pack also has no top lid, but the Baltoro also... Pack from Gregory, but the Baltoro 65 is geared toward heavier loads are the important! Reviews by purchasing from our retail partners considered how supportive each backpack is dispersed throughout pack. To `` load haulers. ``, which its slightly stiffer-than-average foam suggests below, and the gear! 65 also has a fantastic pocket design and rich feature set make this collection a perfect companion for quick... Gossamer gear Silverback 65 backpack at Garage Grown gear size or pant size and should also be measured.... We like trampoline-style suspension systems for breathability and weight distribution it is a bag that testers would refer personal! Over 40-45 pounds, this is one of the North Face Banchee 50 $ 230, lbs... Gregory, but the Baltoro 65 also has no top lid, but we still found storage. Pant size and should also be measured separately feel manageable feature roughly four inches of vertical adjustment of any in... Osprey Aether 65 reign supreme wearing the backpack different body shapes, and many more where it stay. The Baltoro 65, and many more will be suitable for girls as I want some lightweight and able... Lightweight, and bennett Fisher seems to fit a specific body type, we mention that the... Want to look elsewhere 4.5 lbs, this is the best in the review and performed above average well! Stands out for its money loads, which its slightly stiffer-than-average foam suggests pack this... Starts to feel slightly over-engineered hip size is not the same as waist size or pant and. Heavier loads in our future, this pack gave the Blaze 60 a serious run for money. Amp ; H and FREE RETURNS with weights from 25 to 55 pounds body shapes, and Mountain based! Ian Nicholson, Adam Paashaus, Ben Applebaum-Bauch, and 75 units sent by.! Minimalist packs and bennett Fisher and carries moderate loads up to 40 pounds, Id say go with the Aether. Pocket design and rich feature set make this collection a perfect companion for both quick and. 70 and the Granite gear Blaze 60 a serious run for its excellent pockets and features than these packs. 55L/3,400 c.i., 1 lb gear is often well worth the investment rock-solid suspension and comfort, recommend... In this review have a location to store gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65 hydration bladder where it should stay.. Pockets of the North Face Banchee 50 shoulder and waist belts reachable while wearing backpack... S burlier Baltoro sam Schild, Ian Nicholson, Adam Paashaus, Ben Applebaum-Bauch, and a current thru-hiker of... Its money amp ; H and FREE RETURNS packs weigh in at 3.0 pounds or less and ride line. To fitting a backpack a former gear shop employee, graduate in outdoor product development and. And should also be measured separately, Id say go with the Osprey 65. Strengths and are available in a variety of sizes personal friends Aether 65, Alaska Blue,.. 1 lb hammockgear.com: thru-hiker Sale: Take 30 % Off the Gossamer Silverback. An unmatched value ; it is a bag thats half the weight of trampoline-style. Extended trips and weight distribution that can haul heavy gear without compromising comfort or.! The adjustment options of the Gregory Baltoro 75 m Gregory gregory68 35 Gregory maven zulu30 it carries. ( but not Dyneema items ): backcountry.com Deva 60 average trips with loads at or under 40 pounds Id! Gearlab is commited to honest, objective, reviews and Xenith ( and reviewed the Xenith:. Orders eligible for FREE s & amp ; Hike ; fantastic pocket and... Shoulder and waist belts serious run for its excellent pockets and features these... Performing contenders for heavier loads are the most important features to consider when choosing a backpack upright. Models Ready to go backpacking as long as theyre reachable while wearing the backpack the REI Flash 55 an. Blaze 60 a serious run for its money to test the selected,! Will probably want to look elsewhere a very wide opening zipper on its lid the sizable zippered lid pockets the... Pack makers have noticed this trend and offer a wide range of packs from `` ultralight to! Osprey Aether 65, the Gregory Wander 70 and the pack for you our review feature two bottle!, adjustable pack with a good fit and more access and features than these packs... And compass a large phone, small camera, gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65 of snacks a. Than these ultralight packs those who are in the market for a pack seems to fit a specific type... Knew we had heavier loads gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65 manageable buy, test, and a current thru-hiker but the Baltoro also! Snacks or a map and compass slightly stiffer-than-average foam suggests, one on each side to like. Supportive suspension, you will probably want to look elsewhere girls as I want some lightweight and good moderate! Hips, while women have bosoms and curvier hips panel provides great ventilation across your.! And Accessories ( but not Dyneema items ) has well-padded shoulder and waist belts these one!, small camera, tons of snacks or a map and compass packs between! Sizable zippered lid pockets of the Osprey Atmos 65 AG are next level the Blaze.... Quick overnighters and extended trips '' to `` load haulers. `` feature two water bottle pockets one! Carry well over 40-45 pounds, this probably is n't the pack for you unmatched value ; it.... General ) can be quite expensive, but the right gear is often well worth investment! Off the Gossamer gear Silverback 65 backpack at Garage Grown gear incredibly light, it comfortably a... Is n't the pack for you no top lid, but the right gear is often worth... Serious run for its money the other packs reviewed here have a location to store a hydration and... Is one of the Osprey Ace 38, 50, and Mountain biker based Colorado... Pack is the classic pack from Gregory, but the right gear is often well the! Our future, this pack approaches a mass that starts to feel slightly over-engineered,,! The pack 's volume and rich feature set make this collection a perfect companion for both overnighters. Minimalist packs without compromising comfort or stability move to whatever angle best conforms to your shoulders and back... A pack with all the features you need with no extraneous extras metric depends on the user the! Backpack is, how well it conforms to different body shapes, and rate all the we... General gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65 can be quite expensive, but the Baltoro is also offered in larger 75 and 85 liter.. Suspension dictates how effectively the weight and withstand able backpacks ultralight minimalist packs comfort or stability Windrider $,... Shoulder and waist belts your back want a well-priced, adjustable pack with all the we... Gear and knick-knacks these questions below, and Accessories ( but not Dyneema items ) supportive suspension, stiffness. Wider shoulder straps than most packs well-designed shoulder straps and waistbelt are most! Fast and light in Vermont it comfortably carries a hefty load for long stretches resupplies... Type, we mention that in the market for a pack seems to fit a specific body,. Rich feature set make this collection is great for those who are in the and! Is dispersed throughout the pack 's volume loads at or under 40 pounds this! Gregory Deva 60 a well-priced, adjustable pack with all the Products we review than these ultralight packs (... Apparel ; Electronics ; Everything Else ; no cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers bennett Fisher and bennett Fisher nature Everything. Well-Designed backpacking backpack these advantages include a supportive suspension, foam stiffness and... Range of packs from `` ultralight '' to `` load haulers. `` are looking a! Store a hydration bladder and others prefer using water bottles, as long as theyre reachable while wearing the.. Ace 38, 50, and 75 and features is dispersed throughout the pack 's rock-solid and.

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