Access is excellent in the top-loading Sphinx 60, with seven external pockets, including two deep, large front pockets with two-way zippers. To judge each backpack's adjustability and fit, we considered its overall ergonomics and how adjustable each model was. When comparing fabric durability, those with higher denier counts (100D vs 210D) tend to be most abrasion and puncture resistant. For example, many backpacks have J-shaped shoulder straps and sternum straps designed for men that crush female breasts. Read my complete review of the Gregory Paragon 58 and Maven 55. 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. The Osprey Atmos 65 AG provides a snug ride with its trampoline-style suspension that spreads the load evenly across the body. Ive tested and reviewed dozens of backpacks over the past two decades, and Ive liked some ultralight packs; but they may not be as ideal for many users as they are for you, based on my personal experience and the clear demands of consumers. Save Big on Kestrel, Kyte, and Hydration Packs now 40% Off. I try to respond to all comments. Leave a comment. 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. This particular pack could be worth it for anyone looking to go on extended adventures with a lot of equipment, or if you are the designated porter for the group. The comparison chart below offers a quick look at stats and features that distinguish these packs from one another. 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. Click on the link to the complete review (linked in the above story) for more details on the new model. 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. That's thanks to an . These days Ill just pack the can first to the bottom of my top-loader and hope I grabbed everything for the day. 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. A pack's suspension is its frame system. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support. It weighs a mere 2.6 pounds. A pack with a good hip belt is critical, and pockets can make or break a hip belt. TNFs updated-for-2019 Banchee 50 falls squarely into a category Im calling almost ultralight: barely over an unofficial ceiling weight of three pounds for ultralight packs, but more tricked-out than ultralight competitors, and with a greater weight-bearing and volume capacity than manyas I discovered on a five-day backpacking trip in Yellowstones Bechler Canyon area. No ads. Read my complete review of the Mystery Ranch Sphinx 60. What makes one backpack better than another? Purchasing gear through my affiliate links supports my work on this blog. CampSaver. I hauled 50 pounds on treks in NZ the GC and Trinity Alps and never got sore hips! Backpacker Magazine Editor. Your pack swaying a little isn't the biggest problem, but it does feel unnatural, and other packs have features that prevent this. This pack also has no top lid, but we still found ample storage for on-the-go items. These allow airflow between your back and the pack's load, reducing back sweat. I felt that the Stout fit me better. The Granite Gear Blaze 60 is a pinnacle point of comparison when it comes to performance. The floating hip belt and extendable hip belt cushioned sections make this pack ultra-comfortable. With all this carrying gear on his back and his bike, Sam is quite the expert on backpacks. The larger versions have more pockets and heavier weight capacities. They all have impressive outdoor resumes and together have logged tens of thousands of backpacking miles. The ideal pack for a long weekend with enough capacity to extend your trip. 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. 11 oz.ospreypacks.com. Osprey has always done a good job of marrying durability, adjustability, and large load comfort, and the Osprey Aether 65 is the perfect example. Read my complete review of the Gregory Baltoro 65 and Deva 60. 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. The Arcteryx Altra is no longer available, but the Osprey Atmos AG is very comfortable with 45+ pounds, and thats what its made for. For full-day adventures or summer overnights, with an adjustable, dynamic FreeFloat suspension. I appreciate the review. To test the selected models, we took them on multiple extended trips loaded with weights from 25 to 55 pounds. 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 feel this makes it an exceptional value overall. The majority of issues that bother new backpackers relate to these two areas. Osprey Ariel Plus 70 Pack - Women's. (3) $410.00. Let us know! Hi Colin, thanks for that question. While you can go lower and higher, this is a good place to start looking, since many packs are available in smaller and larger volume models. Each one is large enough to fit a 1-liter Nalgene water bottle. And yes, the Thunder Springs on the Grand Canyons Thunder River-Deer Creek loop is amazing, as are the waterfalls on Deer Creek. 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. We looked at each pocket and asked ourselves: Does this pocket make my life easier and keep me more organized? Gear can be carried inside a back or attached to the outside using webbing straps or elastic cord. 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. There are basically three types of backpack frames. BUY Gregory 65 Liters Zulu FreeFloat Daypack. We independently buy, test, and rate all the products we review. I think you should contemplate whether youre going to regularly push the weight capacity of these packs or remain within their range, and after that, choose the design you prefer. 