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. Some backpack manufacturers make shoulder pads and hip belts that are gender-specific and address these differences. 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. 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. Everyone wants the best possible fit and comfort, and almost everyone has a budget. BUY Gregory 65 Liters Zulu FreeFloat Daypack. Please turn it on so that you can experience the full capabilities of this site. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Your browser's Javascript functionality is turned off. Copyright 2007-2023, SectionHiker.com and Fells Press LLC. Over the last decade, many hikers have made a concerted effort to carry less weight than their predecessors. That can lead to an inflated number that youll regret when it starts pouring rain. Although this pack is incredibly light, it comfortably carries a hefty load for long stretches between resupplies. 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 Paragon/Maven is designed with a hybrid dynamic suspension known as FreeFloat. 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. When you design a product to be lightweight, it's common for performance to suffer in another way. GOSSAMER-GEAR.COM: Save 15% Off on Ultralight Backpacks, Tents, Trekking Poles and Accessories with the Exclusive SectionHiker Coupon Code "BLAZE23". Because they sit low on the pack, water bottles can easily be removed and replaced with one hand. We take every pack out onto the trail, loaded with backpacking gear, and use it as you would. See my review of the Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60. Expedition style backpack with all the bells and whistles. All of the shoulder straps offer top-notch ergonomics and slightly stiffer padding. Every pocket is a good size and thoughtfully placed. This pack had excellent hip belt pockets. We assessed each model's shoulder straps, waist belts, back panels, and frame design when testing suspension. What are the best multi-day backpacking packs for thru-hikers, weekend backpackers, and wilderness explorers? You could stand upright with them and have the center of balance of a pack lower. But its minimalist design, durability, capacity, comfort, and low weight will appeal to many backpackers who prefer hiking over simply hauling. It's not surprising that this pack has earned a cult-like following. The comparison chart below offers a quick look at stats and features that distinguish these packs from one another. We found this design pretty useful for getting this pack to fit a variety of shoulder widths. 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. We feel this makes it an exceptional value overall. Bear canisters are definitely tough to fit conveniently in packs. The top lid is one of the best places to store small items that require quick and easy access, such as sunglasses, sunblock, or bug spray. The Baltoro 65's suspension was comfortable all day. They all have impressive outdoor resumes and together have logged tens of thousands of backpacking miles. Like the best sub-three-pound, ultralight packs, the 3400 Windrider handles 30 to 35 pounds well, but weighs anywhere from a half-pound to nearly a pound less than those competitors. The Gregory Baltoro 65 Also has a very wide opening zipper on its lid. 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. They are very lightweight and good for moderate gear loads. No duplication of photos, maps, or text without permission. We loaded them up with various gear and took to the trail on a series of adventures ranging from volcano mountaineering trips to alpine rock approaches and long thru-hikes. 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. If the canister is standing up in my pack, its easier to access anything inside it. The ULA Catalyst has everything a long-distance hiker wants in a pack. Read my complete review of the Gregory Focal 58 and Facet 55. gregory baltoro 75 m gregory gregory68 35 gregory maven zulu30 . 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 or womens Mystery Ranch Sphinx 60 at moosejaw.com or backcountry.com. The tensioned, ventilated back panel allows air movement across your sweaty back. Gregory Mountain Products Zulu 55 Liter Men's Overnight Hiking Backpack. The Baltoro 65 weighs in at 4.9 pounds for a size medium. Three big, external mesh pockets add nearly 10 liters of capacity, and the roomy, zippered hipbelt pockets offer convenience. When you say lighter gear, your pack choice will depend on what you really mean by that in terms of total weight. They hold the least weight. Two more notable features: dual side compression straps that can mate with buckles on the opposite side, wrapping completely around the pack; and 330-denier Robic fabric in the pack bottom and front pockets. 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. Purchasing gear through my affiliate links supports my work on this blog. 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. Gregory Gregory 65 Liters Zulu FreeFloat Daypack These days Ill just pack the can first to the bottom of my top-loader and hope I grabbed everything for the day. 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. The Arcteryx Altra is no longer available, but the Osprey Atmos AG is very comfortable with 45+ pounds, and thats what its made for. It weighs a mere 2.6 pounds. For features and ease of use, we look at every feature on a pack to see if those features are useable as intended and if they make the pack better. The Gregory Zulu 65 has an unmatched value; it is a bag that testers would refer to personal friends. Thank You! Hey Michael thanks for your brilliant comparisons and reviews on backpacks. Long hauls and heavy loads. An excellent pack that handles loads well, while on the heavier side, Dual zippered lid pockets for accessibility. Thanks for the compliment and the good question. Hi Michael- really great article and I especially appreciate the decision matrix and testing trip reports! 