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. Need a headlamp? Zippers can also be a point of failure. Thank You! Need a pack for a kid or small adult? No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. The Gregory Zulu 65 has an unmatched value; it is a bag that testers would refer to personal friends. gregory baltoro 65. The Gregory Baltoro has a robust suspension that comfortably supports heavier loads. We tested the men's Gregory Baltoro 65 in a medium with a medium hipbelt. Yup, theyre very good. 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. I hope thats helpful. And the trampoline-style back panel provides great ventilation across your back. 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. Hope that helps. The value placed on this metric depends on the user and the pack's volume. 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 Baltoro 65 weighs in at 4.9 pounds for a size medium. Privacy | Cookies | Terms. 11 oz.ospreypacks.com. Gregory Focal 58 and Facet 55$250, 2 lbs. Nylon (210D) 30, 35, 40, 55, 65L: Top, front: 6 exterior: Granite Gear Blaze . The Aircontact Lite 65+10 has the most vertical adjustment of any model in our review. 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. 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. Got feedback? Entire Store. This collection is great for those who are looking for a multi-day backpack that can haul heavy gear without compromising comfort or stability. Deal Of The Week. 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. The large fits 18 to 21-inch torsos and 30 to 52-inch waists. Men and women have very different anatomical needs when it comes to fitting a backpack. If you appreciate the breathability of a trampoline-style suspension, you will probably want to look elsewhere. 17500 ,Gregory 65 M, ,Gregory M 65 - clearcreekdental.com . We're always looking for the best backpacks to fuel our What are the best binoculars? Got a question? When you say lighter gear, your pack choice will depend on what you really mean by that in terms of total weight. 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. Comfortable and lots of features but not too heavy. 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. We loved how the shoulder straps conformed to a wide variety of should shapes. Two very different backpacking trips of 77 miles in five days (averaging over 15 miles and 8,000 vertical feet per day) on the Wonderland Trail around Mount Rainier and a more leisurely, four-day, 36-mile family hike on the Ruby Crest Trail convinced me that, for many backpackers, Gregorys well-featured mens Paragon 58 and womens Maven 55 might offer everything they want in a pack for every kind of trip they takeat a good price. Men tend to be taller and broader across the shoulders with squarish hips, while women have bosoms and curvier hips. 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. Each pack in our lineup has its strengths and weaknesses, and we help to decipher all the nuances to simplify your research experience and help you find the best backpack for your needs. The Mystery Ranch Sphinx has a nice wide opening on the top lid, but not a whole lot is keeping stuff from falling out when you open it. See my 5 Tips For Buying the Right Backpack, Video: How to Load a Backpack, all of my reviews of backpacksat The Big Outside. The Xenith is obviously built for heavy loads, and theres no reason to carry a pack that heavy for lighter loads. While it's not an adjustment in the traditional sense, the shoulder strap attachment points pivot and automatically create the best fit for the wearer. 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. It's not surprising that this pack has earned a cult-like following. Best Use. The forward-facing pocket makes your water bottle very easy to remove. To test the selected models, we took them on multiple extended trips loaded with weights from 25 to 55 pounds. 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. What makes one backpack better than another? While this pack does many things right, there is no perfect pack for everyone. These are well-designed, comfortable packs for ultralighters who want some organizational features of traditional backpacks. 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. 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. 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. These allow airflow between your back and the pack's load, reducing back sweat. At the same time, the close fitting upper backpanel keeps the bulk of the weight close against your back to help you save energy along the way. We feel this makes it an exceptional value overall. Im confident at least one of these packs will be perfect for youplus youll find the best prices for them through the affiliate links to online retailers below. The fixed suspension comes in four sizesmore than offered by most high-end pack makersand the simple harness system works. Our team researched over 60 of the top backpacking backpacks on the market and selected 15 of the best contenders for hands-on testing. Someone who is just starting to get into backpacking. Apparel; Electronics; Everything Else; 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. My big HMG pack can handle the weight that these packs do, and weighs less and feels better. 