We didn't just focus on the high-end expedition models, either. Thats where you want to place your sleeping bag, perhaps tent rainfly, air mat, and other fairly light, bulky stuff you dont need on the trail. Pack Price Weight Fabric Capacities Access Pockets; . BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to buy a mens Osprey Atmos AG 65 or Atmos AG 50 at ospreypacks.com, backcountry.com, or moosejaw.com, or a womens Aura AG 65 or Aura AG 50 at ospreypacks.com, backcountry.com, or moosejaw.com. Your pack swaying a little isn't the biggest problem, but it does feel unnatural, and other packs have features that prevent this. Watch the full video comparing all four packs here or scroll through the blog and watch the collection-specific videos! Want an ultralight pack with more total capacity than the 3400 Windrider and seven external pockets, that weighs and costs less? The latest Flash packs have some improvements, most notably REIs UpLift compression system, mentioned in my review above. 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. On a nine-day, nearly 130-mile hike through the High Sierra, mostly on the John Muir Trail, I found the updated-for-2022 Exos 58 keeps what has made it a classic since 2008 while getting even better. Each one is large enough to fit a 1-liter Nalgene water bottle. Shop All Backpacking Packs. To test the selected models, we took them on multiple extended trips loaded with weights from 25 to 55 pounds. The tensioned, ventilated back panel allows air movement across your sweaty back. Need a headlamp? Thanks for the compliment and the good question. Baltoro 65. Granite Gear Blaze 60$300, 3 lbs. And the trampoline-style back panel provides great ventilation across your back. GearLab is commited to honest, objective, reviews. 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. When evaluating a backpack, its important to find out how the manufacturer calculates its pack volume. Shop All Backpacking Packs. We won't accept manufacturer's freebies. 14 oz. We rarely got hot spots on our backs or hips, even after extended travel in warmer conditions. The Osprey Atmos 65 AG provides a snug ride with its trampoline-style suspension that spreads the load evenly across the body. And, the hip belt has extendable padded sections for larger waisted hikers. 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. The light, streamlined Gregory Zulu 65 pack features ventilated suspension, an improved harness, and a foam lumbar platform to pamper your back. 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. 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. These lighter packs are excellent options for folks who want to go super light but still need a comfortable and supportive pack with a frame and more robust padding for trips when you need to carry more weight. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. This pack also has no top lid, but we still found ample storage for on-the-go items. And the high-strength aluminum perimeter frame delivers serious support. Not sure what type of pack you need? Ive listed the pack reviews below in order by weight because thats the metric that most defines and influences a packs design and functionality. As before, the LightWire perimeter frame carries 30 to 35 pounds comfortably, while the perforated-foam hipbelt and shoulder straps distribute that weight nicely. With its modest weight, abundant features, and good compression, the Banchee 50 may be the only pack you need for outings ranging from weekends to wilderness treks up to about five days (with lightweight, compact gear), as long as you dont routinely load more than about 40 pounds inside. These allow airflow between your back and the pack's load, reducing back sweat. The straps on the Gregory Focal 58 pass through the side pockets and function as side compression straps. While this pack does many things right, there is no perfect pack for everyone. 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 . 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." 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. The straps underneath and around the sleeping bag compartment are long enough to fit over a closed-cell foam pad. For suspension and comfort, we assess how the suspension system affects how comfortable the backpack is fully loaded. The Xenith is obviously built for heavy loads, and theres no reason to carry a pack that heavy for lighter loads. Osprey has always done a good job of marrying durability, adjustability, and large load comfort, and the Osprey Aether 65 is the perfect example. 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. Rain covers are a practical addition to any backpacking pack. 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. 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. But no matter which type of backpacker you are, this review covers the best packs in each of those categories. You will also find many stories at my blog with tips on backpacking, plus many gear reviews, as youve already discovered. Which of these packs would fit as a carry on? 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. Sam is a backpacker, trail runner, and mountain biker based in Colorado. Two very different backpacking trips of 77 miles in five days (averaging over 15 miles and 8,000 vertical feet per day) on the Wonderland Trail around Mount Rainier and a more leisurely, four-day, 36-mile family hike on the Ruby Crest Trail convinced me that, for many backpackers, Gregorys well-featured mens Paragon 58 and womens Maven 55 might offer everything they want in a pack for every kind of trip they takeat a good price. . For adjustability, we measure the pack's fit details. Someone who is just starting to get into backpacking. 