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 its going to be more like around 35-40 pounds, but occasionally a bit more, Id choose the Granite Gear Blaze 60. The Gregory Baltoro 65 pack offers plenty of space in a feature-rich silhouette that's optimized for comfortable carrying. 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. Gregory Mountain Products Men/Unisex's Baltoro 65, Alaska Blue, Medium. It's loaded with features and provides incredible back ventilation while weighing in at 4.5 pounds. 14 oz.backcountry.com. What is the difference between a unisex and a gender-specific backpack and why would you pick one over the other? 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. Required fields are marked *. Read more: Ultralight Adventure Equipment Catalyst review. outlet. You can go lighter in the 55- to 65-liter range. There are several factors to consider when looking for a new backpacking backpack. 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. Gregory Backpacks, Bags, Boxes, & Storage. 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. If you don't need a monster load-carrying pack, this probably isn't the pack for you. Click on the link to the complete review (linked in the above story) for more details on the new model. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. Our team researched over 60 of the top backpacking backpacks on the market and selected 15 of the best contenders for hands-on testing. 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. HAMMOCKGEAR.COM: Thru-Hiker Sale: Take 15% Off all Quilts, Hammocks, Tarps, and Accessories (but not Dyneema items). For adjustability, we measure the pack's fit details. Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Windrider$379, 55L/3,400 c.i., 1 lb. If you are just starting out as a backpacker, youll find this to be a great option for multiday trips and extended trails with re-supply stops. 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. Designed to be the ultimate multi-day backpacking pack. 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. Additionally, we compared the number and location of extra pockets and how useful our testers found them. The latest Flash packs have some improvements, most notably REIs UpLift compression system, mentioned in my review above. Comparing the buckles on two waist belts. Don't select a pack solely for an elongated zippered access panel, especially if you will rarely use it. We tested backpacking backpacks from Osprey, Granite Gear, Gregory, REI, and more to find the best models. For someone that is beginning to the transition into lighter gear but wants a pack for weeklong trips, would you suggest the Altra or Atmos? Zippered sleeping bag compartment. We assess how well the weight is distributed between the hips, back, and shoulders by loosening and tightening the shoulder straps, hip belt, and load lifter straps. Let us know! The two zippered pockets on the front of the pack are favorites of ours, too. The Gregory Baltoro 65 is a favorite for extended style adventures or international trips that require carrying 50-60 pound loads. When comparing fabric durability, those with higher denier counts (100D vs 210D) tend to be most abrasion and puncture resistant. More sizes mean it could work for a broader range of users. Even with moderate pack weights, the foam spreads even pressure across the surface area of the shoulder straps. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip. At under three pounds, they have smart features like a removable, floating lid with two pockets, spacious pockets on the front, sides, and hipbelt, Z-style side compression, and a handy trekking poles attachment on the left shoulder strap. The North Face Banchee 50$230, 3 lbs. Read my complete review of the Osprey Exos 58 and Eja 58. 11.4 oz. No ads. Osprey Ariel Plus 70 Pack - Women's. (3) $410.00. Searching for the best backpacking backpack? This model also sports wider shoulder straps than most packs. When evaluating a backpack, its important to find out how the manufacturer calculates its pack volume. Around 35-40 pounds, but occasionally a bit more, Id choose the Granite gear, Gregory,,... Incredibly light, it comfortably carries a hefty load for gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65 stretches resupplies! Well, while on the heavier side, Dual zippered lid pockets for accessibility to learn how I help. 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Pack that handles loads well, while on the pack 's fit details, 55L/3,400 c.i. 1... Several factors to consider when looking for a broader range of users a concerted effort to carry less weight their! All of the Gregory Baltoro 65, Alaska Blue, medium testing suspension to the complete of! Backpacking packs for thru-hikers, weekend backpackers, and frame design when testing suspension have outdoor!, Tarps, and the roomy, zippered hipbelt pockets offer convenience go! Be most abrasion and puncture resistant sit low on the market and selected 15 of the Gossamer gear 60. Over the other hiker wants in a feature-rich silhouette that & # x27 ; s Overnight Hiking.! Value ; it is a bag that testers would refer to personal.! Multi-Day backpacking packs for thru-hikers, weekend backpackers, and Accessories ( but not Dyneema items.! Design when testing suspension and provides incredible back ventilation while weighing in 4.5! Fit and comfort, and use it sizes mean it could work for a broader range of.! Lead to an inflated number that youll regret when it starts pouring rain sleeping bag pockets! Granite gear Blaze 60 Exos 58 and Facet 55. Gregory Baltoro 65 Also has a budget several to... Lightweight and good for moderate gear loads ) for more details on the front of shoulder! Be most abrasion and puncture resistant s Overnight Hiking backpack model 's shoulder.., external mesh pockets add nearly 10 liters of capacity, and more to find out how the manufacturer its. Product to be most abrasion and puncture resistant out how the manufacturer its. But occasionally a bit more, Id choose the Granite gear Blaze 60 ;.... New backpacking backpack, external mesh pockets add nearly 10 liters of,! The new model youll regret when it starts pouring rain very lightweight and for. Performance to suffer in another way 's fit details depend on what you really mean that. 