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 won't accept manufacturer's freebies. Barely tipping the scales at 2.8 pounds, the ULA Catalyst is an excellent pack for lightweight enthusiasts. The fixed suspension comes in four sizesmore than offered by most high-end pack makersand the simple harness system works. That can lead to an inflated number that youll regret when it starts pouring rain. 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. Long hauls and heavy loads. We concluded that we generally favor packs with a handful of straps for crampons, ice axes, sleeping pads, flip-flops, or other items because it adds to the pack's overall versatility. 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. We answer all of these questions below, and many more. Mystery Ranchs Adventure Frame carries 45 to 50 pounds comfortably. Ps- wasnt thunder springs amazing? Mid-size (under 60 liters) arent wide enough to do that, meaning you have to stand it up and cram stuff in the tight spaces around it. Over the last decade, many hikers have made a concerted effort to carry less weight than their predecessors. Some are light and relatively soft, while others swivel and are well-padded yet rigid to carry heavy loads. Amazon.com : Gregory Mountain Products Zulu 65 Liter Men's Overnight Hiking Backpack, Empire Blue, Small/Medium : Sports & Outdoors . Hyperlight Mountain Gear, Gossamer Gear, Mountain Laurel Designs, ZPacks and ULA are making the best backpacks. The Baltoro/Deva collection is designed with a Response A3 The Baltoro/Deva collection is designed with a Response A3 suspension. No Code Necessary. These models offer a similar setup and exhibit our favorite overall organizational and pocket layouts. Read my complete review of the Osprey Exos 58 and Eja 58. FreeFloat offers a ComfortCradle system which floats independently from the movement generated by your body as you 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. Our testers enjoyed the two zippered pockets on the top of the lid. When you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission. This has just about every feature you could ask for and nothing you don't need. Granite Gear Blaze 60$300, 3 lbs. The benefit of this subtle feature is even more noticeable when negotiating rough terrain with heavier loads. See my 5 Tips For Buying the Right Backpack, Video: How to Load a Backpack, all of my reviews of backpacksat The Big Outside. 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. Where are the lightweight packs made by smaller companies? Which one of the sub 3lb bags would you say carries heavy loads better? Want an ultralight pack with more total capacity than the 3400 Windrider and seven external pockets, that weighs and costs less? We considered any other additional features' usefulness and evaluated them in the field during real-world testing. Comfort is key when you're deep in the backcountry. Some premium packs let you adjust the length of these components so you can get a personalized fit. Which of these packs would fit as a carry on? Though it doesn't have the most breathable suspension in the line-up, it definitely holds its own. Theres no such thing as a best backpack, but these are the best-of-the-best that weve reviewed and recommend. Free Float suspension with low profile Open Air ventilation, moisture wicking mesh and customizable torso length. The Gregory Zulu 65 has an unmatched value; it is a bag that testers would refer to personal friends. Thanks for the article. I would not buy any of these packs. (There is a larger model, The North Face Banchee 65.). And the trampoline-style back panel provides great ventilation across your back. Toll-Free: . Sign Up for Email and get access to exclusive offers & the latest updates! What is the difference between a unisex and a gender-specific backpack and why would you pick one over the other? If we knew we had heavier loads in our future, this pack would be on our shortlist. The top-loading design and multiple storage pockets will help you keep your gear handy, without needing to take everything out of the bag in order to reach what you need. Apparel; Electronics; Everything Else; Osprey Exos 58 and Eja 58$260, 58L/3,539 c.i., 2 lbs. Deal Of The Week. 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. And, it has a lot of pockets and access points--those zippers aren't light. The Osprey Aether has a reinforced stretch front pocket that is a great place for a wet groundsheet or other dirty gear. Gregory Zulu 65: $230: 3 lb. 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. They have the most significant impact on a pack's comfort (or lack thereof). These straps are also useful for strapping wet gear outside your pack. Comparison Table. The two hip belt pockets are large enough for small cameras, snacks, a compass, or other small items that need to be easily accessible. What we don't: Heavy at nearly 5 pounds. If the canister is standing up in my pack, its easier to access anything inside it. 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. 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. An outside mesh pocket makes stashing a jacket where you can grab it quickly a breeze. Got feedback? Shop All Backpacking Packs. Front U-Zip opening Zippered bottom sleeping bag compartment 3 entry points: top, u-zip and bottom 9 exterior pockets Dynamic suspension, rotating hipbelt and harness Bear canister friendly wide shape Men's Paragon & Women's Maven BEST FOR Long hikes, when you're trying to go light and fast. We assessed each model's shoulder straps, waist belts, back panels, and frame design when testing suspension. Everyone wants the best possible fit and comfort, and almost everyone has a budget. 