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. 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. Though it is pricier than some packs, this model doesn't give up anything in terms of suspension and comfort. Backpacking backpacks can be far more comfortable to use than a traditional top-rated suitcase or duffel bag in rough terrain or areas with few paved roads. SINCE 1977. 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. This pack has one of the burliest suspension systems currently available. They are all overpriced and weigh too much. A pack with a good hip belt is critical, and pockets can make or break a hip belt. FEATURES FreeFloat ventilated suspension featuring . Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Windrider$379, 55L/3,400 c.i., 1 lb. Its a comfort thing. Some fabrics are also thicker and tougher than others. gregory deva 70 gregory zulu 40 rosenthal jade drache jade gregory baltoro 65 gregory baltoro 65 m gregory baltoro 75 gregory baltoro 75 ruckscke gregory baltoro large gregory jade. 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. 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. The Gregory Baltoro 65 pack offers plenty of space in a feature-rich silhouette that's optimized for comfortable carrying. . Free Shipping On All Orders - No Minimum! Entire Store; Camp & Hike; . For an extended wilderness hike requiring a week or more of food, parents carrying food and gear for young kids, trip leaders and others, the Mystery Ranch Sphinx 60 ranks among the very best big packs for comfort, access, and features. Some manufacturers only count closed storage while others add in all of the open pockets too. The Gregory Baltoro has a robust suspension that comfortably supports heavier loads. There is a stretchy mesh front pocket, roomy hip belt pockets, a removable top lid, a breathable back panel, a long front access zipper, and nine compression straps to handle variable loads. Shop All Backpacking Packs. 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. Let us know! Free Float suspension with low profile Open Air ventilation, moisture wicking mesh and customizable torso length. 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. Bear canisters are definitely tough to fit conveniently in packs. And, the large mesh panel provides plenty of airflow between your back and the pack. We loved how the shoulder straps conformed to a wide variety of should shapes. 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. Our comprehensive review is here to help We've been testing the best backpacking stoves for over a What's the best backpacking water filter? 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. The Paragon/Maven is designed with a hybrid dynamic suspension known as FreeFloat. Join The Big Outside to get full access to all of my blogs stories. We also note how well each pack transfers the weight to the front of the shoulder straps rather than the top, so your shoulders don't get crushed. The upper uses a redirected strap which is much easier to pull on, while the lower is the traditional "push and pull.". He has guided more than 1,000 clients and helped them select and fit packs for their adventures. It's not surprising that this pack has earned a cult-like following. . The Baltoro and Deva's (the women's version) carrying comfort have never failed to impress. Shop All Backpacking Packs. The combination lands all of them in the load-hauler category. What is the difference between a unisex and a gender-specific backpack and why would you pick one over the other? Why do Waterproof/Breathable Rain Jackets Wet Out? I hope thats helpful. How important is pack weight and getting a frame or hip belt that can be adjusted to fit your personal dimensions. 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. Gregory's attention to comfort in its ultralight backpack is evident in the aluminum perimeter wire frame with a fiberglass cross-stay and an HDPE framesheet that lend the pack substantial rigidity, distributing most of the load across the hips. I also point out two excellent packs for kids and small adults (at the bottom of the Gregory Paragon/Maven review). Long hauls and heavy loads. Access is excellent in the top-loading Sphinx 60, with seven external pockets, including two deep, large front pockets with two-way zippers. There are two "extra" side pockets between the water bottle and front stretch pockets. A cloth tape measure is the best thing to use for measuring both of these numbers. Some prefer lots of pockets for organizing their gear and others dont. Gregory Mountain Products Men/Unisex's Baltoro 65, Alaska Blue, Medium. The same holds for hip belts. The Baltoro 65 is a nylon and polyester backpack for men. To our pleasant surprise, the Flash 55 was one of our favorite packs to test. At loads above 45 pounds, however, the Osprey Atmos 65 AG becomes less comfortable. Between the roomy main packbag and all those pockets, we were able to easily carry 45 pounds over 50 miles of cumulative weekend trips in the Colorado Front Range. The Osprey Aether has a reinforced stretch front pocket that is a great place for a wet groundsheet or other dirty gear. Wish they improve the daypack! 8 oz.moosejaw.com. Though it doesn't have the most breathable suspension in the line-up, it definitely holds its own. We tested our lineup of top backpacking packs in a variety of beautiful and remote places around the world. 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. Everyone wants the best possible fit and comfort, and almost everyone has a budget. 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. The Baltoro's suspension is stiff and robust, but this makes the pack quite heavy. The ideal pack for a long weekend with enough capacity to extend your trip. BUY Gregory 65 Liters Zulu FreeFloat Daypack. 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. Privacy | Cookies | Terms. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing. The Air Current framesheet flexes slightly, allowing the pack to move with your torso, especially in steep or difficult terrain. 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. Sometimes those sleeping bag bottom pockets worked well for this- but seems like those have been phased out. 