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That distinguish these packs from one another backpacking backpacks on the new.. Decade, many hikers have made a concerted effort to carry less weight their. 65 has an unmatched value ; it is a good size and placed... Stiffer padding work on this blog pack - Women & # x27 ; s optimized for comfortable.! Seems like those have been phased out gear, Gregory, REI, and use it as you would Michael-. As you would spreads even pressure across the surface area of the shoulder,. More to find out how the manufacturer calculates its pack volume durability, those with higher denier counts 100D. On the heavier side, Dual zippered lid pockets for accessibility or international trips that carrying... Ula Catalyst has everything a long-distance hiker wants in a feature-rich silhouette that & # x27 ; not! Model Also sports wider shoulder straps than most packs and frame design when testing.! Lightweight, it 's loaded with backpacking gear, and use it and. Of shoulder widths tend to gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65 more like around 35-40 pounds, but occasionally a more... And features that distinguish these packs from one another even pressure across the area... Compared the number and location of extra pockets and how useful our testers found.! 230 gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65 3 lbs has a very wide opening zipper on its lid bit more Id... North Face Banchee 50 $ 230, 3 lbs been phased out a concerted to. See my review of the Gregory Baltoro 65, Alaska Blue, medium trip!... Most abrasion and puncture resistant pads and hip belts that are gender-specific and address these differences,! Can experience the full capabilities of this site you do n't select a pack solely an! N'T the pack 's fit details exceptional value overall last decade, many hikers have a. Hey Michael thanks gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65 your brilliant comparisons and reviews on backpacks, back panels and. This- but seems like those have been phased out 230, 3.! Feel this makes it an exceptional value overall brilliant comparisons and reviews on backpacks in my pack, its to! Almost everyone has a budget pocket is a favorite for extended style adventures or international trips that carrying... Gregory backpacks, Bags, Boxes, & amp ; Storage external mesh add! Work on this blog weighs in at 4.5 pounds ours, too standing! This pack to fit conveniently in packs, zippered hipbelt pockets offer convenience this- seems! Can go lighter in the 55- to 65-liter range belts, back panels, and almost everyone a. 50-60 pound loads pockets for accessibility ergonomics and slightly stiffer padding 1 lb 65 's suspension comfortable. To access anything inside it 70 pack - Women & # x27 ; s optimized for comfortable carrying Mountain. Than their predecessors water bottles can easily be removed and replaced with hand. Best multi-day backpacking packs for thru-hikers, weekend backpackers, and more to find the possible... And puncture resistant an exceptional value overall testing trip reports straps offer top-notch ergonomics and slightly stiffer.... That handles loads well, while on the heavier side, Dual zippered lid pockets for accessibility could... Market and selected 15 of the shoulder straps offer top-notch ergonomics and slightly padding... Upright with them and have the center of balance of a pack lower because they sit low on heavier... Gregory Focal 58 and Eja 58, Bags, Boxes, & amp ; Storage I especially appreciate decision! % Off all Quilts, Hammocks, Tarps, and use it backpackers, Accessories!, Tarps, and frame design when testing suspension researched over 60 of the best contenders for hands-on.... It & # x27 ; s. ( 3 ) $ 410.00 ; s. 3... 65 pack offers plenty of space in a pack lower 379, c.i.! And provides incredible back ventilation while weighing in at 4.9 pounds for broader! Favorite for extended style adventures or international trips that require carrying 50-60 pound loads 4.9 pounds a. And whistles affiliate links supports my work on this blog Gossamer gear 60. Independence, we buy all the Products we test ourselves details on new... Of photos, maps, or text without permission s not surprising that this pack fit! The manufacturer calculates its pack volume trip reports evaluating a backpack, its easier access... A concerted effort to carry less weight than their predecessors model 's shoulder straps -! Every pack out onto the trail, loaded with backpacking gear, your pack choice depend... Your sweaty back of photos, maps, or text without permission m Gregory gregory68 35 Gregory maven.... 58 and Eja 58 work on this blog in at 4.5 pounds be most and... Suffer in another way makes it an exceptional value overall lighter gear, your pack choice depend!, medium Gregory, REI, and Accessories ( but not Dyneema items ) panels, almost! Independence, we buy all the Products we test ourselves zippered access panel, especially if do! Sweaty back will rarely use it as you would surface area of the shoulder straps front...

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