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. The straps underneath and around the sleeping bag compartment are long enough to fit over a closed-cell foam pad. 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. * weights listed are for packs ranging between 60-65L for comparison. 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? The Baltoro has a mesh water bottle holder on one side of the pack and a stowable forward-facing bottle pocket on the other. The Baltoro and Deva's (the women's version) carrying comfort have never failed to impress. Need a pack for a kid or small adult? That seems like a bonus for a backpack with a customizable fit and high functionality that carries a modest weight and price. Thanks to its impressive design, the Granite Gear Blaze 60 is once again the best overall backpacking backpack in our review. We found this design pretty useful for getting this pack to fit a variety of shoulder widths. Start with my 5 Expert Tips For Buying the Right Backpacking Pack. See also my picks for The Best Ultralight Backpacks.. A well-balanced design and rich feature set make this collection a perfect companion for both quick overnighters and extended trips. 15.7 oz. Most packs have zippers on the front or back of the lid, which means that it's not as easy to get inside them. Look no further, our backpacking pack guide is here to help you choose the best pack for you. As a result, we were able to find items more quickly than we could with a more traditional full-length pocket. 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. 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. 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. They're big enough to fit a 500-page paperback book, not that this is where you'd probably pack a book, but you could if you wanted. 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. If youre considering a new pack and liked the previous Flash, you may like the new one even more. 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. Hi Garry, Ive used both the Aether and Xenith (and reviewed the Xenith here: https://thebigoutside.com/gear-review-osprey-xenith-88xena-85-backpacks/). When you design a product to be lightweight, it's common for performance to suffer in another way. They can usually be removed and bent to match your back shape. 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. We also tested a range of excellent wallet-friendly designs, such as the excellent REI Flash 55. 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 Mountain Products Zulu 55 Liter Men's Overnight Hiking Backpack. The majority of backpacks have fixed torso lengths and hip belt sizes, which can make getting a good fit difficult because peoples body shapes and proportions vary so much. 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. 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. Bear canisters are definitely tough to fit conveniently in packs. This pack is somehow able to comfortably support up to 50 pounds while only weighing 3.0 pounds itself. Qualified orders eligible for FREE S&H and FREE RETURNS. $167.26 $ 167. Camping gear has gotten much lighter, and this helps more backpackers go lighter, too. 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. This system is made up of internal and external frame components or "stays," compression straps, shoulder straps, and the hip belt. 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. No duplication of photos, maps, or text without permission. Our team researched over 60 of the top backpacking backpacks on the market and selected 15 of the best contenders for hands-on testing. 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. And the high-strength aluminum perimeter frame delivers serious support. 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. And, the hip belt has extendable padded sections for larger waisted hikers. Rain covers are a practical addition to any backpacking pack. 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. Our lead tester going fast and light in Vermont. Spend the whole weekend in nature with everything you need right there. These extra pockets are super handy and unique use of space, essentially doubling the external storage capacity. The North Face Banchee 50$230, 3 lbs. 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. Ive listed the pack reviews below in order by weight because thats the metric that most defines and influences a packs design and functionality. Additionally, we compared the number and location of extra pockets and how useful our testers found them. Entire Store; Camp & Hike; . Only fairly large backpacks (60 liters or larger) are wide enough to lay a canister in horizontally, which I think is the best way to fit a canister inside a pack. 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. Our team of experts knows what makes a great pack. The Baltoro's "U" shaped aluminum frame is quite stiff and does a fantastic job of transferring the load from the pack to the hips. Almost all of the packs in this review have a location to store a hydration bladder where it should stay upright. Gregory Baltoro (image belongs to Baltoro 65 ), in my opinion, is absolutely the best alternative to Osprey's Aether AG and Xenith Series. Some people prefer using a hydration bladder and others prefer using water bottles, as long as theyre reachable while wearing the backpack. Readmy complete review of the Granite Gear Blaze 60. 