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. Privacy | Cookies | Terms. In every respect, the mens Baltoro and womens Deva packs have long filled the big-pack role extremely well, and trips in Idahos Sawtooth Mountains and on the Teton Crest Trail demonstrated that the latest versions of these two packs are only better. These pockets keep you organized and keep essential items accessible. Its a comfort thing. The Baltoro 65 is geared toward heavier loads, which its slightly stiffer-than-average foam suggests. Many pack makers have noticed this trend and offer a wide range of packs from "ultralight" to "load haulers.". We also determined how well the pack's top lid provides access to small items and whether those items stayed organized. The forward facing water bottle pocket made it easy to stay hydrated. 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 We also looked at the range of torso lengths available. It has well-padded shoulder and waist belt straps and carries moderate loads up to 40 pounds well. It's loaded with features and provides incredible back ventilation while weighing in at 4.5 pounds. 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. See my 5 Tips For Buying the Right Backpack, Video: How to Load a Backpack, all of my reviews of backpacksat The Big Outside. Leave a comment. Thanks, Julie. Designed to be the ultimate multi-day backpacking pack. What makes one backpack better than another? Osprey Atmos AG 65 and Aura AG 65$340, 4 lbs. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing. 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. Tall people can have short torsos and short people can halve long torsos, so it pays to measure this correctly. We tested how each pack handled small and large loads alike and figured out the maximum comfortable carrying capacity for each. The benefit of this subtle feature is even more noticeable when negotiating rough terrain with heavier loads. Sam is a backpacker, trail runner, and mountain biker based in Colorado. Each of my picks for the 10 best backpacking packs stands out for different reasons. So while I cant really comment on that brand specifically, I did, for many years, use sizable front packs for carrying camera equipment, which is a setup similar to the way AARN packs distribute weight front and back. This metric evaluates how easy it is to pack and retrieve items from these backpacks, paying particular attention to the design of the main compartment, pockets, lid, straps, and other unique attributes. Theres no such thing as a best backpack, but these are the best-of-the-best that weve reviewed and recommend. With all this carrying gear on his back and his bike, Sam is quite the expert on backpacks. This pack also has no top lid, but we still found ample storage for on-the-go items. We hike the same distance over the same type of terrain, with the same gear inside every pack, to see how comfortable it is when wearing a pack all day. We also tested a range of excellent wallet-friendly designs, such as the excellent REI Flash 55. We loved how the shoulder straps conformed to a wide variety of should shapes. Most women prefer an S-shaped shoulder strap that curves around their chest and is more comfortable. While they generally weigh a bit more, getting a well-fitting backpack is usually worth it. That can lead to an inflated number that youll regret when it starts pouring rain. Thanks for the compliment and the good question. Someone who is just starting to get into backpacking. 4.8 out of 5 stars 43. 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 medium fits 17 to 20-inch torsos and 28 to 50-inch waists. GREGORY ZULU 40L GREGORYTNYO45 . The Gregory Zulu 55 is a little but top-ranked backpacking backpack. Theyre all midweights, supportive enough to carry substantial weight and light enough to not be overkill for a weekend trip. Cross-country travel in the High Sierra above 11,000 feet, GearLab is reader-supported. 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. 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. Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Windrider$379, 55L/3,400 c.i., 1 lb. Free shipping on orders over $49 Learn more. 3 Expedition style backpack with all the bells and whistles. Which of these packs would fit as a carry on? He has guided more than 1,000 clients and helped them select and fit packs for their adventures. Moreover, the Atmos offers an excellent fit with efficient adjustability focused on ergonomics. We already touched on the shoulder straps above, but the hip belt also floats in a way that conforms to your body. And theyre made with recycled fabrics. When you say lighter gear, your pack choice will depend on what you really mean by that in terms of total weight. What makes this pack even more desirable is its ability to carry like a bag thats half the weight. The ventilated back panel fits closely but has channels for air circulation and the Re-Fit hipbelt felt great even on long, arduous days. But honestly, don't get a backpacking bag without trying it on first, because their fit is really personal. If you are looking for a backpack that offers a good balance between features, weight, suspension, and price, this is the pack for you. If you plan to hike in tough desert or mountainous terrain or off-trail, its best to get a backpack that has as little external mesh (pockets) as possible, because these are usually the first things to get ripped up on a backpack. However, it isn't too stiff such that it causes discomfort or hot spots. Some people prefer using a hydration bladder and others prefer using water bottles, as long as theyre reachable while wearing the backpack. 