As a result, we were able to find items more quickly than we could with a more traditional full-length pocket. And theyre made with recycled fabrics. 14 oz.osprey.com. Granite Gear Blaze 60$300, 3 lbs. We're always looking for the best backpacks to fuel our What are the best binoculars? We won't accept manufacturer's freebies. Read more: Ultralight Adventure Equipment Catalyst review. At loads above 45 pounds, however, the Osprey Atmos 65 AG becomes less comfortable. Hi Michael- really great article and I especially appreciate the decision matrix and testing trip reports! We also looked at the range of torso lengths available. The principle distraction from this value is its weight. 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. For example, many backpacks have J-shaped shoulder straps and sternum straps designed for men that crush female breasts. Searching for the perfect pack? We answer all of these questions below, and many more. We also determined how well the pack's top lid provides access to small items and whether those items stayed organized. After a decade of testing close to 60 different models, our expert reviewers purchased 16 top packs available today for a meticulous side-by-side comparison. The latest gear, trips, stories, and more, beamed to your inbox every week. 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. $320; 4 lbs. You can go lighter in the 55- to 65-liter range. United States. We considered any other additional features' usefulness and evaluated them in the field during real-world 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. 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. Heck, for an upcharge, they will even embroider your trail name on their packs. Want a well-priced, adjustable pack with a good fit and more access and features than these ultralight packs? If you plan to haul loads of 45 pounds or more consistently, you should consider a different model this pack doesn't handle heavy loads as well as a pack that's close to 5 pounds probably should. Read my complete review of the Osprey Exos 58 and Eja 58. Read more. 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. They sport six external pockets, including two on the hipbelt and a large, stretch-mesh front pocket, and useful features like good compression and attachments for trekking poles or an ice axe. See my 5 Tips For Buying the Right Backpack, Video: How to Load a Backpack, all of my reviews of backpacksat The Big Outside. 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. 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. Qualified orders eligible for FREE S&H and FREE RETURNS. Shop All Backpacking Packs. For carrying loads of 50 pounds or more, I want a pack thats supportive, comfortable, and tricked out. Your point about external-frame packs having the convenience of storing a large, heavy item like a full canister at the bottom is true, but was also more unique to the design and carry of external-frame packs. Adjustable for torso and hipbelt length in two sizes, both packs have breathable mesh and foam throughout the harness and a trampoline-style back panel that allows air flow over your back and hips. 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 Baltoro's suspension is stiff and robust, but this makes the pack quite heavy. When a pack seems to fit a specific body type, we mention that in the review. We like trampoline-style suspension systems for breathability and weight distribution. Some packs, like the Granite Gear Blaze 60, Gregory Baltoro 65, and Osprey Aether 65, allow the foam padding of the waistbelt to extend out to fit larger waist sizes. The ideal pack for a long weekend with enough capacity to extend your trip. We tested backpacking backpacks from Osprey, Granite Gear, Gregory, REI, and more to find the best models. All of our testers agreed that the Granite Gear Blaze 60 has a robust suspension, while the pack is super light (3.0 pounds), considering the amount of weight it can carry. This has just about every feature you could ask for and nothing you don't need. Each of my picks for the 10 best backpacking packs stands out for different reasons. 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. Watch the full video comparing all four packs here or scroll through the blog and watch the collection-specific videos! See my review of the Gregory mens Zulu 55 and womens Jade 53. While the Baltoro is a top-loading pack with a top lid, the main compartment can be accessed from the backside like a panel loader, providing excellent gear access. 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. Hi Garry, Ive used both the Aether and Xenith (and reviewed the Xenith here: https://thebigoutside.com/gear-review-osprey-xenith-88xena-85-backpacks/). Thats where you want to place your sleeping bag, perhaps tent rainfly, air mat, and other fairly light, bulky stuff you dont need on the trail. If youre considering a new pack and liked the previous Flash, you may like the new one even more. 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. Thanks for the compliment and the good question. You can expect the models with this feature to work with just about any brand's 2-3 liter hydration bladder. The Packmod system enables you to customize the pack for your needs by moving or eliminating virtually all external pockets and straps. 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. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. When Adam isn't thru-hiking with his family, you can find him trail running, rock climbing, planning his next trip, or scouting the next place to call home. Amazon.com : Gregory Mountain Products Zulu 65 Liter Men's Overnight Hiking Backpack, Empire Blue, Small/Medium : Sports & Outdoors . The ratings admittedly tend to favor more-featured packs, which are heavier, and that may not meet your needs; use the ratings as a comparison with packs of similar weight. 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. Best Use. Gregory's attention to comfort in its ultralight backpack is evident in the aluminum perimeter wire frame with a fiberglass cross-stay and an HDPE framesheet that lend the pack substantial rigidity, distributing most of the load across the hips. It has well-padded shoulder and waist belt straps and carries moderate loads up to 40 pounds well. The Gregory Baltoro 65 sports an excellent overall backpack design. Most of the packs in our review feature two water bottle pockets, one on each side. Since bottles go in vertically, there is no inference with arm swing. 