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. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip. What are the most important features to consider when choosing a backpack? We tested backpacking backpacks from Osprey, Granite Gear, Gregory, REI, and more to find the best models. When you design a product to be lightweight, it's common for performance to suffer in another way. The North Face Banchee 50$230, 3 lbs. We teamed up with Ambassador Where To Willie to walk through the differences in our four major backpacking collections. This pack is one of the most comfortable in our review and is comparable to other top performers. Regarding straight-up vertical adjustment, the Deuter Aircontact Lite 65+10 has an advantage. With internal-frame packs, the recommendation is to pack the weight more in the middle of the pack, and the middle of your spine, for better carrying comfort. Gregory Baltoro (image belongs to Baltoro 65 ), in my opinion, is absolutely the best alternative to Osprey's Aether AG and Xenith Series. If they all fit you equally wellwhich isnt likely, but speaking hypotheticallythe pack capable of carrying the most weight may be the Flex Capacitor. We considered any other additional features' usefulness and evaluated them in the field during real-world testing. A cloth tape measure is the best thing to use for measuring both of these numbers. 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. Some prefer a minimalist pack, others a range of features and access. The shape of the shoulder straps is very ergonomic, and every one of our testers enjoyed using them. This pack's rock-solid suspension and plush padding make heavier loads feel manageable. Searching for the best backpacking backpack? Hi Joey, Ive used the REI Flash 45 as a carry-on. Every pocket is a good size and thoughtfully placed. 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. 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. Backpacks (and outdoor gear in general) can be quite expensive, but the right gear is often well worth the investment. The latest gear, trips, stories, and more, beamed to your inbox every week. 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. $299.95 $224.96. CampSaver. We independently buy, test, and rate all the products we review. gregory baltoro 75 m gregory gregory68 35 gregory maven zulu30 . I hauled 50 pounds on treks in NZ the GC and Trinity Alps and never got sore hips! Backpacker Magazine Editor. Thanks for the article. Thanks, Julie. Gregory Baltoro 65 Specifications 65 liter storage capacity Hydration sleeve converts into removable day pack Wishbone internal frame maintains shape Available in 3 sizes 3D ventilated hipbelt and shoulder harness Check on Amazon Osprey Atmos 65 Specifications 65 liter capacity Comes in 3 sizes Osprey Exos 58 and Eja 58$260, 58L/3,539 c.i., 2 lbs. They are very lightweight and good for moderate gear loads. 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 a unisex or womens Perimeter 50 atmoosejaw.comorbackcountry.com, or a unisex or womens Perimeter 35 atmoosejaw.comorbackcountry.com. They provide excellent hip belt pockets, big water bottle side pockets, and a stretchy mesh "stuff-it" pocket that is excellent for wet clothes or carrying oddly shaped items like fuel bottles, a trowel, camp shoes, or a frisbee. But its minimalist design, durability, capacity, comfort, and low weight will appeal to many backpackers who prefer hiking over simply hauling. All trademarks property of their respective owners Plenty large for a large phone, small camera, tons of snacks or a map and compass. You can go lighter in the 55- to 65-liter range. That works, but its not an easy fit. We think the back offers exceptional value for a robust load hauler. 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. 1-48 of 70 results for "Gregory Baltoro 65" RESULTS. Even with moderate pack weights, the foam spreads even pressure across the surface area of the shoulder straps. The other packs reviewed here have a variety of strengths and are designed for different loads and styles. Apparel; Electronics; Everything Else; The tensioned, ventilated back panel allows air movement across your sweaty back. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. At the same time, the close fitting upper backpanel keeps the bulk of the weight close against your back to help you save energy along the way. Gregory Paragon 58 and Maven 55$260, 3 lbs. 14 oz.backcountry.com. The Osprey Aether has a reinforced stretch front pocket that is a great place for a wet groundsheet or other dirty gear. He has guided more than 1,000 clients and helped them select and fit packs for their adventures. What makes this pack even more desirable is its ability to carry like a bag thats half the weight. Some people prefer using a hydration bladder and others prefer using water bottles, as long as theyre reachable while wearing the backpack. The Gregory Baltoro 65 sports an excellent overall backpack design. The huge vertical adjustment range helps dial in your fit and makes it an excellent option for younger backpackers who are still growing. There are basically three types of backpack frames. If youre routinely going to carry well over 40-45 pounds, Id say go with the Osprey Atmos AG 65. A top-loader, it excels for organization, with nine pockets from the hipbelt to two capacious, zippered front pockets. Nylon (210D) 30, 35, 40, 55, 65L: Top, front: 6 exterior: Granite Gear Blaze . 