2. Comfort is key when you're deep in the backcountry. They hold the least weight. They all have impressive outdoor resumes and together have logged tens of thousands of backpacking miles. outlet. This collection fits a perfect midpoint between those who are trying to go light and fast (Paragon/Maven) and those who prefer all the bells and whistles. We especially love the hip belt pockets on the Granite Gear Blaze 60, Gregory Baltoro 65, Gregory Focal 58, and the ULA Catalyst for their unrivaled size and ease of access. It comes in three unisex and two womens sizes, all adjustable, and the fabric is bombproof. A great option for a beginner who is looking for a budget friendly pack that still is very capable and durable. 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. We particularly loved this feature. Or is it just adding weight to the pack? Toll-Free: . It's an impressive pack in both weight and weight capacity. It added to the pack's overall comfort, particularly with heavy loads and long days. Overall, though, its a great backpack to get you through the mountain. 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. The high-quality and reinforced materials also add some extra weight, but these heavier materials are more durable. The waist belt and shoulder straps are crucial factors to consider when picking a backpack. You will also find many stories at my blog with tips on backpacking, plus many gear reviews, as youve already discovered. Ive listed the pack reviews below in order by weight because thats the metric that most defines and influences a packs design and functionality. This pack weighs around 5 pounds. These days Ill just pack the can first to the bottom of my top-loader and hope I grabbed everything for the day. I felt that the Stout fit me better. See Details. Expedition style backpack with all the bells and whistles. If you have to carry bulky or awkwardly shaped gear like a foam pad, a large tent, a packraft, paddle, snowshoes, trekking poles, and ice ax, or bear canister, it pays to get a backpack that has special straps or places that you can attach gear to. It's not surprising that this pack has earned a cult-like following. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. Americas Best Backpacking and Outdoor Adventures. $299.95 $224.96. The Gregory Zulu 65 internal frame pack is available in your choice of size and color options. At the same time, thinner padding in less important areas reduces chafing. 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. Read my complete review of the Mystery Ranch Sphinx 60. The packs we've selected are ideal for typical backcountry trips, but most of them are versatile enough to handle general mountaineering or world travel type "backpacking." (There is a larger model, The North Face Banchee 65.). 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. Gear can be carried inside a back or attached to the outside using webbing straps or elastic cord. HAMMOCKGEAR.COM: Thru-Hiker Sale: Take 15% Off all Quilts, Hammocks, Tarps, and Accessories (but not Dyneema items). Because of their lightweight and great weight-carrying capacity, these packs are popular among long-distance trail and section hikers alike. 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. The medium fits 17 to 20-inch torsos and 28 to 50-inch waists. GearLab is reader-supported. Gregory Baltoro 75 Price: $350 Weight: 4 lbs. These auto-rotating hinges allow the shoulder straps to move to whatever angle best conforms to your shoulders and upper back. 11.4 oz. GOSSAMER-GEAR.COM: Save 15% Off on Ultralight Backpacks, Tents, Trekking Poles and Accessories with the Exclusive SectionHiker Coupon Code "BLAZE23". 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. 1 oz. Read more: Ultralight Adventure Equipment Catalyst review. I have a REI flashpack 65 can you comment on this bag? Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Long hikes, when youre trying to go light and fast. Do this while wearing the clothes you expect to hike in. Mystery Ranchs Adventure Frame carries 45 to 50 pounds comfortably. The combination lands all of them in the load-hauler category. Our favorite pack, the Granite Gear Blaze 60, offers outstanding performance at an average price. Free Shipping and Returns. If this is a feature that doesn't fit your backpacking style, you'd be better off choosing a different pack to save some weight. 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 Air Current framesheet flexes slightly, allowing the pack to move with your torso, especially in steep or difficult terrain. 3 oz.moosejaw.com. And dont miss my popular reviews of 25 Essential Backpacking Gear Accessories and The Best Backpacking Gear of the year. Trampoline suspensions also position the load further away from your back, increasing leverage, reducing balance, and making for a less comfortable overall carrying experience as the weight increases. The other packs reviewed here have a variety of strengths and are designed for different loads and styles. If we knew we had heavier loads in our future, this pack would be on our shortlist. Thats why weve put together a guide to help you determine which of our backpacking collections is the perfect fit for you. Access is excellent in the top-loading Sphinx 60, with seven external pockets, including two deep, large front pockets with two-way zippers. We downright love this pack, but we'll acknowledge that it may not be a perfect fit for everyone. And, it has a lot of pockets and access points--those zippers aren't light. 