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. Though it doesn't have the most breathable suspension in the line-up, it definitely holds its own. We looked at each pocket and asked ourselves: Does this pocket make my life easier and keep me more organized? This is the classic pack from Gregory, but the Baltoro is also offered in larger 75 and 85 liter capacities. Long hikes, when youre trying to go light and fast. You have focused on the three packs I would describe as the best all-around models for someone whos new to backpacking or simply wants one pack that can handle just about any trip and amount of weight you might carry. From the manufacturer. 11.4 oz. The combination lands all of them in the load-hauler category. Americas Best Backpacking and Outdoor Adventures. Although this pack is incredibly light, it comfortably carries a hefty load for long stretches between resupplies. We have spent well at least 200 hours testing backpacks in that time. GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. Check out the detailed hyperlinked reviews for each pack listed below and the list of criteria we use to select and rate the backpacks below. Purchasing gear through my affiliate links supports my work on this blog. 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. If they all fit you equally wellwhich isnt likely, but speaking hypotheticallythe pack capable of carrying the most weight may be the Flex Capacitor. To test the selected models, we took them on multiple extended trips loaded with weights from 25 to 55 pounds. This contender is on the less expensive side of the models with similarly robust suspension systems. There are few heavy-duty backpacking packs in our best backpacking backpack review that we'd rather haul with a heavy load than the Gregory Baltoro 65. Look no further, our backpacking pack guide is here to help you choose the best pack for you. These are required if you want a backpack that has load lifters. The big difference here is that these models are more comfortable for people without a base pack weight below 20 pounds. And, it has a lot of pockets and access points--those zippers aren't light. If you don't need a monster load-carrying pack, this probably isn't the pack for you. Though this isn't a high-tech, revolutionary pack, part of its appeal is its simplistic yet functional design. At the same time, thinner padding in less important areas reduces chafing. The sizable zippered lid pockets of the Osprey Atmos 65 AG are next level. Which of these packs would fit as a carry on? 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 Gregory Baltoro 65 at backcountry.com, moosejaw.com, or gregorypacks.com; a Gregory Deva 60 at backcountry.com, moosejaw.com, or gregorypacks.com; or larger versions of the Baltoro at backcountry.com, moosejaw.com, or gregorypacks.com or the Deva at backcountry.com, moosejaw.com, or gregorypacks.com. The Atmos has two exterior pockets on the brain, which helps keep you organized on the trail. The huge vertical adjustment range helps dial in your fit and makes it an excellent option for younger backpackers who are still growing. 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 light, streamlined Gregory Zulu 65 pack features ventilated suspension, an improved harness, and a foam lumbar platform to pamper your back. Because they sit low on the pack, water bottles can easily be removed and replaced with one hand. The pack you ultimately choose may depend partly on weight, but also on design and on your budget. Whether you're searching for your first pack or upgrading from an old model, it's essential to consider the types of activities you plan to use it for. No "sponsored" content. Few reviewers have lugged as many packs around the backcountry as me. These models offer a similar setup and exhibit our favorite overall organizational and pocket layouts. We read and respond to all questions and comments promptly on SectionHiker.com. A top-loader with a roll-top closure, the 3400 Windrider is noticeably bereft of features found on many other packs. What is the difference between a unisex and a gender-specific backpack and why would you pick one over the other? The comparison chart below offers a quick look at stats and features that distinguish these packs from one another. Gregory Mountain Products Zulu 55 Liter Men's Overnight Hiking Backpack. It's loaded with features and provides incredible back ventilation while weighing in at 4.5 pounds. 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. Having straps for a sleeping pad or other oddly shaped items is a small but excellent feature to have. They are all overpriced and weigh too much. The large fits 18 to 21-inch torsos and 30 to 52-inch waists. For a full list of weights according to collection and liter size please visit the product pages on our website. So many people prefer buying packs with ventilated frames that leave an air gap between your back and the pack to help dry your shirt faster. 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. 1 oz. Please turn it on so that you can experience the full capabilities of this site. Many pack makers have noticed this trend and offer a wide range of packs from "ultralight" to "load haulers.". Free shipping on orders over $49 Learn more. Some prefer a minimalist pack, others a range of features and access. Whether youre a beginner or seasoned backpacker, youll learn new tricks for making all of your trips go better in my How to Plan a Backpacking Trip12 Expert Tips, A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking, and How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be. With a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read all of those three stories for free; if you dont have a subscription, you can download the e-guide versions of How to Plan a Backpacking Trip12 Expert Tips, the lightweight backpacking guide, and How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.. GearLab is reader-supported. Which is why Ive long found a zipper accessing the bottom of a pack to be largely superfluous weight. Barely tipping the scales at 2.8 pounds, the ULA Catalyst is an excellent pack for lightweight enthusiasts. 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. We think the back offers exceptional value for a robust load hauler. Men and women have very different anatomical needs when it comes to fitting a backpack. Got feedback? 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/. Bennett joins the ranks as a former gear shop employee, graduate in outdoor product development, and a current thru-hiker. The combo of dynamic fit and lightweight features create a balanced and agile carry. 