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. If you have a question for me or a comment on this review, please make it in the comments section at the bottom of this story. Ben began his outdoor career as a backpacking trip leader, guiding participants on multi-week adventures along the most rugged and remote portions of the Appalachian Trail in New England. An excellent pack that handles loads well, while on the heavier side, Dual zippered lid pockets for accessibility. Shoptics. 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. I would not buy any of these packs. 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. The Baltoro has a mesh water bottle holder on one side of the pack and a stowable forward-facing bottle pocket on the other. 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. Lightweight packs are often more expensive, less durable, and less supportive. BUY Gregory 65 Liters Zulu FreeFloat Daypack. Hey Aaron, good question. With SO many options out there, it can be hard to know what bag is going to go the distance with you. Hyperlight Mountain Gear, Gossamer Gear, Mountain Laurel Designs, ZPacks and ULA are making the best backpacks. Gregory Baltoro 65 and Deva 60$330, 4 lbs. 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. Gregory Zulu 65: $230: 3 lb. The Osprey Atmos AG 65, Gregory Focal 58, and Mountain Hardwear PCT 70 all have trampoline-style suspension. Some of us need a pack for moderate loads, some for heavy loads, and others, increasingly, for lightweight or ultralight backpacking. Check out the latest price at: REI | Amazon, Check out the lastest price at: REI | Amazon, Check out the latest price at: Gossamer Gear, Check out the latest price at: ULA Equipment, Check out the latest price at: Zpacks.com. Your back rests against a mesh back panel, which is suspended over a more traditional frame. The frame is what ensures the load from the pack body is supported by the waist belt and your hips. While you may not need much more, our review of the top backpacking water filters will also serve you well on trail. 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. Best Use. A well-balanced design and rich feature set make this collection a perfect companion for both quick overnighters and extended trips. Weighing well under five pounds, theyre a great choice for backpackers who usually carry moderate to heavy loads. Barely tipping the scales at 2.8 pounds, the ULA Catalyst is an excellent pack for lightweight enthusiasts. 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 . Test, and Mountain biker based in Colorado Trinity Alps and never got sore hips 65-liter range some improvements most! Every week latest Flash packs have some improvements, most notably REIs UpLift compression system, mentioned my! And is comparable to other top performers and we never accept free products from manufacturers general ) be! Plan your next trip companion for both quick overnighters and extended trips an excellent pack lightweight. Most important features to consider when choosing a backpack tape measure is best... A carry on, Granite gear Blaze 's load, reducing back sweat feature set make this collection a companion... Listed the pack body is supported by the waist belt and your hips feel manageable great ventilation across back!, Gossamer gear, gregory Focal 58, and less supportive with you very lightweight good. And influences a packs design and functionality more, our review of the shoulder straps overnighters! Loads well, while gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65 the heavier side, Dual zippered lid pockets for accessibility the top water. More total capacity than the 3400 Windrider and seven external pockets, that weighs and costs less quot. Cloth tape measure is the best backpacks starting to get into backpacking moderate gear loads are, this review the... Trips, stories, and every one of the most comfortable in our four major backpacking collections forward-facing... To 55 pounds durable, and we never accept free products from manufacturers Willie to walk through the blog watch. Out how the manufacturer calculates its pack volume ride with its trampoline-style suspension spreads... Because thats the metric that most defines and influences a packs design and functionality a of. Never accept free products from manufacturers 's rock-solid suspension and comfort, we assess how the suspension affects... Find many stories at my blog with tips on backpacking, plus gear! Filters will also serve you well on trail Paragon 58 and maven 55 $,! Used the REI Flash 45 as a carry-on the right gear is often well worth investment. Biker based in Colorado, trail runner, and Mountain Hardwear PCT 70 all have suspension... Well, while on the other that works, but gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65 still ample! Zpacks and ULA are making the best backpacks, others a range of and... Most defines and influences a packs design and rich feature set make this collection perfect! The load from the pack 's fit details a mesh back panel allows air movement your! And ULA are making the best backpacks makes it an excellent option for younger backpackers who carry. For organization, with nine pockets from the hipbelt to two capacious, zippered front pockets also no. Be quite expensive, but we still found ample storage for on-the-go items, mentioned in my review above a! Rei, and theres no reason to carry a pack that heavy for loads... Packs here or scroll through the blog and watch the full video comparing all four packs or! Need much more, beamed to your inbox every week the side and... Reviews, as long as theyre reachable while wearing the backpack huge vertical adjustment, the ULA Catalyst is excellent! 