3 models Gregory Baltoro 100L Pro Backpack $419.95 3 models Gregory Paragon 58L Backpack - Men's $259.95 . This system allows for adjustment of both the torso length and hipbelts, for a more custom fit to ensure optimal comfort. Copyright 2007-2023, SectionHiker.com and Fells Press LLC. I like Ospery Aether, Xenith packs they just Carrie much better than the packs you have on your list I have been to EMS stores and REI and many of the packs that you list have a lot of returns but Aether and Xenith packs are the ones they push and I must say I tried the packs you talked about but after days hiking with them I always go back to the Ospery Aether ,Xenith these packs just feel so much better on my back they make the weight disappear and after days of hiking that is the key to enjoying backpacking . Get in touch anytime and thanks for reading. When it comes to picking out the perfect backpacking pack, we want to make sure you have all the big questions answered. 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. The huge vertical adjustment range helps dial in your fit and makes it an excellent option for younger backpackers who are still growing. Your email address will not be published. Testing the Osprey Atmos 65 on a downhill scramble in Colorado. 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. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. The Blaze 60 pushes those boundaries. We tested backpacking backpacks from Osprey, Granite Gear, Gregory, REI, and more to find the best models. No "sponsored" content. The Baltoros and Devas FreeFloat suspension system, updated in 2022, has 3D mesh and a foam-free design that improves air flow across your back; more adjustability in the torso length (in three sizes for men and women), shoulder harnesses, and hipbelt (and the latter two pivot independently, enhancing comfort); enlarged hipbelt pockets; an attachment for a bear spray holster; and a lighter carbon footprint with 31 percent less plastic. Still, at a weight of 4.5 lbs, this pack approaches a mass that starts to feel slightly over-engineered. Regarding straight-up vertical adjustment, the Deuter Aircontact Lite 65+10 has an advantage. We buy all the products ourselves. 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. Super trip. The sizable zippered lid pockets of the Osprey Atmos 65 AG are next level. That distinguish these packs from one another customizable torso length and hipbelts, for more! Location of extra pockets and how adjustable each model 's shoulder straps, waist belts, back,... Eligible for FREE s & amp ; hike ; bottom of my top-loader and hope I grabbed for! The field during real-world testing the market and selected 15 of the Osprey Atmos 65 AG are next.... $ 300, 3 lbs heavier loads be on our shortlist one even more noticeable when negotiating rough terrain heavier. By most high-end pack makersand the simple harness system works ; H and FREE RETURNS 55 Liter Men #... Knew we had heavier loads each one is large enough to fit conveniently in packs and high functionality that a! Inflated number that youll regret when it comes to performance Adventure frame carries 45 to pounds! Reducing back sweat competing products the top of the Osprey Aether has a budget questions. Of comparison when it comes to performance we still found ample storage for on-the-go items all... Breathable suspension in the backcountry handy and unique use of space, essentially doubling the external storage.... Packs made by smaller companies wet Gear outside your pack weekend with enough capacity to extend trip. Hauled 50 pounds while only weighing 3.0 pounds itself Kestrel, Kyte and... For example, many hikers have made a concerted effort to carry less weight their! Field during real-world testing setup and exhibit our favorite overall organizational and pocket layouts and are well-padded yet rigid carry! And reviewed the Xenith here: https: //thebigoutside.com/gear-review-osprey-xenith-88xena-85-backpacks/ ) a more custom fit to ensure optimal comfort were to. Backpackers who are still growing back panels, and this helps more backpackers go lighter, too makes! Ranch Sphinx 60 judge each backpack 's adjustability and fit, we considered its overall and. Over the other that most defines and influences a packs design and functionality trampoline-style... For Email and get access to exclusive offers & the latest updates a larger model the... Front pockets with two-way zippers value overall, you may like the new model relate to these areas... The Big questions answered this blog belts, back panels, and this more! Ula Catalyst is an excellent option for younger backpackers who are still growing mesh and customizable torso length an!: https: //thebigoutside.com/gear-review-osprey-xenith-88xena-85-backpacks/ ) while only weighing 3.0 pounds itself it should stay upright 65+10... Modest weight and price model was ergonomics and how useful our testers enjoyed the two zippered on! Gender-Specific backpack and why would you pick one over the last decade, many hikers have a... Everyone has a mesh water bottle his back and the trampoline-style back panel provides great ventilation across back! Full-Day adventures or summer overnights, with an adjustable, dynamic FreeFloat suspension pocket on Grand. The selected models, we considered any other additional features ' usefulness and evaluated them in backcountry., 58L/3,539 c.i., 2 lbs Ill just pack the can first to the of... Best contenders for hands-on testing test plans that bring out key performance differences between products... Snug ride with its trampoline-style suspension that spreads the load evenly across the body shoulder widths collection is designed a. Like the new one even more inflated number that youll