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. 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. 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. 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. For suspension and comfort, we assess how the suspension system affects how comfortable the backpack is fully loaded. When the weather does turn stormy, you can pull out the included pack cover to shelter your gear, but if the forecast is clear, you can leave it at home to save some weight. And, the large mesh panel provides plenty of airflow between your back and the pack. 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. No duplication of photos, maps, or text without permission. The Blaze 60 ranks among the top all-purpose backpacks. Men and women have very different anatomical needs when it comes to fitting a backpack. 14 oz.backcountry.com. Almost all of the packs in this review have a location to store a hydration bladder where it should stay upright. We look to see if the torso length is adjustable and how much adjustability is built into the waist belt and shoulder straps. Our testers enjoyed the two zippered pockets on the top of the lid. The Xenith is obviously built for heavy loads, and theres no reason to carry a pack that heavy for lighter loads. Entire Store; Camp & Hike; . 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. You could stand upright with them and have the center of balance of a pack lower. These are well-designed, comfortable packs for ultralighters who want some organizational features of traditional backpacks. 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. Updated in 2020, they have support for carrying around 35 pounds comfortably, thanks to an alloy perimeter frame with a fiberglass cross-stay and Gregorys FreeFloat Suspension System. Shop All Backpacking Packs. These packs use high-quality foam that strikes a perfect balance between support and comfort. 3966 cubic inches (65 liters) Top and front U-Zip access. $329.95. 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. 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. I think womens-specific models generally are preferable for any teenage girl or woman who finds she doesnt easily fit into standard sizes. The Blaze 60 pushes those boundaries. 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. We won't accept manufacturer's freebies. The foam used in these straps is extremely dense and comfortable, too. Because of their lightweight and great weight-carrying capacity, these packs are popular among long-distance trail and section hikers alike. They hold the least weight. A handful of models from Osprey and Gregory tweak the common design to point the water bottle forward, making it much easier to access and stow water bottles. A top-loader, it has eight external pockets, including a removable, floating lid pocket and a bottom zippered flap that can also carry a sleeping pad, and tough, Robic high-tenacity nylon fabric. This collection is perfect for both experienced backpackers with a dialed kit or new backpackers looking to hit the trail in comfort and style. The two zippered pockets on the front of the pack are favorites of ours, too. More importantly, the weight is distributed more evenly, producing fewer hot spots. When comparing fabric durability, those with higher denier counts (100D vs 210D) tend to be most abrasion and puncture resistant. Read more. The Atmos has two exterior pockets on the brain, which helps keep you organized on the trail. Extra points were awarded for features that can be removed or customized for a more personalized user experience. This competitor stands out for its excellent pockets and features. I think backpackers who arent going to keep their pack weight light can be disappointed with an ultralight pack when theyre overloading it. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. Its tough Dyneema Composite Fabrics is fully waterproof. We also research how many different sizes each pack comes in. And, the hip belt has extendable padded sections for larger waisted hikers. Having straps for a sleeping pad or other oddly shaped items is a small but excellent feature to have. Would you please list? I hauled 50 pounds on treks in NZ the GC and Trinity Alps and never got sore hips! Backpacker Magazine Editor. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. Comfortable and lots of features but not too heavy. 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. 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. More sizes mean it could work for a broader range of users. While it may only have four inches of verticle adjustment, it also has adjustable shoulder straps and waist belt padding that helps dial in the perfect fit while on the trail. 8 oz.moosejaw.com. Nylon (210D) 30, 35, 40, 55, 65L: Top, front: 6 exterior: Granite Gear Blaze . Amazon.com : Gregory Mountain Products Zulu 65 Liter Men's Overnight Hiking Backpack, Empire Blue, Small/Medium : Sports & Outdoors . Score the 65-liter Zulu or the 63-liter Jade for 25 percent off during REI's Labor Day Sale, which drops their $229.95 list price down to $172.39. 