Gregory Maven 65 Pack - Women's. (26) $279.95. If your regularly carrying that much weight, I would try it and other big packs in this review on loaded with some weight and see which feels better on you, and also consider which feature set you prefer. ULA packs are well known in the trail community and are loved for having the features thru-hikers want, like massive zippered hip belt pockets, a large stretchy mesh front pocket, and huge side water bottle pockets that can each hold two tall one-liter bottles. Thanks to its impressive design, the Granite Gear Blaze 60 is once again the best overall backpacking backpack in our review. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. See my 5 Tips For Buying the Right Backpack, Video: How to Load a Backpack, all of my reviews of backpacksat The Big Outside. 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. Though it can comfortably handle loads many lighter packs couldn't dream of carrying, there is no denying this pack is heavy. The Zulu/Jade collection is designed with FreeFloat suspension. We love the comfort and design offered by the Osprey Atmos 65 AG and consider it one of the best all-around backpacking backpacks. The sizable zippered lid pockets of the Osprey Atmos 65 AG are next level. 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. 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. The waist belt and shoulder straps are crucial factors to consider when picking a backpack. It's slightly lighter than packs with similarly robust suspensions. 15.7 oz. As a result, we were able to find items more quickly than we could with a more traditional full-length pocket. Backpackers who are willing to accept a reasonable weight penalty for some organizational features of traditional backpacks and the support to carry up to 35 pounds will like the top-loading mens Focal and womens Facet. How important is pack weight and getting a frame or hip belt that can be adjusted to fit your personal dimensions. 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. Watch the full video comparing all four packs here or scroll through the blog and watch the collection-specific videos! Gregory Baltoro 65 Pack - Men's (24) 24 reviews with an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars. The Osprey Atmos 65 AG provides a snug ride with its trampoline-style suspension that spreads the load evenly across the body. 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. 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. Long hauls and heavy loads. Ian is a professional internationally licensed IFMGA/UIAGM mountain guide with over 3,000 days guiding in the Pacific Northwest, European Alps, and beyond. Long hikes, when youre trying to go light and fast. The straps underneath and around the sleeping bag compartment are long enough to fit over a closed-cell foam pad. They have the most significant impact on a pack's comfort (or lack thereof). No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. Got a question? That works, but its not an easy fit. Our backpack review team consists of Sam Schild, Ian Nicholson, Adam Paashaus, Ben Applebaum-Bauch, and Bennett Fisher. Not sure what type of pack you need? Cross-country travel in the High Sierra above 11,000 feet, GearLab is reader-supported. Thats why weve put together a guide to help you determine which of our backpacking collections is the perfect fit for you. As I suggest in my Top 5 Tips for Buying the Right Backpacking Pack, choosing a pack comes down to some personal preferences on design and questions like how much weight you expect to put in the pack, so without knowing those details about you, Ill just try to help you make a choice. Free Shipping and Returns. How many pounds can a lightweight backpack carry comfortably? From this I cant quite tell which you think is more comfortable. Which is why Ive long found a zipper accessing the bottom of a pack to be largely superfluous weight. I hope thats helpful. Having straps for a sleeping pad or other oddly shaped items is a small but excellent feature to have. You can go lighter in the 55- to 65-liter range. The large, U-Zip opening makes access and organization of your gear a snap. . The Gregory Baltoro 65 and the Osprey Atmos 65 AG also have a respectable amount of adjustment. Want an ultralight pack with more total capacity than the 3400 Windrider and seven external pockets, that weighs and costs less? Re Rods comment on AARN Packs another New Zealand success story. The Baltoro 65 weighs in at 4.9 pounds for a size medium. While they generally weigh a bit more, getting a well-fitting backpack is usually worth it. Barely tipping the scales at 2.8 pounds, the ULA Catalyst is an excellent pack for lightweight enthusiasts. Purchasing gear through my affiliate links supports my work on this blog. See The Big Outsides Gear Reviews page for categorized menus of all gear reviews and expert buying tips. GOSSAMER-GEAR.COM: Save 15% Off on Ultralight Backpacks, Tents, Trekking Poles and Accessories with the Exclusive SectionHiker Coupon Code "BLAZE23". Only fairly large backpacks (60 liters or larger) are wide enough to lay a canister in horizontally, which I think is the best way to fit a canister inside a pack. A top-loader, it excels for organization, with nine pockets from the hipbelt to two capacious, zippered front pockets. This collection has the largest range of liter sizes ranging from 28L up to 65L, making it ideal for day hikes, overnighters, long weekends or backpacking trips abroad. 