It's slightly lighter than packs with similarly robust suspensions. The Baltoro 65's suspension was comfortable all day. Read my complete review of the Osprey Exos 58 and Eja 58. Padded hip belts and shoulder straps are worth very little without a good suspension to go along with them. ; Buy Now. From this I cant quite tell which you think is more comfortable. 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. The medium fits 17 to 20-inch torsos and 28 to 50-inch waists. Deuter's adjustment system is also an excellent choice for rapidly growing children, teenagers, or youth program uses. We won't accept manufacturer's freebies. The Aether 65 comes with a raincover that is large enough to easily cover the entire pack, even with a sleeping pad strapped to the bottom. The Xenith is obviously built for heavy loads, and theres no reason to carry a pack that heavy for lighter loads. We found this design pretty useful for getting this pack to fit a variety of shoulder widths. Although the backpacks in this review are not waterproof, it's worth noting that many of them include a rain cover, such as the Osprey Aether 65, the Osprey Rook 65, REI co-op Traverse 60, and the REI Flash 55. This is the classic pack from Gregory, but the Baltoro is also offered in larger 75 and 85 liter capacities. Hi Michael- really great article and I especially appreciate the decision matrix and testing trip reports! Want an ultralight pack with more total capacity than the 3400 Windrider and seven external pockets, that weighs and costs less? While individual tastes and needs vary, here are the 10 backpacking packs in 2021 that we feel strike the best balance between form, fit, function, and price. The Gregory Zulu 65 internal frame pack is available in your choice of size and color options. With internal-frame packs, the recommendation is to pack the weight more in the middle of the pack, and the middle of your spine, for better carrying comfort. Price and other details may vary based on product size and color. By the way, I now carry my camera equipment and small incidentals (like a map and snacks) in a Ribz Front Pack, which is much less obtrusive: https://thebigoutside.com/gear-review-update-ribz-front-pack/. I hope thats helpful. Don't select a pack solely for an elongated zippered access panel, especially if you will rarely use it. Not as supportive for super heavy (45+ lb) loads. Each pack mentioned above offers subtle advantages that will help transfer the load to your hips and keep you moving towards camp in relative comfort. No ads. And, it has a lot of pockets and access points--those zippers aren't light. GREGORY ZULU 40L GREGORYTNYO45 . The Osprey Atmos 65 AG provides a snug ride with its trampoline-style suspension that spreads the load evenly across the body. The Flash 55 does a great job of keeping the price low, but the durability and support issues are still true. The face fabric is also among the best in the review and performed above average. Look no further, our backpacking pack guide is here to help you choose the best pack for you. $167.26 $ 167. The best performing contenders for heavier loads are the Osprey Aether 65, the Gregory Baltoro 65, and the Granite Gear Blaze 60. A spring steel rod lends the pack an ergonomic shape plus rigidity along the vertical axis and some horizontal flex, while a PE board cone disperses weight. We especially love the outside beavertail style mesh pocket. 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? How can we improve GearLab? Though it doesn't have the most breathable suspension in the line-up, it definitely holds its own. But its minimalist design, durability, capacity, comfort, and low weight will appeal to many backpackers who prefer hiking over simply hauling. Some people prefer using a hydration bladder and others prefer using water bottles, as long as theyre reachable while wearing the backpack. The high-quality and reinforced materials also add some extra weight, but these heavier materials are more durable. HAMMOCKGEAR.COM: Thru-Hiker Sale: Take 15% Off all Quilts, Hammocks, Tarps, and Accessories (but not Dyneema items). When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support. Why do Waterproof/Breathable Rain Jackets Wet Out? Some fabrics are also thicker and tougher than others. This system allows for adjustment of both the torso length and hipbelts, for a more custom fit to ensure optimal comfort. Rigid perimeter frames that are internal (hidden) or external and can hold the most weight. The Baltoro and Deva's (the women's version) carrying comfort have never failed to impress. We considered how supportive each backpack is, how well it conforms to different body shapes, and hows comfortable it is. Ps- wasnt thunder springs amazing? Hey Aaron, good question. The Gregory Zulu 55 is a little but top-ranked backpacking backpack. 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. But no matter which type of backpacker you are, this review covers the best packs in each of those categories. Would just like to hear you opinion on what would be the best investment. The Osprey Aether has a reinforced stretch front pocket that is a great place for a wet groundsheet or other dirty gear. 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. Comparing the buckles on two waist belts. Men tend to be taller and broader across the shoulders with squarish hips, while women have bosoms and curvier hips. Comfortable and lots of features but not too heavy. The hip belt tends to be one of the main contributors to a comfortable pack, especially a well-loaded one. I eventually decided that I dont like having a fairly large pack on my chest, because its hot and obstructs my view of where Im walking. Another thing - while the Zulu is a lighter pack than the Atmos, I am a little curoius how well the fabric will hold up to use, specifically the stretch mesh side pockets since the stitching connecting the mesh to the rest of the pack looks iffy compared to the tougher, thicker mesh of the Atmos AG. 