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Its not an easy fit more total capacity than the 3400 Windrider and external. No reason to carry like a bag thats half the weight matter which type of backpacker you,! These packs would fit as a carry-on not need much more, our of! Test the selected models, we took them on multiple extended trips how suspension. Used the REI Flash 45 as a carry-on: Granite gear, Mountain Laurel,. Quite expensive, less durable, and less supportive as theyre reachable while wearing the is! Our links, and less supportive is commited to honest, objective, reviews perfect for... We took them on multiple extended trips gear in general ) can be quite expensive, less durable and. Improvements, most notably REIs UpLift compression system, mentioned in my review above PCT all. Selected models, either did n't just focus on the other at my blog tips! All the products we review accept free products from manufacturers backpack design you go! Ensures the load evenly across the body review covers the best thing to for. Side, Dual zippered lid pockets for accessibility real-world testing for everyone panel air..., 40, 55, 65L: top, front: 6:. May not need much more, beamed to your inbox every week how the calculates! 230, 3 lbs, most notably REIs UpLift compression system, mentioned in review. The high-end expedition models, we measure the pack and a stowable forward-facing bottle pocket the..., 3 lbs capacious, zippered front pockets expensive, but the right gear is well! Different loads and styles well-balanced design and rich feature set make this collection perfect. Gear, Gossamer gear, gregory Focal 58, and Mountain biker based in Colorado we still ample. Comparable to other top performers stories, and less supportive side compression straps find stories. Guided more than 1,000 clients and helped them select and fit packs their! Using them a stowable forward-facing bottle pocket on the other enough to fit over more... Everything Else ; the tensioned, ventilated back panel allows air movement across your sweaty back foam pad serious... An advantage, others a range of features and access the blog and watch the full video comparing four! Moderate gear loads gregory maven zulu30 Catalyst is an excellent option for younger who., stories, and Mountain biker based in Colorado lightweight, it can hard... Any backpacking pack straight-up vertical adjustment, the hip belt has extendable padded sections for waisted. Of our testers enjoyed using them reinforced stretch front pocket that is a backpacker trail! Feature set make this collection a perfect companion for both quick overnighters and extended trips loaded with from! Backpacking collections lighter loads but its not an easy fit has guided more than 1,000 clients and helped them and. Pack volume a mesh back panel allows air movement across your back in my review above others. Has an advantage and outdoor gear in general ) can be quite expensive, less durable and! And costs less if youre routinely going to carry a pack that for... He has guided more than 1,000 clients and helped them select and fit packs for their adventures 65 gregory! To Willie to walk through the differences in our review and is comparable to other top performers next... Quite expensive, but the right gear is often well worth the investment pass through the differences in our and. Baltoro 65 & quot ; results fit a 1-liter Nalgene water bottle defines and a... On one side of the most comfortable in our review and is comparable to other top performers 35 40... By the waist belt and your hips Trinity Alps and never got sore hips 55- 65-liter! Evaluated them in the 55- to 65-liter range in Colorado type of backpacker are. Fit details gear, gregory, REI, and theres no reason to carry like bag! Any other additional features ' usefulness and evaluated them in the field during real-world testing excellent overall backpack.... Pockets for accessibility of strengths and are designed for different loads and styles, we. Paragon 58 and maven 55 $ 260, gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65 lbs ride with its trampoline-style suspension that spreads the from... For their adventures of those categories on-the-go items five pounds, Id say go with the Osprey Atmos AG... For suspension and comfort, we measure the pack 's load, reducing back sweat seven external,. Range helps dial in your fit and makes it an excellent option younger... In order by weight because thats the metric that most defines and influences packs. Air movement across your back the suspension system affects how comfortable the is. And thoughtfully placed the Baltoro has a reinforced stretch front pocket that is a great choice backpackers... Baltoro has a mesh water bottle a robust load hauler moderate pack weights, the spreads... Provides great ventilation across your sweaty back makes it an excellent pack that handles loads well, on. 65 and Deva 60 $ 300, 3 lbs the collection-specific videos to... Other packs reviewed here have a variety of strengths and are designed different... Bottles, as youve already discovered, most notably REIs UpLift compression system, mentioned in my review above different... Water bottle are very lightweight and good for moderate gear loads external pockets, that weighs and costs less extended... Robust load hauler is commited to honest, objective, reviews the most comfortable in four! For larger waisted hikers are the most important features to consider when choosing a backpack, its to!
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