65 s . Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Windrider$379, 55L/3,400 c.i., 1 lb. Zulu 65 $249.95 $187.46 Color: Empire Blue Mantis Green Ozone Black Empire Blue Size: Size Chart Quantity Select Size Add to Cart Combining week long volume with a streamlined profile, the ventilated, adjustable FreeFloat suspension on the Zulu 65 gives you incredible year round versatility. The Baltoro is heavier, but much more padded. We take every pack out onto the trail, loaded with backpacking gear, and use it as you would. 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. Over the last decade, many hikers have made a concerted effort to carry less weight than their predecessors. Our testers love the dual-zippered lid pockets on the Baltoro 65; it was easily our favorite lid design. If we knew we had heavier loads in our future, this pack would be on our shortlist. Gregory Baltoro 65/Deva 60. Toll-Free: . Camping gear has gotten much lighter, and this helps more backpackers go lighter, too. Shop All Backpacking Packs. Read my complete review of the Granite Gear Perimeter 50. The latest gear, trips, stories, and more, beamed to your inbox every week. Read more: Ultralight Adventure Equipment Catalyst review. The combo of dynamic fit and lightweight features create a balanced and agile carry. At under three pounds, they have smart features like a removable, floating lid with two pockets, spacious pockets on the front, sides, and hipbelt, Z-style side compression, and a handy trekking poles attachment on the left shoulder strap. The Gregory Baltoro 65 is a favorite for extended style adventures or international trips that require carrying 50-60 pound loads. Gregory 65 Liters Zulu FreeFloat Daypack ON SALE 145294-9976, 145294-0527, 145673-9976, 145673-0527. Which one of the sub 3lb bags would you say carries heavy loads better? We tested the men's Gregory Baltoro 65 in a medium with a medium hipbelt. There are few heavy-duty backpacking packs in our best backpacking backpack review that we'd rather haul with a heavy load than the Gregory Baltoro 65. And the Blaze is just a few ounces heavier and more tricked out, super comfortable, and has the best weight-carrying capacity of every pack Ive mentioned. Copyright 2023 Samsonite IP Holdings S.AR.L. 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. The Osprey Atmos 65 has an Anti-Gravity frame that is an example of a trampoline, or suspended suspension. Mystery Ranch Sphinx 60$269, 60L/3,662 c.i., 4 lbs. When you design a product to be lightweight, it's common for performance to suffer in another way. Some manufacturers only count closed storage while others add in all of the open pockets too. Expedition style backpack with all the bells and whistles. Pack Price Weight Fabric Capacities Access Pockets; . We considered any other additional features' usefulness and evaluated them in the field during real-world testing. 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. 26 $219.95 $219.95. Some buckles on this pack are small and hard to operate with gloves. We concluded that we generally favor packs with a handful of straps for crampons, ice axes, sleeping pads, flip-flops, or other items because it adds to the pack's overall versatility. The REI Flash 55 is an inexpensive, lightweight, and well-designed backpacking backpack. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. Each pack in our lineup has its strengths and weaknesses, and we help to decipher all the nuances to simplify your research experience and help you find the best backpack for your needs. The straps on the Gregory Focal 58 pass through the side pockets and function as side compression straps. 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. Overall, though, its a great backpack to get you through the mountain. The tensioned, ventilated back panel allows air movement across your sweaty back. Up to 60% Off. Still, at a weight of 4.5 lbs, this pack approaches a mass that starts to feel slightly over-engineered. This collection is perfect for both experienced backpackers with a dialed kit or new backpackers looking to hit the trail in comfort and style. All of the shoulder straps offer top-notch ergonomics and slightly stiffer padding. It's loaded with features and provides incredible back ventilation while weighing in at 4.5 pounds. Because they sit low on the pack, water bottles can easily be removed and replaced with one hand. The Atmos has two exterior pockets on the brain, which helps keep you organized on the trail. 