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. The Baltoro 65 is geared toward heavier loads, which its slightly stiffer-than-average foam suggests. These straps are also useful for strapping wet gear outside your pack. 4.8 out of 5 stars 43. Three big, external mesh pockets add nearly 10 liters of capacity, and the roomy, zippered hipbelt pockets offer convenience. Gregory Mountain Products Zulu 55 Liter Men's Overnight Hiking Backpack. That works, but its not an easy fit. Which of these packs would fit as a carry on? Your pack swaying a little isn't the biggest problem, but it does feel unnatural, and other packs have features that prevent this. 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. Let us know! And yes, the Thunder Springs on the Grand Canyons Thunder River-Deer Creek loop is amazing, as are the waterfalls on Deer Creek. The combo of dynamic fit and lightweight features create a balanced and agile carry. All Rights Reserved. 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. 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. 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 Baltoro 65 weighs in at 4.9 pounds for a size medium. Because they sit low on the pack, water bottles can easily be removed and replaced with one hand. 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. All trademarks property of their respective owners 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. That massive zipper will add a lot of weight to the backpack. These packs use high-quality foam that strikes a perfect balance between support and comfort. The Gregory Baltoro 65 Also has a very wide opening zipper on its lid. More importantly, the weight is distributed more evenly, producing fewer hot spots. The REI Flash 55 is an inexpensive, lightweight, and well-designed backpacking backpack. Moreover, the Atmos offers an excellent fit with efficient adjustability focused on ergonomics. 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. Among these which one will be suitable for girls as I want some lightweight and withstand able backpacks? 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. The same holds for hip belts. 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. The frame is what ensures the load from the pack body is supported by the waist belt and your hips. 3 oz.moosejaw.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. 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. This pack's rock-solid suspension and plush padding make heavier loads feel manageable. Zippered sleeping bag compartment. Pack Price Weight Fabric Capacities Access Pockets; . FEATURES FreeFloat ventilated suspension featuring . 14 oz.backcountry.com. Discover the best trails in the world for biking, hiking, skiing, moto, and more with Trailforks. Everyone sweats when they carry a loaded backpack. If youre considering a new pack and liked the previous Flash, you may like the new one even more. We take every pack out onto the trail, loaded with backpacking gear, and use it as you would. 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. However, not all side-zippered lid pockets are the same. The Exos and Eja also come in 48-liter ($240) and 38-liter ($220) versions. Start with my 5 Expert Tips For Buying the Right Backpacking Pack. See also my picks for The Best Ultralight Backpacks.. Ian is a professional internationally licensed IFMGA/UIAGM mountain guide with over 3,000 days guiding in the Pacific Northwest, European Alps, and beyond. It has well-padded shoulder and waist belt straps and carries moderate loads up to 40 pounds well. The waist belt and shoulder straps are crucial factors to consider when picking a backpack. However, we found it was also pretty easy for a water bottle to fall out of this pocket if you lean over too far. Got a question? Thanks for doing that. These lighter packs are excellent options for folks who want to go super light but still need a comfortable and supportive pack with a frame and more robust padding for trips when you need to carry more weight. Granite Gears Perimeter series packs feature adjustability for both torso length and shoulder width, easily accomplished by resetting the position of a clip behind each shoulder strap. Hi Joey, Ive used the REI Flash 45 as a carry-on. That seems like a bonus for a backpack with a customizable fit and high functionality that carries a modest weight and price. As a result, we were able to find items more quickly than we could with a more traditional full-length pocket. That can lead to an inflated number that youll regret when it starts pouring rain. Long hikes, when youre trying to go light and fast. Some of us need a pack for moderate loads, some for heavy loads, and others, increasingly, for lightweight or ultralight backpacking. The latest Flash packs have some improvements, most notably REIs UpLift compression system, mentioned in my review above. Hey Michael thanks for your brilliant comparisons and reviews on backpacks. The Response A3 suspension system is made to carry heavy loads and allows the harness and hipbelt to rotate independently, delivering dynamic support that adapts to your bodys movements on the trail. If you have a question for me or a comment on this review, please make it in the comments section at the bottom of this story. One of my favorite parts of the canyon. Thin and flexible plastic frames sheets that are sewn into the back of a pack, but are not removable. Testing the Osprey Atmos 65 on a downhill scramble in Colorado. And the Blaze is just a few ounces heavier and more tricked out, super comfortable, and has the best weight-carrying capacity of every pack Ive mentioned. The Optic and Exos are fairly similar, and the significantly lighter HMG pack will carry as well as those twoassuming it fits you, and it comes in four sizes, so it should fit. All trademarks property of their respective owners The ideal pack for a long weekend with enough capacity to extend your trip. 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. : Take 15 % Off all Quilts, Hammocks, Tarps, and hows comfortable it is but... And I especially appreciate the decision matrix and testing trip reports offers an excellent fit with efficient adjustability on! ( 45+ lb ) loads gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65 regret when it starts pouring rain respective owners the ideal pack for you Hiking... That are sewn into the back of a pack that heavy for lighter loads ensures load... 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