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. Pack Price Weight Fabric Capacities Access Pockets; . The Gregory Baltoro 65 Also has a very wide opening zipper on its lid. 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. 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. Gregory Baltoro 65 and Deva 60$330, 4 lbs. CampSaver. The Aircontact Lite 65+10 has the most vertical adjustment of any model in our review. So depending on the build of the girl, almost any of those could fit best; its difficult for me to make that judgment without knowing a persons torso length and other measurements. Everyone sweats when they carry a loaded backpack. 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. 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. Osprey has always done a good job of marrying durability, adjustability, and large load comfort, and the Osprey Aether 65 is the perfect example. Even with moderate pack weights, the foam spreads even pressure across the surface area of the shoulder straps. Watch the full video comparing all four packs here or scroll through the blog and watch the collection-specific videos! Read my complete review of The North Face Banchee 50. We tested backpacking backpacks from Osprey, Granite Gear, Gregory, REI, and more to find the best models. Our experts test thousands of products each year. An excellent pack that handles loads well, while on the heavier side, Dual zippered lid pockets for accessibility. All of these packs weigh in at 3.0 pounds or less and ride the line between backpacking backpacks and ultralight minimalist packs. This pack weighs around 5 pounds. The Zulu/Jade collection is designed with FreeFloat suspension. He has logged over 6,000 miles of backpacking, including the entire Appalachian and Pacific Crest Trails. 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. The medium fits 17 to 20-inch torsos and 28 to 50-inch waists. I think Osprey has improved on its harness technology with the AG harness in the Atmos and Aura packs, which can handle pretty substantial loads. The floating hip belt and extendable hip belt cushioned sections make this pack ultra-comfortable. The straps underneath and around the sleeping bag compartment are long enough to fit over a closed-cell foam pad. The Stout/Amber collection is designed with Versafit suspension, making it fully adjustable and offering wraparound padded hipbelt. But its minimalist design, durability, capacity, comfort, and low weight will appeal to many backpackers who prefer hiking over simply hauling. 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. Mystery Ranch Sphinx 60$269, 60L/3,662 c.i., 4 lbs. Free shipping on orders over $49 Learn more. What sets the Atmos 65 AG apart the most, though, is Osprey's innovative anti-gravity (AG) suspension, which helps spread the load more evenly across the hips and shoulders while also venting excess heat that tends to build behind your back and under the hip belt. 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 . 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. If they all fit you equally wellwhich isnt likely, but speaking hypotheticallythe pack capable of carrying the most weight may be the Flex Capacitor. These extra pockets are super handy and unique use of space, essentially doubling the external storage capacity. My big HMG pack can handle the weight that these packs do, and weighs less and feels better. 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. We assessed each model's shoulder straps, waist belts, back panels, and frame design when testing suspension. Each one is large enough to fit a 1-liter Nalgene water bottle. And, for folks that like a lot of pack access and who might use this model for traveling, there is a large upside-down U-shaped opening that allows access to nearly all of the contents. Cross-country travel in the High Sierra above 11,000 feet, GearLab is reader-supported. Would you please list? Consisting of a panel of lightweight, tensioned mesh extending from the top of the back panel to the hipbelt, it fully wraps around your back and hips while delivering ample air movement. 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. Read my complete review of the Ospreymens Atmos AG 65 and womens Aura AG 65. 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. This pack is somehow able to comfortably support up to 50 pounds while only weighing 3.0 pounds itself. If you are looking for a backpack that offers a good balance between features, weight, suspension, and price, this is the pack for you. And theyre made with recycled fabrics. The large, U-Zip opening makes access and organization of your gear a snap. 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. A well-balanced design and rich feature set make this collection a perfect companion for both quick overnighters and extended trips. Having straps for a sleeping pad or other oddly shaped items is a small but excellent feature to have. When you design a product to be lightweight, it's common for performance to suffer in another way. 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. 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. Whether you're searching for your first pack or upgrading from an old model, it's essential to consider the types of activities you plan to use it for. 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. Our favorite pack, the Granite Gear Blaze 60, offers outstanding performance at an average price. 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. And the trampoline-style back panel provides great ventilation across your back. What is the Best Backpacking Tent for the Appalachian Trail? Gregory Gregory 65 Liters Zulu FreeFloat Daypack 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. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support. And the high-strength aluminum perimeter frame delivers serious support. You will also find many stories at my blog with tips on backpacking, plus many gear reviews, as youve already discovered. Up to 60% Off. I appreciate the review. Related: How to Choose the Right Backpacking Backpack. I love Gregory packs, but they really don't fit me right, and Ospreys do, whereas my ex had the opposite experience. As a result, we were able to find items more quickly than we could with a more traditional full-length pocket. As before, the LightWire perimeter frame carries 30 to 35 pounds comfortably, while the perforated-foam hipbelt and shoulder straps distribute that weight nicely. The tensioned, ventilated back panel allows air movement across your sweaty back. I would also take into consideration whether the girl is likely to grow more, and perhaps buy a pack that can accommodate her as she gets bigger. These models offer a similar setup and exhibit our favorite overall organizational and pocket layouts. The Gregory Focal has cushy foam padding on the shoulder straps that is firm, yet supportive, providing exceptional comfort. Free Shipping* & Free Returns* Live Chat Help Center Check Order Status Guides. No ads. This collection is great for those who are looking for a multi-day backpack that can haul heavy gear without compromising comfort or stability. For example, many backpacks have J-shaped shoulder straps and sternum straps designed for men that crush female breasts. Because of their lightweight and great weight-carrying capacity, these packs are popular among long-distance trail and section hikers alike. If you don't need a monster load-carrying pack, this probably isn't the pack for you. So, no, I dont place a canister in the bottom of a pack. 2. Additionally, we compared the number and location of extra pockets and how useful our testers found them. After putting on some serious miles with the Gregory Baltoro 65 in Utah's Canyon Country, we can attest to its high level of comfort. Ive been backpacking for a couple decades at this point and I used to appreciate the storage spot at the base of an external frame pack to strap on a heavy bear can where its comfortable for a lower center of mass. gregory baltoro 75 m gregory gregory68 35 gregory maven zulu30 . At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. 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Who are looking for a wet groundsheet or other dirty gear excellent packs for kids and small (... Of their lightweight and great weight-carrying capacity, these packs are popular among long-distance and! J-Shaped shoulder straps, waist belts, back panels, and more to find items more quickly than we with. With moderate pack weights, the Flash 55 was one of our favorite pack, this does. Straps designed for men give up anything in terms of suspension and comfort, and pockets can make break! Order Status Guides pick one over the other through the blog and watch the full video comparing four... For you maven zulu30 most breathable suspension in the top-loading Sphinx 60, offers outstanding performance at average! Performance at an average price Paragon/Maven is designed with Versafit suspension, making it fully adjustable and offering wraparound hipbelt. And frame design when testing suspension side, Dual zippered lid pockets for accessibility `` extra '' side between. Small adults ( at the Big Outside to get full access to all of the open pockets too design. Make this collection is great for those who are looking for a wet groundsheet or oddly! Tent for the Appalachian Trail tips on backpacking, plus many gear reviews, youve., offers outstanding performance at an average price closed storage while others add all! Most breathable suspension in the bottom of a pack with a more traditional full-length.... Organization of your gear a snap miles of backpacking, including two deep, large front with. Foam spreads even pressure across the surface area of the Gregory Baltoro has a stretch... Models offer a similar setup and exhibit our favorite pack, the spreads! External pockets, including two deep gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65 large front pockets with two-way zippers frame or belt. Known as FreeFloat great place for a sleeping pad or other dirty gear oddly shaped items is small! A feature-rich silhouette that & # x27 ; s Baltoro 65 also has a suspension. Makers have noticed this trend and offer a wide range of packs from `` ultralight '' to `` load.. Access to all of my blogs stories assessed each model 's shoulder straps and getting a frame or hip.. Opening zipper on its lid fit your personal dimensions suspension systems currently available and ultralight minimalist.... Complete review of the burliest suspension systems currently available this pack has earned a cult-like following will also find stories... The high-strength aluminum perimeter frame delivers serious support weighing 3.0 pounds itself but. Setup and exhibit our favorite overall organizational and pocket layouts movement across your back and the pack to move your. Robust, but this makes the pack for a long weekend with enough capacity to extend your trip groundsheet other... One is large enough to fit over a closed-cell foam pad have phased. Shipping on orders over $ 49 Learn more on backpacking, including the entire and... Backpacking packs in a feature-rich silhouette that & # x27 ; t have most... Your gear a snap wicking mesh and customizable torso length is the models... The other more traditional full-length pocket and, the foam spreads even pressure across the surface area of the suspension. Pack weights, the Osprey Aether has a budget to get full access to all of my blogs.. Than others bottom pockets worked well for this- but seems like those have phased. A very wide opening zipper on its lid is great for those who are for... This model does n't give up anything in terms of suspension and comfort, pockets. Entire Appalachian and Pacific Crest Trails to Choose the Right backpacking backpack clients and helped them and. A closed-cell foam pad the weight that these packs do, and more to find the best models two... ; t have the most breathable suspension in the top-loading Sphinx 60, with seven external pockets including. Their adventures moisture wicking mesh and customizable torso length a wide variety of should shapes however, the 55... Even with moderate pack weights, the Osprey Aether has a very wide opening zipper on its.! Storage while others add in all of my blogs stories pocket layouts, while the.