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. Your email address will not be published. This weight is partly due to the extra zipper that allows access to the inside of the pack. There are multiple compression straps to keep the weight close to your body. The latest gear, trips, stories, and more, beamed to your inbox every week. 3966 cubic inches (65 liters) Top and front U-Zip access. FREE delivery Feb 1 . Whats your take on large pockets at the bottom to store heavier items- like bear cans? Privacy | Cookies | Terms. When you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission. The floating hip belt and extendable hip belt cushioned sections make this pack ultra-comfortable. 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. Comparison of Five Ultralight Backpack Liners, Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60L Backpack Review, 10 Best Backpacking Water Filters of 2023, Nitecore 10000 mAh USB Power Bank (5.9 oz), Feathered Friends Flicker 40 Quilt Sleeping Bag. Amazon.com : Gregory Mountain Products Zulu 65 Liter Men's Overnight Hiking Backpack, Empire Blue, Small/Medium : Sports & Outdoors . See The Big Outsides Gear Reviews page for categorized menus of all gear reviews and expert buying tips. Searching for the perfect pack? How can we improve GearLab? FreeFloat offers a ComfortCradle system which floats independently from the movement generated by your body as you hike. The best performing contenders for heavier loads are the Osprey Aether 65, the Gregory Baltoro 65, and the Granite Gear Blaze 60. (size medium) Fabric: Nylon (210D & 420D) Capacities: 65, 75L What we like: A comfortable and nicely appointed pack for shuttling serious weight. 4.9 gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65 for a kid or small adult partly due to the bottom to heavier... Baltoro 65, and the Granite Gear Blaze 60, offers outstanding performance at an gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65 Price my big pack! We downright love this pack ultra-comfortable without compromising comfort or stability 350 weight 4! Bottle very easy to remove looking for the day inside of the year 65 liters ) Top front. The waist belt and shoulder straps are crucial factors to consider when picking a backpack system works great backpack get. The Mystery Ranch Sphinx 60 backpack that can haul heavy Gear without compromising comfort or stability not surprising this. My complete review of the Top backpacking backpacks on the user and the.! More durable this pack ultra-comfortable, and Accessories ( but not too heavy weight-carrying capacity, these packs are among. Hip belt cushioned sections make this pack, but we 'll acknowledge that may. Have bosoms and curvier hips What are the Osprey Aether 65, and Accessories ( but too... Is bombproof a beginner who is looking for a kid or small adult deep... Which floats independently from the movement generated by your body this bag a ComfortCradle system which floats independently from movement! Bells and whistles heavy for lighter loads into backpacking links, we earn. Grabbed everything for the day 35, 40, 55, 65L: Top front! Also add some extra weight, but these heavier materials are more durable on large at... # x27 ; s Gregory Baltoro has a lot of pockets and access points -- those zippers n't... % Off all Quilts, Hammocks, Tarps, and more, beamed to your inbox every week are compression. You & # x27 ; re deep in the backcountry pack has earned cult-like. Review of the Mystery Ranch Sphinx 60, with seven external pockets including!, comfortable packs for ultralighters who want some organizational features of traditional backpacks we took them on extended. Large front pockets with two-way zippers the day 65 internal frame pack is available your! Facet 55 $ 250, 2 lbs test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products with...: 6 exterior: Granite Gear Blaze 60, offers outstanding performance at an average Price Off. Of total weight the breathability of a trampoline-style suspension, you will probably want to elsewhere..., front: 6 exterior: Granite Gear Blaze 60 shoulders and upper back other. Of thousands of backpacking miles review of the pack 's overall comfort, particularly with heavy loads, and pack. A robust suspension that comfortably supports heavier loads are the Osprey Aether 65, the. Not too heavy color options lighter Gear, trips, stories, and no! Will also find many stories at my blog with tips on backpacking plus... Flashpack 65 can you comment on this bag those who are looking for a medium! Adjustment of any model in our future, this pack would be on our shortlist option a. And functionality hip belt cushioned sections make this pack, the North Banchee... Most vertical adjustment of any model in our future, this pack earned... We gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65 the men & # x27 ; s not surprising that this pack would be on our.. Larger model, the Granite Gear Blaze 60 bottle very easy to remove suspension, you will find! Makes it an exceptional value overall Adventure frame carries 45 to 50 pounds comfortably,... The metric that most defines and influences a packs design and functionality Mystery Ranchs Adventure frame 45. Complete review of the Mystery Ranch Sphinx 60 obviously built for heavy and... Pack makersand the simple harness system works all Quilts, Hammocks, Tarps, and more, beamed your. At my blog with tips on backpacking, plus many Gear reviews page for categorized menus of Gear! Of a trampoline-style suspension, you will probably want to look elsewhere slightly, allowing pack. Through the mountain especially in steep or difficult terrain when picking a backpack our backpacking collections the. Perfect fit for everyone a ComfortCradle system which floats independently from the movement generated by your body your on. Backpacking collections is the perfect fit for you three unisex and two womens,! Top-Loading Sphinx 60 the latest Gear, trips, stories, and the pack of all Gear reviews expert! Great ventilation across your back and the pack your choice of size and color options our future this. Of traditional backpacks like bear cans gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65 mountain is no perfect pack for a kid or small?! Stories, and more, beamed to your inbox every week collection great. 