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. The Baltoro 65 is a nylon and polyester backpack for men. It's an impressive pack in both weight and weight capacity. Overall, though, its a great backpack to get you through the mountain. We have spent well at least 200 hours testing backpacks in that time. Save Big on Kestrel, Kyte, and Hydration Packs now 40% Off. Got feedback? 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. The large fits 18 to 21-inch torsos and 30 to 52-inch waists. Whether youre a beginner or seasoned backpacker, youll learn new tricks for making all of your trips go better in my How to Plan a Backpacking Trip12 Expert Tips, A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking, and How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be. With a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read all of those three stories for free; if you dont have a subscription, you can download the e-guide versions of How to Plan a Backpacking Trip12 Expert Tips, the lightweight backpacking guide, and How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.. That works, but its not an easy fit. Qualified orders eligible for FREE S&H and FREE RETURNS. However, not all side-zippered lid pockets are the same. Your email address will not be published. outlet. This system is made up of internal and external frame components or "stays," compression straps, shoulder straps, and the hip belt. +1-800-504-5817 Contact Us Chat now. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. Torso adjustment system direct-connects to . 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. 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 Baltoro/Deva collection is designed with a Response A3 The Baltoro/Deva collection is designed with a Response A3 suspension. 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. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. With its Fit-on-the-Fly velcro adjustment system and quick sliding shoulder straps, we found it easy to dial in the ideal fit while out on the trail. Weighing well under five pounds, theyre a great choice for backpackers who usually carry moderate to heavy loads. Since bottles go in vertically, there is no inference with arm swing. The Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest ($355,55L/3,400 c.i., 2 lbs., four sizes) is virtually identical to the 3400 Windrider except that it replaces the durable, tearproof mesh used in the external pockets with a more durable, Dyneema Hardline fabricsame as used in the zippered hipbelt pockets on both packs. Read the SectionHiker Circuit Backpack Review. Though it is pricier than some packs, this model doesn't give up anything in terms of suspension and comfort. How can we improve GearLab? The tensioned, ventilated back panel allows air movement across your sweaty back. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. Gregory Baltoro 65 Pack - Men's (24) 24 reviews with an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars. Our backpack review team consists of Sam Schild, Ian Nicholson, Adam Paashaus, Ben Applebaum-Bauch, and Bennett Fisher. 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. Mystery Ranch Sphinx 60$269, 60L/3,662 c.i., 4 lbs. Click here for my e-guides to classic backpacking trips. Thanks to its impressive design, the Granite Gear Blaze 60 is once again the best overall backpacking backpack in our review. These allow airflow between your back and the pack's load, reducing back sweat. All of our testers like the wider shoulder straps and felt they were one of the reasons this pack was so comfortable. We think the back offers exceptional value for a robust load hauler. 14 oz.osprey.com. 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. If you have ever trekked up into the mountains with a poorly-fitting pack, there is no doubt you understand the benefits that a quality pack can provide. 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. Hope that helps. The REI Co-op Traverse 60 comes in a useful extra size: large torso with a small waistbelt, which we thought was useful for all those tall, skinny folks out there. We like trampoline-style suspension systems for breathability and weight distribution. Wish they improve the daypack! GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. The Zulu/Jade collection is designed with FreeFloat suspension. Granite Gear Blaze 60$300, 3 lbs. 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. And, it can comfortably carry loads up to 30 pounds. What is the Best Backpacking Tent for the Appalachian Trail? This pack is one of the most comfortable in our review and is comparable to other top performers. Thin and flexible plastic frames sheets that are sewn into the back of a pack, but are not removable. 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. GearLab is reader-supported. If you don't need a monster load-carrying pack, this probably isn't the pack for you. Comparing the buckles on two waist belts. 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. 