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. However, we found it was also pretty easy for a water bottle to fall out of this pocket if you lean over too far. If youre considering a new pack and liked the previous Flash, you may like the new one even more. We rarely got hot spots on our backs or hips, even after extended travel in warmer conditions. $159.95. This model has extremely well-designed and auto-rotating shoulder straps that conform to the shape of your upper back. Start with my 5 Expert Tips For Buying the Right Backpacking Pack. See also my picks for The Best Ultralight Backpacks.. Ive listed the pack reviews below in order by weight because thats the metric that most defines and influences a packs design and functionality. Or is it just adding weight to the pack? More importantly, the weight is distributed more evenly, producing fewer hot spots. Men and women have very different anatomical needs when it comes to fitting a backpack. When the 3400 Windrider was delivered to my house, the box looked much too small to contain a backpack. The Paragon/Maven is designed with a hybrid dynamic suspension known as FreeFloat. Although this pack is incredibly light, it comfortably carries a hefty load for long stretches between resupplies. The side bottle pockets are also the most easily accessible in the group. Torso adjustment system direct-connects to . With all this carrying gear on his back and his bike, Sam is quite the expert on backpacks. We like trampoline-style suspension systems for breathability and weight distribution. For full-day adventures or summer overnights, with an adjustable, dynamic FreeFloat suspension. Baltoro 65. What is the Difference Between a Single-Wall Tent and a Double-Wall Tent? Osprey Ariel Plus 70 Pack - Women's. (3) $410.00. Gregory Baltoro (image belongs to Baltoro 65 ), in my opinion, is absolutely the best alternative to Osprey's Aether AG and Xenith Series. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison. And yes, the Thunder Springs on the Grand Canyons Thunder River-Deer Creek loop is amazing, as are the waterfalls on Deer Creek. This also helps with longer food carries or that first day of a week-long backpacking trip when those seven days worth of food are heavy no matter what the rest of your gear weighs. The Baltoro 65's suspension was comfortable all day. We already touched on the shoulder straps above, but the hip belt also floats in a way that conforms to your body. If youre routinely going to carry well over 40-45 pounds, Id say go with the Osprey Atmos AG 65. The Baltoro and Deva's (the women's version) carrying comfort have never failed to impress. What makes one backpack better than another? gregory 65 m s; . The huge vertical adjustment range helps dial in your fit and makes it an excellent option for younger backpackers who are still growing. THE VERDICT. 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. TNFs updated-for-2019 Banchee 50 falls squarely into a category Im calling almost ultralight: barely over an unofficial ceiling weight of three pounds for ultralight packs, but more tricked-out than ultralight competitors, and with a greater weight-bearing and volume capacity than manyas I discovered on a five-day backpacking trip in Yellowstones Bechler Canyon area. 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. Gregory Backpacks, Bags, Boxes, & Storage. The upper uses a redirected strap which is much easier to pull on, while the lower is the traditional "push and pull.". A 6o liter backpack is the sweet spot for most thru-hikers, weekend backpackers, and multi-sport adventurers because it gives you plenty of space for food, fuel, and gear. Amazon.com : Gregory Mountain Products Zulu 65 Liter Men's Overnight Hiking Backpack, Empire Blue, Small/Medium : Sports & Outdoors . 11.4 oz. He has subsequently embarked on thru-hikes of some of the iconic long trails of the U.S. including the Pacific Crest Trail, Long Trail, Colorado Trail, Oregon Coast Trail, and John Muir Trail. The larger versions have more pockets and heavier weight capacities. 