Your point about external-frame packs having the convenience of storing a large, heavy item like a full canister at the bottom is true, but was also more unique to the design and carry of external-frame packs. The medium fits 17 to 20-inch torsos and 28 to 50-inch waists. 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. Read my complete review of the Granite Gear Perimeter 50. Not as supportive for super heavy (45+ lb) loads. While they generally weigh a bit more, getting a well-fitting backpack is usually worth it. Torso length is not the same as your height but measures the distance between the top of your hip bones and the C7 (bulging) vertebrae on your neck. 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. A well-balanced design and rich feature set make this collection a perfect companion for both quick overnighters and extended trips. This competitor stands out for its excellent pockets and features. We teamed up with Ambassador Where To Willie to walk through the differences in our four major backpacking collections. It's not surprising that this pack has earned a cult-like following. The two hip belt pockets are large enough for small cameras, snacks, a compass, or other small items that need to be easily accessible. We also looked at the range of torso lengths available. 1-48 of 70 results for "Gregory Baltoro 65" RESULTS. How important is pack weight and getting a frame or hip belt that can be adjusted to fit your personal dimensions. 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. No ads. Quick and easy to adjust to an individual, Hip belt causes the entire pack to sway while walking. At just a half-pound heavier than some ultralight packs, it has hauls 40 pounds or more comfortably, I discovered during a rugged, six-day, 74-mile backpacking trip through the Grand Canyon. CampSaver. However, not all side-zippered lid pockets are the same. gregory baltoro 75 m gregory gregory68 35 gregory maven zulu30 . The best performing contenders for heavier loads are the Osprey Aether 65, the Gregory Baltoro 65, and the Granite Gear Blaze 60. When the 3400 Windrider was delivered to my house, the box looked much too small to contain a backpack. We're always looking for the best backpacks to fuel our What are the best binoculars? FEATURES FreeFloat ventilated suspension featuring . Read the SectionHiker Circuit Backpack Review. Got feedback? Price and other details may vary based on product size and color. Hi, Im Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside. I try to respond to all comments. 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. 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. The same holds for hip belts. Got feedback? No sponsored content. We look to see if the torso length is adjustable and how much adjustability is built into the waist belt and shoulder straps. Granite Gear Blaze 60$300, 3 lbs. These advantages include a supportive suspension, foam stiffness, and well-designed shoulder straps and waist belts. 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. Rating: (4.7/5) See the Men's Gregory Baltoro 75 See the Women's Gregory Deva 70 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. At once fully featured and streamlined, the Gregory Baltoro 65 Backpack is a versatile weekender pack that will have you crushing the miles in serious comfort. Gregory Baltoro 75 Price: $350 Weight: 4 lbs. The Gregory Baltoro 65 Also has a very wide opening zipper on its lid. The Atmos has two exterior pockets on the brain, which helps keep you organized on the trail. 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. This pack's rock-solid suspension and plush padding make heavier loads feel manageable. One of my favorite parts of the canyon. When you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission. If you are someone who appreciate extras like a zippered access to the main compartment, an integrated raincover, and ample exterior pockets, the Baltoro/Deva collection is the best choice. 14 oz. For folks who love to stay super organized, the Gregory Zulu 55 and Baltoro 65 offer excellent gear access and the ability to get to your items quickly without having to remove anything. Though it doesn't have the most breathable suspension in the line-up, it definitely holds its own. 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. Gregory Mountain Products Men/Unisex's Baltoro 65, Alaska Blue, Medium. 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. Read my complete review of the Osprey Exos 58 and Eja 58. I think backpackers who arent going to keep their pack weight light can be disappointed with an ultralight pack when theyre overloading it. Mid-size (under 60 liters) arent wide enough to do that, meaning you have to stand it up and cram stuff in the tight spaces around it. Whats your take on large pockets at the bottom to store heavier items- like bear cans? The straps underneath and around the sleeping bag compartment are long enough to fit over a closed-cell foam pad. Thanks to its impressive design, the Granite Gear Blaze 60 is once again the best overall backpacking backpack in our review. Padded hip belts and shoulder straps are worth very little without a good suspension to go along with them. The lightest packs in our review, by a pretty significant margin, are the REI Flash 55, ULA Catalyst, Gregory Focal 58, and the Osprey Exos 58, followed closely by the Granite Gear Blaze 60. The majority of issues that bother new backpackers relate to these two areas. 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. 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. The North Face Banchee 50$230, 3 lbs. If you are gearing up for Backpacking, we've got you Ultralight Adventure Equipment Catalyst review, professional internationally licensed IFMGA/UIAGM mountain guide, How to Choose the Right Backpacking Backpack, Best Backpacking Backpacks for Women of 2023, the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, Light-weight, comfortable with heavy loads, perfect pocket combination, Light-weight, comfortable, supportive, functional feature set, Very lightweight, comfortable suspension, good value, great features, Light-weight, comfortable, easily personalized, inexpensive, Durable, lots of features, plenty of adjustments to dial in the perfect fit, supportive, lacks durabillity, not made for heavy loads, Heavy, attached hipbelt, water bottle pocket can be inconvenient, 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, This is an awesome lightweight pack that can carry a heavier load and has a very comfortable mesh-trampoline back panel, 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, This highly adjustable pack may be one of the heaviest in the review but carries large loads in comfort. Read more. Got a question? 4 oz.backcountry.com. Privacy | Cookies | Terms. 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. When Ian is not guiding or climbing, he works in an outdoor gear shop, which allows him to stay up to date on innovative pack technology. Apparel; Electronics; Everything Else; Why do Waterproof/Breathable Rain Jackets Wet Out? Would just like to hear you opinion on what would be the best investment. Our team of experts knows what makes a great pack. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support. Backpacks (and outdoor gear in general) can be quite expensive, but the right gear is often well worth the investment. The Anti-Gravity suspension feels more like putting on a jacket than a backpack. The Mystery Ranch Sphinx also has an excellent wide-mouth top lid opening. They all have impressive outdoor resumes and together have logged tens of thousands of backpacking miles. 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. The Osprey Atmos 65 AG provides a snug ride with its trampoline-style suspension that spreads the load evenly across the body. Deuter's adjustment system is also an excellent choice for rapidly growing children, teenagers, or youth program uses. 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. I think womens-specific models generally are preferable for any teenage girl or woman who finds she doesnt easily fit into standard sizes. Lightweight packs are often more expensive, less durable, and less supportive. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Gear can be carried inside a back or attached to the outside using webbing straps or elastic cord. Read my complete review of the Gregory Focal 58 and Facet 55. The Gregory Baltoro has a robust suspension that comfortably supports heavier loads. BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking either of these affiliate links to purchase a Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Windrider backpack at backcountry.com or hyperlitemountaingear.com or a Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest backpack at backcountry.com or hyperlitemountaingear.com. Deal Of The Week. We have spent well at least 200 hours testing backpacks in that time. The frame is what ensures the load from the pack body is supported by the waist belt and your hips. This is the classic pack from Gregory, but the Baltoro is also offered in larger 75 and 85 liter capacities. When evaluating a backpack, its important to find out how the manufacturer calculates its pack volume. Copyright 2007-2023, SectionHiker.com and Fells Press LLC. They have the most significant impact on a pack's comfort (or lack thereof). Overall, though, its a great backpack to get you through the mountain. I am just starting to get into backpacking and am looking for a pack that can function in a variety of trips, from a weekend to 5 days. ), Breathable backpanel for airflow reducing sweat and moisture, Organization: 3 entry access points including a front U-Zip *excluding smallest liter size, Dual side stretch mesh pockets with pass-through for over or under compression, Dual side mesh pockets with top and bottom compression straps, Front oversized stretch mesh pocket with durable fabric panel. Let us know! (There is a larger model, The North Face Banchee 65.). Theyre all midweights, supportive enough to carry substantial weight and light enough to not be overkill for a weekend trip. Gregory Maven 65 Pack - Women's. (26) $279.95. Do this while wearing the clothes you expect to hike in. Each person's body is different, so our test included a wide range of users, including GearLab editors, friends, and our climbing and backpacking partners, to gather a wide variety of data. 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. Mystery Ranch Sphinx 60$269, 60L/3,662 c.i., 4 lbs. Hey Michael thanks for your brilliant comparisons and reviews on backpacks. $159.95. Thanks for the article. I felt that the Stout fit me better. The comparison chart below offers a quick look at stats and features that distinguish these packs from one another. Our backpack review team consists of Sam Schild, Ian Nicholson, Adam Paashaus, Ben Applebaum-Bauch, and Bennett Fisher. Our favorite pack, the Granite Gear Blaze 60, offers outstanding performance at an average price. Readmy complete review of the Granite Gear Blaze 60. This pack had excellent hip belt pockets. Click on the link to the complete review (linked in the above story) for more details on the new model. To test the selected models, we took them on multiple extended trips loaded with weights from 25 to 55 pounds. The Gregory Zulu 65 has an unmatched value; it is a bag that testers would refer to personal friends. And dont miss my popular reviews of 25 Essential Backpacking Gear Accessories and The Best Backpacking Gear of the year. ; Buy Now. But no matter which type of backpacker you are, this review covers the best packs in each of those categories. GearLab is reader-supported. This feature-rich contender is one of our favorites for its overall comfort and its excellent heavy load-hauling ability. We answer all of these questions below, and many more. The shape of the shoulder straps is very ergonomic, and every one of our testers enjoyed using them. The back panel and shoulder straps are firm and supportive, remaining comfortable with loads up to 50 pounds. Editor's Note: We updated this article on October 5, 2022, to reflect the newest version of the Osprey Atmos AG 65 and to add two new packs to the lineup, the Gregory Focal 58 and Big Agnes Parkview 63. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. It comes in three unisex and two womens sizes, all adjustable, and the fabric is bombproof. Get in touch anytime and thanks for reading. And, it has a lot of pockets and access points--those zippers aren't light. 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. A pack with a good hip belt is critical, and pockets can make or break a hip belt. 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. Theres no such thing as a best backpack, but these are the best-of-the-best that weve reviewed and recommend. They also feature roughly four inches of vertical adjustment and are available in a variety of sizes. Most of the packs in our review feature two water bottle pockets, one on each side. Read my complete review of The North Face Banchee 50. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I completely agree with the Osprey Atmos AG 65 review, the antigravity suspension is pretty solid although, after a couple of hours, it can get pretty tough. 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. 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 love the comfort and design offered by the Osprey Atmos 65 AG and consider it one of the best all-around backpacking backpacks. Combining week-long volume with a streamlined profile and ventilated, adjustable FreeFloat suspension, the men's Gregory Zulu 65 pack offers year-round hauling for your backcountry adventures. 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 big difference here is that these models are more comfortable for people without a base pack weight below 20 pounds. That's thanks to an . Bennett joins the ranks as a former gear shop employee, graduate in outdoor product development, and a current thru-hiker. They are very lightweight and good for moderate gear loads. 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. 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. Expedition style backpack with all the bells and whistles. 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. Theyre all midweights, supportive enough to carry substantial weight and getting a well-fitting backpack usually! 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Baltoro 75 price: $ 350 weight: 4 lbs the comfort and design offered by the waist and... Getting a frame or hip belt would refer to personal friends are firm and supportive, remaining comfortable loads...