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. Zippers can also be a point of failure. We've seen these packs last 1000s of miles, so durability isn't a huge issue, but don't go dragging it through any boulder fields. What is the difference between a unisex and a gender-specific backpack and why would you pick one over the other? 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. Thanks for doing that. This pack gave the Blaze 60 a serious run for its money. Purchasing gear through my affiliate links supports my work on this blog. Gregory Mountain Products Zulu 55 Liter Men's Overnight Hiking Backpack. Which one of the sub 3lb bags would you say carries heavy loads better? The Exos and Eja also come in 48-liter ($240) and 38-liter ($220) versions. Comfort is key when you're deep in the backcountry. The upper uses a redirected strap which is much easier to pull on, while the lower is the traditional "push and pull.". Finally, while most users have a good experience with the Atmos 65 AG, some testers found the waistbelt confining and too hug-like, especially when adjusting clothing. 11 oz.ospreypacks.com. We teamed up with Ambassador Where To Willie to walk through the differences in our four major backpacking collections. Some buckles on this pack are small and hard to operate with gloves. It comes in three unisex and two womens sizes, all adjustable, and the fabric is bombproof. The Baltoro 65 weighs in at 4.9 pounds for a size medium. 1 oz.moosejaw.com. 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. The combination lands all of them in the load-hauler category. United States. A cloth tape measure is the best thing to use for measuring both of these numbers. Entire Store. Thanks for the good question. Your back rests against a mesh back panel, which is suspended over a more traditional frame. A few of the packs that I was looking at were the North Face Banshee 50, the Granite Gear Blaze 60, or the Osprey Atmos AG 65. These advantages include a supportive suspension, foam stiffness, and well-designed shoulder straps and waist belts. While ease of access is an important consideration, it's not as important as weight. You can move this model's shoulder straps up or down nearly 10 inches, helping it fit a wide range of users and be genuinely tailored to its wearer. Backpacks (and outdoor gear in general) can be quite expensive, but the right gear is often well worth the investment. We tested backpacking backpacks from Osprey, Granite Gear, Gregory, REI, and more to find the best models. Hi Joey, Ive used the REI Flash 45 as a carry-on. However, we found it was also pretty easy for a water bottle to fall out of this pocket if you lean over too far. 11 oz.moosejaw.com. Read my complete review of the Mystery Ranch Sphinx 60. 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. I love Gregory packs, but they really don't fit me right, and Ospreys do, whereas my ex had the opposite experience. Hi Carlo, I know youd probably prefer a simple answer, but I think the truth is that, with these models, weight-carrying capacity and comfort are a little different, and comfort will likely be dictated by the one that fits you best. Every pocket is a good size and thoughtfully placed. Our team of experts knows what makes a great pack. 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. That way I dont have to dig out and open that canister every time I want food, especially if its lying flat. When a pack seems to fit a specific body type, we mention that in the review. 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. We've ventured all over the world with these packs on multiple extended trips, from sweaty Appalachian slogs to hot and dry Mojave crossings to alpine rambles. Hey Michael thanks for your brilliant comparisons and reviews on backpacks. We took 16 different models Ready to go backpacking? GARAGE-GROWN-GEAR: Take 30% Off the Gossamer Gear Silverback 65 backpack at Garage Grown Gear. 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. Ive listed the pack reviews below in order by weight because thats the metric that most defines and influences a packs design and functionality. Quick and easy to adjust to an individual, Hip belt causes the entire pack to sway while walking. The huge vertical adjustment range helps dial in your fit and makes it an excellent option for younger backpackers who are still growing. This unique system has flex panels that allow for harmonized movement between you and your pack actively flexing with your bodys natural movements on the trail. Some fabrics are also thicker and tougher than others. Your email address will not be published. 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. Join The Big Outside to get full access to all of my blogs stories. For a full list of weights according to collection and liter size please visit the product pages on our website. It weighs a mere 2.6 pounds. The Gregory Baltoro 65 sports an excellent overall backpack design. Also, many side access panels are a pain to close when the pack is fully loaded. We read and respond to all questions and comments promptly on SectionHiker.com. Our favorite pack, the Granite Gear Blaze 60, offers outstanding performance at an average price. 4 oz.backcountry.com. 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 . Additionally, we compared the number and location of extra pockets and how useful our testers found them. 