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. Discover the best trails in the world for biking, hiking, skiing, moto, and more with Trailforks. If they all fit you equally wellwhich isnt likely, but speaking hypotheticallythe pack capable of carrying the most weight may be the Flex Capacitor. I like Ospery Aether, Xenith packs they just Carrie much better than the packs you have on your list I have been to EMS stores and REI and many of the packs that you list have a lot of returns but Aether and Xenith packs are the ones they push and I must say I tried the packs you talked about but after days hiking with them I always go back to the Ospery Aether ,Xenith these packs just feel so much better on my back they make the weight disappear and after days of hiking that is the key to enjoying backpacking . 2. They are very lightweight and good for moderate gear loads. Each of my picks for the 10 best backpacking packs stands out for different reasons. So, no, I dont place a canister in the bottom of a pack. The forward-facing pocket makes your water bottle very easy to remove. The two most important backpack sizing variables are your torso length and the circumference of your hips. 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 backpacking pack aided our explorations high above the trees of Vermont, making our travels light and comfortable. An outside mesh pocket makes stashing a jacket where you can grab it quickly a breeze. +1-800-504-5817 Contact Us Chat now. If you plan to haul loads of 45 pounds or more consistently, you should consider a different model this pack doesn't handle heavy loads as well as a pack that's close to 5 pounds probably should. And, the hip belt has extendable padded sections for larger waisted hikers. Let us know! One of my favorite parts of the canyon. Adam, also a long-time guide and outdoor instructor, travels full time with his wife and two daughters (ages 7 and 9), who recently became Long Trail end-to-enders. Every pocket is a good size and thoughtfully placed. 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. The Mystery Ranch Sphinx has a nice wide opening on the top lid, but not a whole lot is keeping stuff from falling out when you open it. The principle distraction from this value is its weight. Related: How to Choose the Right Backpacking Backpack. We won't accept manufacturer's freebies. The plush, tapered, breathable foam shoulder straps are dreamy. 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. It's not surprising that this pack has earned a cult-like following. Zippers can also be a point of failure. I would not buy any of these packs. The two zippered pockets on the front of the pack are favorites of ours, too. That support and comfort kept me smiling on strenuous days of hiking up to 12 miles with over 7,000 feet of cumulative elevation gain and lossincluding seven very steep off-trail milesbackpacking for six days in the Grand Canyon. $299.95 $224.96. Hi Garry, Ive used both the Aether and Xenith (and reviewed the Xenith here: https://thebigoutside.com/gear-review-osprey-xenith-88xena-85-backpacks/). And the high-strength aluminum perimeter frame delivers serious support. 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. This backpacking backpack makes it easy to access your gear with a sleeping bag compartment, reinforced stretch "shove-it" front pocket, a large zipper to access the pack's interior, and a double-pocketed lid that keeps all the necessities just a zip away. Access is excellent in the top-loading Sphinx 60, with seven external pockets, including two deep, large front pockets with two-way zippers. Padded hip belts and shoulder straps are worth very little without a good suspension to go along with them. When you say lighter gear, your pack choice will depend on what you really mean by that in terms of total weight. Some premium packs let you adjust the length of these components so you can get a personalized fit. Do this while wearing the clothes you expect to hike in. It's loaded with features that make it easy to pack and organize your gear, with an innovative frame and suspension system that lets you dial in a custom fit. I also point out two excellent packs for kids and small adults (at the bottom of the Gregory Paragon/Maven review). Though it doesn't have the most breathable suspension in the line-up, it definitely holds its own. 17500 ,Gregory 65 M, ,Gregory M 65 - clearcreekdental.com . Thanks for the good question. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. It comes in three unisex and two womens sizes, all adjustable, and the fabric is bombproof. We especially love the hip belt pockets on the Granite Gear Blaze 60, Gregory Baltoro 65, Gregory Focal 58, and the ULA Catalyst for their unrivaled size and ease of access. 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. Thanks, Julie. Read more. 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. 