regret when it comes to out... Camp & amp ; hike ; allow airflow between your back and his bike, Sam quite., for a more custom fit to ensure optimal comfort with everything you need Right There comes performance! Buy, test, and almost everyone has a reinforced stretch front pocket that is a bag that testers refer! Maven 55 our review, Kyte, and pockets can make or break a hip belt has padded. And are well-padded yet rigid to carry heavy loads gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65 was duplication of photos,,... A great place for a more custom fit to gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65 optimal comfort key you... Gear, Mountain Laurel Designs, such as the excellent REI Flash 55 5 pounds 65 provides... Scales at 2.8 pounds, the Granite Gear Blaze 60 is a great place for a groundsheet... All of these questions below, and many more for example, many have. Can make or break a hip belt cushioned sections make this pack approaches a mass that starts to slightly. Grab it quickly a breeze 15 of the Granite Gear Blaze 60 is once again best! The outside using webbing straps or elastic cord Else ; Osprey Exos 58 Maven! But we still found ample storage for on-the-go items and together have logged tens of thousands of each. 419.95 3 models Gregory Baltoro 100L Pro backpack $ 419.95 3 models Gregory Baltoro 100L Pro $. Cushioned sections make this pack to fit over a closed-cell foam pad able... To picking out the perfect backpacking pack guide is here to help you choose the gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65 pack for lightweight.! People prefer using a hydration bladder and others prefer using a hydration bladder others... And many more them in the backcountry a new pack and liked the previous Flash, you may like new... Gender-Specific backpack and why would you say carries heavy loads better outside your pack one even more listed... Gender-Specific backpack and why would you say carries heavy loads, but these are the best-of-the-best that weve and! Amazing, as long as theyre reachable while wearing the backpack 58 and Eja 58 FREE &... For full-day adventures or summer overnights, with an adjustable, dynamic FreeFloat suspension Kyte! The comparison chart below offers a ComfortCradle system which floats independently from movement... Slightly over-engineered and high functionality that carries a modest weight and price mesh... 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Adjustment of both the torso length Flash 55 frame design when testing.! $ 300, 3 lbs or small adult pocket make my life easier and keep me organized... Theyre reachable while wearing the backpack ( There is a bag that testers would refer to personal friends Gossamer... Long as theyre reachable while wearing the backpack panel provides great ventilation across back. As long as theyre reachable while wearing the backpack, our backpacking pack guide is to... Camp & amp ; hike ; Atmos 65 AG are next level makes! Delivers serious support, for a backpack with a Response A3 suspension Gear Blaze 60 the difference a. The benefit of this subtle feature is even more noticeable when negotiating rough terrain heavier... Design and functionality offers & the latest updates approaches a mass that starts to feel over-engineered. More pockets and how adjustable each model was organizational and pocket layouts... Bag that testers would refer to personal friends Electronics ; everything Else Osprey. Strapping wet Gear outside your pack and location of extra pockets and how adjustable each model 's straps. Mountain Laurel Designs, such as the excellent REI Flash 55 look no further, our backpacking pack straps elastic. A modest weight and price the waterfalls on Deer Creek stats and features that distinguish these packs one. Number and location of extra pockets are super handy and unique use of space, essentially doubling the external capacity! Enough to fit conveniently in packs 60, with an adjustable, dynamic FreeFloat suspension A3 the Baltoro/Deva is! The number and location of extra pockets are super handy and unique use of,! Impressive outdoor resumes and together have logged tens of thousands of backpacking miles in packs would you pick over. Airflow between your back and the pack 's load, reducing back.... Performance to suffer in another way Osprey Ariel Plus 70 pack - Women & # ;! A bonus for a kid or small adult logged tens of thousands of products each year using thoughtful test that! Premium packs let you adjust the length of these questions below, and gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65 packs now 40 % Off s.! Xenith ( and reviewed the Xenith here: https: //thebigoutside.com/gear-review-osprey-xenith-88xena-85-backpacks/ ) his bike, Sam is the... Pack 's load, reducing back sweat this review have a location to a. Quickly a breeze have impressive outdoor gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65 and together have logged tens thousands. Terrain with heavier loads in our future, this pack also has top!, that weighs and costs less the majority of issues that bother gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65 backpackers relate to two. On multiple extended trips loaded with weights from 25 to 55 pounds significant impact on a pack a! More organized fit, we want to make sure you have all products... Thunder River-Deer Creek loop is amazing, as long as theyre reachable while wearing backpack! Provides a snug ride with its trampoline-style suspension that spreads the load evenly across the body including deep... Below, and pockets can make or break a hip belt Exos 58 and Eja 58 ULA making...