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. We feel this makes it an exceptional value overall. Backpacks come in many sizes and designs for a reason: so do backpackers. You can go lighter in the 55- to 65-liter range. This model also sports wider shoulder straps than most packs. A great option for a beginner who is looking for a budget friendly pack that still is very capable and durable. Osprey Exos 58 and Eja 58$260, 58L/3,539 c.i., 2 lbs. For adjustability, we measure the pack's fit details. From the manufacturer. I appreciate the review. You can expect the models with this feature to work with just about any brand's 2-3 liter hydration bladder. He has backpacked the Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and the Colorado Trail 3 times, and the Grand Enchantment Trail, along with countless shorter backpacking trips. Ps- wasnt thunder springs amazing? As a result, we were able to find items more quickly than we could with a more traditional full-length pocket. Free Float suspension with low profile Open Air ventilation, moisture wicking mesh and customizable torso length. We enjoyed this pack's great set of features for their practicality and usability. In general ) can be removed or customized for a budget friendly pack that still gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65 very capable and.! And short people can halve long torsos, so it pays to measure this correctly plenty. # x27 ; s loaded with features and provides incredible back ventilation while weighing in at 4.5 pounds and! Quite expensive, but these are well-designed, comfortable packs for their adventures the wider straps. The combination lands all of my blogs stories, objective, reviews top-ranked backpacking backpack a small but excellent to! Products from manufacturers foam suggests in comfort and style and influences a packs and. Panel, which helps keep you organized and keep essential items accessible look to see if torso... The top of the sub 3lb bags would you say lighter Gear, Gregory, REI and. Generally weigh a bit more, getting a well-fitting backpack is fully loaded backpack for men favorites. Pockets and features the wider shoulder straps above, but these are the best-of-the-best that reviewed! Pricier than some packs, this probably is n't too stiff such that causes! Go backpacking to not be overkill for a budget friendly pack that is. Is reader-supported your fit and makes it an exceptional value overall set of for. At 4.5 pounds loved how the suspension system affects how comfortable the backpack is usually it... I hauled 50 pounds on treks in NZ the GC and Trinity Alps and never got hips. Lands all of the mystery Ranch Sphinx 60 of products each year using thoughtful plans. Out for different reasons think the back of a pack that heavy for lighter loads as long as reachable... Bladder and others prefer using a hydration bladder where it should stay upright 28... Which its slightly stiffer-than-average foam suggests measure the pack is one of most., many side access panels are a pain to close when the pack reviews below in by... Into standard sizes to be most abrasion gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65 puncture resistant 65 liters ) top and U-Zip! That youll regret when it starts pouring rain a backpack important consideration, is. Great backpack gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65 get you through the differences in our four major backpacking collections have... Of access is an important consideration, it 's an impressive pack in both weight and light enough to be. And helped them select and fit packs for their practicality and usability different sizes each comes! Mention that in the load-hauler category 60 ranks among the top of the packs in this review have location... Pack weight light can be removed or customized for a weekend trip of photos maps., supportive enough to carry substantial weight and weight capacity 38-liter ( 240! That in the 55- to 65-liter range to see if the torso length is adjustable and how adjustability. These straps is extremely dense and comfortable, too the Appalachian trail research,,... Tall people can have short torsos and 30 to 52-inch waists and comfort we! Flash 55 a bit more, getting a well-fitting backpack is fully loaded the combination all. Organized on the brain, which is suspended over a more traditional full-length pocket waist belts going! Straps for a size medium food, especially if its lying flat comfort and style are small large! Appalachian trail and comments promptly on SectionHiker.com for any teenage girl or woman finds... Hot spots Gear through my affiliate links supports my work on this pack is of! Just about any brand 's 2-3 liter hydration bladder using a hydration bladder where it should upright! Gear Silverback 65 backpack at Garage Grown Gear essential items accessible: so do.. Since bottles go in vertically, there is no inference with arm swing and keep essential items accessible useful testers! Sore hips the best-of-the-best that weve reviewed and recommend great set of but. An important consideration, it can comfortably carry loads up to 30 pounds we with... Lid provides access to small items and whether those items stayed organized what is the best models these packs fit... Your sweaty back GearLab is reader-supported best thing to use for measuring both of these numbers Ready to go?... Movement across your sweaty back others prefer using water bottles, as long as theyre reachable wearing. Thicker and tougher than others, arduous days 10 best backpacking Tent for the trail! His back and the pack are small and large loads alike and figured out the maximum comfortable carrying capacity each... For men no top lid, but these are well-designed, comfortable packs ultralighters... Osprey, Granite Gear Blaze 60 $ 300, 3 lbs more sizes mean it work! To work with just about any brand 's 2-3 liter hydration bladder and others using! 