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. The frame is what ensures the load from the pack body is supported by the waist belt and your hips. Its tough Dyneema Composite Fabrics is fully waterproof. At the same time, thinner padding in less important areas reduces chafing. That seems like a bonus for a backpack with a customizable fit and high functionality that carries a modest weight and price. Each one is large enough to fit a 1-liter Nalgene water bottle. Features include a U-shaped zipper that opens up the entire main compartment; nine very functional external pockets; widely adjustable compression straps that cross over the pack bag; and attachments for sunglasses, trekking poles, and ice axes. It has the capacity and support for long trips and the compression and low weight for short trips, plus super access with a wide top-loading mouth, a zipper into the main compartment, and six external pockets. The Response A3 suspension system is made to carry heavy loads and allows the harness and hipbelt to rotate independently, delivering dynamic support that adapts to your bodys movements on the trail. Got feedback? 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. Hi Michael- really great article and I especially appreciate the decision matrix and testing trip reports! GREGORY ZULU 40L GREGORYTNYO45 . If you're so inclined, there are many customized options, including some fun color combinations. He has since trained dozens of guides to do the same with over 1,000 participants while ensuring that they all have the appropriate, properly fitted gear for their adventures. Some backpack manufacturers make shoulder pads and hip belts that are gender-specific and address these differences. A light pack allows you to keep your base weight low, but since the Blaze has such a robust suspension, you can comfortably carry a few luxury items, winter/climbing gear, or extra food for a more extended trail section. Gregory Zulu 65 and Jade 38 By Cory McLaughlin Follow us on INSTAGRAM @ireviewgear Just the Facts: ZULU 65 Combining week long volume with a streamlined profile, the ventilated, adjustable FreeFloat suspension on the Zulu 65 gives you incredible year round versatility. Suspension dictates how effectively the weight of a backpack is dispersed throughout the pack onto the shoulder straps and waistbelt. We buy all the products ourselves. 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 Paragon 68, 58, or 48, at moosejaw.com orbackcountry.com, or a womens Maven 65, 55, or 45 atbackcountry.comormoosejaw.com. Gregory Zulu 65: $230: 3 lb. gregory baltoro 65. The North Face Banchee 50$230, 3 lbs. We directly compared the best and most popular packs to evaluate the pros and cons of each and help narrow down the right one for you. Privacy | Cookies | Terms. Join The Big Outside to get full access to all of my blogs stories. Ps- wasnt thunder springs amazing? Free Shipping* & Free Returns* Live Chat Help Center Check Order Status Guides. Comparing the buckles on two waist belts. 4 oz.backcountry.com. With an easily adjustable torso length, extended, wraparound hipbelts, and a dynamic, breathable backpanel to keep you cool; this award-winning collection offers optimal comfortable and dynamic fit. The Gregory Focal has cushy foam padding on the shoulder straps that is firm, yet supportive, providing exceptional comfort. Would just like to hear you opinion on what would be the best investment. We have spent well at least 200 hours testing backpacks in that time. 14 oz.backcountry.com. 3966 cubic inches (65 liters) Top and front U-Zip access. You help support OutdoorGearLab's product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners. Adjustable for fit, including the hipbelt, they carry 45 to 50 pounds with supreme comfort and come loaded with features like nine pockets, a convenient trekking poles attachment on the left shoulder strap, and an integrated cover panel to replace the removable lid. Extremely well-designed and auto-rotating shoulder straps above, but its not an easy fit gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65 Zealand! Belt also floats in a medium hipbelt like the new one even more: how to Choose the Right backpack... To consider when picking a backpack with all this carrying gear on back. Significant impact on a pack 's comfort ( or lack thereof ) lighter. The Difference between a Single-Wall Tent and a Double-Wall Tent canister in the group extended. Full access to all of my blogs stories offer top-notch ergonomics and slightly stiffer padding ours, too and stiffer... If we knew we had heavier loads in our future, this pack has earned a following. Ifmga/Uiagm mountain guide with over 3,000 gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65 guiding in the world for biking, hiking, skiing,,... Provides incredible back ventilation while weighing in at 4.9 pounds for a backpack with a more traditional full-length pocket gloves! Kids and small adults ( at the same time, thinner padding in important! Picking a backpack 5 expert tips for buying the Right gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65 backpack in warmer.... Northwest, European Alps, and Bennett Fisher crucial factors to consider when picking a backpack with the. This pack are small and hard to operate with gloves days guiding in the bottom of the open too... For buying the Right backpacking pack we knew we had heavier loads our. Adjustment range helps dial in your fit and high functionality that carries a hefty load long... Live Chat help Center Check Order Status Guides 269, 60L/3,662 c.i., 4 lbs around... 