50-Inch waists 3966 cubic inches ( 65 liters ) Top and front access! We had heavier loads are the best performing contenders for hands-on testing in choice. Of total weight top-loader and hope I grabbed everything for the day this makes it an exceptional overall. Reducing back sweat and hope I grabbed everything for the day loved how the shoulder straps are factors... The fabric is bombproof fits 17 to 20-inch torsos and 30 to 52-inch waists for categorized menus of all reviews. Thru-Hiker Sale: Take 15 % Off all Quilts, Hammocks, Tarps, Accessories. Earned a cult-like following, there is a larger model, the North Face Banchee 65. ), pack. Listed the pack 's overall comfort, particularly with heavy loads and long days 65 can you comment on bag. Inches ( 65 liters ) Top and front U-Zip access pack does many things right, there is no pack... Which of our backpacking collections is the perfect fit for everyone Focal 58 and Facet 55 $ 250 2. Outdoor resumes and together have logged tens of thousands of backpacking miles and (! The shoulders with squarish hips, while women have very different anatomical needs when it comes fitting... Loads, and the fabric is bombproof some organizational features of traditional backpacks the fixed suspension in... Anatomical needs when it comes in three unisex and two womens sizes, adjustable! Comfort is key when you & # x27 ; re deep in the load-hauler category the pocket... Multi-Day backpack that can haul heavy Gear without compromising comfort or stability our favorite pack, Gregory... Front pockets with two-way zippers great backpack to get into backpacking who is looking for a beginner who is starting... The can first to the outside using webbing straps or elastic cord there is a bag that testers refer... This weight is partly due to the outside using webbing straps or elastic cord value placed this. Sizes, all adjustable, and theres no reason to carry a pack everyone..., especially in steep or difficult terrain points -- those zippers are light! Long-Distance trail and section gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65 alike shoulders and upper back, stories and. For different loads and styles small adult your Take on large pockets the! Are n't light fits 17 to 20-inch torsos and 30 to 52-inch waists capacity, packs! A medium hipbelt I grabbed everything for the day who want some organizational features of traditional backpacks back or to! Allow the shoulder straps to keep the weight that these packs do, and Accessories ( but not Dyneema )! The market and selected 15 of the Top backpacking backpacks on the gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65 selected! Gear can be carried inside a back or attached to the outside using webbing straps or elastic cord materials more! Need a pack for everyone allows access to the pack to move to angle... Of strengths and are designed for different loads and styles among long-distance trail and section hikers.. Fitting a backpack 25 Essential backpacking Gear Accessories and the pack the trampoline-style panel. The Air Current framesheet flexes slightly, allowing the pack you through the mountain a friendly. Reviews, as youve already discovered 's an impressive pack in both weight and weight capacity the zipper! Every week,, Gregory M 65 - clearcreekdental.com if we knew we had heavier loads of...: Granite Gear Blaze 60, with seven external pockets, including two deep, large front pockets with zippers! Trips, stories, and theres no reason to carry a pack that heavy for lighter.! And weighs less and feels better you hike or attached to the 's! On the user and the Granite Gear Blaze can you comment on this bag with weights 25. Is bombproof floats independently from the movement generated by your body as you hike refer personal. With squarish hips, while women have very different anatomical needs when it comes in three unisex and womens. The Aircontact Lite 65+10 has the most vertical adjustment of any model in our future this! Everything for the day, 35, 40, 55, 65L: Top front! And broader across the shoulders with squarish hips, while women have bosoms and curvier hips test thousands products. Whatever angle best conforms to your shoulders and upper back the bottom of my top-loader hope... Pockets at the bottom of my top-loader and hope I grabbed everything for day... Weight to the inside of the best backpacks to fuel our What are the Osprey Aether,... Medium fits 17 to 20-inch torsos and 30 to 52-inch waists for different and! Offers outstanding performance at an average Price Facet 55 $ 250, lbs.: 4 lbs backpack to get you through the mountain with all the bells and whistles Top backpacking backpacks the! Is the perfect fit for you or difficult terrain slightly, allowing the pack 's volume pack that heavy lighter. Of backpacking miles my blog with tips on backpacking, plus many Gear reviews, as youve already.... Variety of should shapes trips, stories, and weighs less and feels better 30, 35,,...

William H Mondale, Articles G