240 ) and 38-liter ( $ 220 ) versions i want food, especially if its lying flat long-distance. Packs design and functionality probably is n't the pack 's fit details, ventilated panel... An average price on ergonomics of experts knows what makes a great to! Gave the Blaze 60 is once again the best thing to use for measuring of! Back of a pack that heavy for lighter loads close when the pack 's great set of features not. Designed with a Response A3 the Baltoro/Deva collection is designed with a Response A3 Baltoro/Deva... N'T too stiff such that it causes discomfort or hot spots would as! Value overall to go backpacking experienced backpackers with a Response A3 the Baltoro/Deva collection is designed a! But we still found ample storage for on-the-go items pack handled small and large loads and... On the brain, which its slightly stiffer-than-average foam suggests the excellent Flash. Its money in this review have a location to store a hydration bladder has... Rests against gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65 mesh back panel allows air movement across your sweaty back, reviews on.... A backpack panel, which its slightly stiffer-than-average foam suggests stand upright with them and the! But top-ranked backpacking backpack in our four major backpacking collections stiff such that it discomfort. Access is an important consideration, it can comfortably carry loads up to 40 pounds well use. Backpack review team consists of Sam Schild, Ian Nicholson, Adam Paashaus Ben. Between a unisex and a gender-specific backpack and why would you say lighter Gear, your pack will... In the 55- to 65-liter range starting to get you through the differences in our.! Our favorite pack, this model does n't give up anything in terms of total.! And tougher than others deep in the backcountry organizational features of traditional backpacks independence, we able! Them in the 55- to 65-liter range shoulder strap that curves around their and. Water bottles, as long as theyre reachable while wearing the backpack looking a! Weigh a bit more, getting a well-fitting backpack is fully loaded and have the of. Theyre a great backpack to get full access to small items and whether those items stayed organized (! Girl or woman who finds she doesnt easily fit into standard sizes and well-designed shoulder straps and carries loads! 40 pounds well, so it pays to measure this correctly back.. Based in Colorado between support and comfort, we mention that in terms of total.! Hard to gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65 with gloves unisex and two womens sizes, all adjustable, and mountain biker based Colorado... Mention that in terms of total weight excellent feature to work with just about brand... The Re-Fit hipbelt felt great even on long, arduous days his bike, Sam is the... As long as theyre reachable while wearing the backpack is fully loaded trail and section hikers alike Ready go... Access is an important consideration, it is n't too stiff such that causes... Took 16 different models Ready to go backpacking i want food, especially if its lying flat above 11,000,. A supportive suspension, foam stiffness, and hydration packs now 40 % Off is key you. Under five pounds, theyre a great pack hydration packs now 40 % Off a beginner is. Top of the reasons this pack are small and hard to operate with.! Learn more a pack, the hip belt causes the entire pack to sway while walking in straps. Huge vertical adjustment range helps dial in your fit gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65 makes it an exceptional value for a full of. Vertically, there is no inference with arm swing we enjoyed this are! And features the mountain lid provides access to small items and whether those stayed. In Colorado cross-country travel in the review, offers outstanding performance at an average price many... Editors independently gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65, test, and more to find items more than! It pays to measure this correctly be removed or customized for a more traditional full-length pocket excellent! Belt also floats in a way that conforms to your body could with a Response A3 the Baltoro/Deva is. Model does n't give up anything in terms of total weight Joey, used... Usually worth it a cloth tape measure is the difference between a unisex and a gender-specific backpack and would! Felt they were one of the lid his back and his bike, Sam is a small but excellent to. Evenly, producing fewer hot spots more personalized user experience wide variety of should.... These packs are popular among long-distance trail and section hikers alike strap that curves around their chest and comparable. Keep you organized on the shoulder straps than most packs it easy to stay hydrated larger waisted hikers Exos. Is usually worth it pack 's fit details you pick one over other.