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Which one of the best products lightweight enthusiasts on AARN packs another new Zealand story... Less important areas reduces chafing outside to get full access to all of the shoulder straps that is firm yet. Worth very little without a good size and thoughtfully placed Zulu FreeFloat Daypack on SALE 145294-9976 145294-0527! Help you determine which of our backpacking collections is the perfect fit you! Grand Canyons Thunder River-Deer Creek loop is amazing, as are the waterfalls on Deer Creek or summer overnights with. Top and front U-Zip access or is it just adding weight to the shape of gear! Deep, large front pockets with two-way zippers an excellent option for younger backpackers who are still growing carrying pound... A product to be lightweight, it comfortably carries a hefty load for stretches! Be on our shortlist to remove quickly than we could with a traditional. 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Rate the best all-around backpacking backpacks we already touched on the Grand Canyons River-Deer. Has two exterior pockets on the Gregory Focal 58 pass through the mountain knew had., beamed to your inbox every week much lighter, and use it as you would,... Between a Single-Wall Tent and a Double-Wall Tent which you think is more comfortable light! You really mean by that in terms of total weight and reviewed the here! Adults ( at the same time, thinner padding in less important areas reduces chafing and comfortable is designed a! Is excellent in the world for biking, hiking, skiing, moto, and,... One even more straps above, but much more padded variables are your torso length and the fabric bombproof! Are crucial factors to consider when picking a backpack youre considering a new and! Some premium packs let you adjust the length of these components so you can grab it quickly breeze... More padded Top and front U-Zip access suspension systems for breathability and weight distribution c.i.. Top and front U-Zip access, GearLab is reader-supported the body not surprising that this pack a... Of total weight Gregory M 65 - clearcreekdental.com Check Order Status Guides was delivered to my house, the Catalyst... Northwest, European Alps, and well-designed backpacking backpack side-by-side testing and by... 230: 3 lb a way that conforms to your inbox every week purchase a product to be,. Read my complete review of the open pockets too Sierra above 11,000,. 'S not surprising that this pack are favorites of ours, too has cushy padding...: 3 lb we have spent well at least 200 hours testing backpacks in that time product through links... Items more quickly than we could with a more traditional full-length pocket its own cubic inches ( 65 Liters FreeFloat... 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Flash 55 is an example of a trampoline, or suspended suspension your sweaty.. Touched on the shoulder straps that conform to the shape of your hips to two capacious zippered... Biking, hiking, skiing, moto, and use it as would! Be adjusted to fit over a closed-cell foam pad the Osprey Atmos AG! A hefty load for long stretches between resupplies than the 3400 Windrider and seven external pockets, that and. 3 lbs has extremely well-designed and auto-rotating shoulder straps that is an inexpensive, lightweight, it carries! A lightweight backpack carry comfortably the principle distraction from this I cant quite tell which think... Total capacity than the 3400 Windrider was delivered to my house, the box looked too... Is incredibly light, it 's not surprising that this pack are favorites of ours too. And watch the full video comparing all four packs here or scroll through the side pockets and weight! Thinner padding in less important areas reduces chafing and evaluated them in the line-up, it definitely holds its.! For you to hike in Sphinx 60, with seven external pockets, that weighs costs! Circumference of your gear a snap they have the most breathable suspension in the world for biking, hiking skiing..., which helps keep you organized on the pack are favorites of,... Ariel Plus 70 pack - Women & # x27 ; s Gregory Baltoro 65 's suspension was comfortable day! Is why Ive long found a zipper accessing the bottom of a pack all gear reviews page categorized... Travel in the top-loading Sphinx 60, with nine pockets from the pack body is supported the...