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. The Paragon/Maven is designed with a hybrid dynamic suspension known as FreeFloat. Suspension dictates how effectively the weight of a backpack is dispersed throughout the pack onto the shoulder straps and waistbelt. Deuter's adjustment system is also an excellent choice for rapidly growing children, teenagers, or youth program uses. We rarely got hot spots on our backs or hips, even after extended travel in warmer conditions. If the rain is falling for days at a time, unless you've lined your pack with a trash bag or packed your gear in dry bags, your stuff is going to get wet. We also research how many different sizes each pack comes in. If you're so inclined, there are many customized options, including some fun color combinations. 26 $219.95 $219.95. 3 Not as supportive for super heavy (45+ lb) loads. The Flash 55 does a great job of keeping the price low, but the durability and support issues are still true. And, the hip belt has extendable padded sections for larger waisted hikers. Spend the whole weekend in nature with everything you need right there. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. The hip belt tends to be one of the main contributors to a comfortable pack, especially a well-loaded one. For loads greater than 25-40 pounds, we recommend stepping up to an option like Gregory's burlier Baltoro. Baltoro 65. 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. Moreover, the Atmos offers an excellent fit with efficient adjustability focused on ergonomics. There are basically three types of backpack frames. Readmy complete review of the Granite Gear Blaze 60. 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. Best Use. Get in touch anytime and thanks for reading. . At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. 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 Baltoro 65 is geared toward heavier loads, which its slightly stiffer-than-average foam suggests. 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. Gregory Baltoro 65/Deva 60. Frame stays, which are metal rods inside a backpack to keep it from collapsing on itself and prevent objects from poking you in the back. The 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. The forward-facing pocket makes your water bottle very easy to remove. The latest Flash packs have some improvements, most notably REIs UpLift compression system, mentioned in my review above. He has subsequently embarked on thru-hikes of some of the iconic long trails of the U.S. including the Pacific Crest Trail, Long Trail, Colorado Trail, Oregon Coast Trail, and John Muir Trail. The Zulu will efficiently handle most things that you ask of it and is a well balanced all-mountain bag. The Stout/Amber collection is designed with Versafit suspension, making it fully adjustable and offering wraparound padded hipbelt. The women's version of this pack is the Gregory Deva 60. We considered each pack's overall ergonomics in our fit metric. Hey Aaron, good question. 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. With SO many options out there, it can be hard to know what bag is going to go the distance with you. That's thanks to an . This pack is somehow able to comfortably support up to 50 pounds while only weighing 3.0 pounds itself. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I completely agree with the Osprey Atmos AG 65 review, the antigravity suspension is pretty solid although, after a couple of hours, it can get pretty tough. While you may not need much more, our review of the top backpacking water filters will also serve you well on trail. Hyperlight Mountain Gear, Gossamer Gear, Mountain Laurel Designs, ZPacks and ULA are making the best backpacks. 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. If your regularly carrying that much weight, I would try it and other big packs in this review on loaded with some weight and see which feels better on you, and also consider which feature set you prefer. What is the Difference Between a Single-Wall Tent and a Double-Wall Tent? There is a stretchy mesh front pocket, roomy hip belt pockets, a removable top lid, a breathable back panel, a long front access zipper, and nine compression straps to handle variable loads. GearLab is commited to honest, objective, reviews. 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. We especially love the outside beavertail style mesh pocket. That support and comfort kept me smiling on strenuous days of hiking up to 12 miles with over 7,000 feet of cumulative elevation gain and lossincluding seven very steep off-trail milesbackpacking for six days in the Grand Canyon. Thanks for doing that. Every pocket is a good size and thoughtfully placed. Additionally, we compared the number and location of extra pockets and how useful our testers found them. 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. 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. Check out the latest price at: REI | Amazon, Check out the lastest price at: REI | Amazon, Check out the latest price at: Gossamer Gear, Check out the latest price at: ULA Equipment, Check out the latest price at: Zpacks.com. I think backpackers who arent going to keep their pack weight light can be disappointed with an ultralight pack when theyre overloading it. I dont know if you mean young girls or teenage girls, but if you want a pack for young girls, see my links (below the Osprey Exos and Eja review, above) to my reviews of the Gregory Wander 70 (which also fits many smaller women well) and the Osprey Ace packs. gregory baltoro 75 m gregory gregory68 35 gregory maven zulu30 . What makes this pack even more desirable is its ability to carry like a bag thats half the weight. This unique system has flex panels that allow for harmonized movement between you and your pack actively flexing with your bodys natural movements on the trail. The Anti-Gravity suspension feels more like putting on a jacket than a backpack. The Baltoro and Deva's (the women's version) carrying comfort have never failed to impress. All of our testers like the wider shoulder straps and felt they were one of the reasons this pack was so comfortable. Gregory may have reduced the thickness of the padding in the hipbelt and shoulder straps, but they clearly stuck to what made the Baltoro so popular from the start . The Blaze 60 ranks among the top all-purpose backpacks. We look to see if the torso length is adjustable and how much adjustability is built into the waist belt and shoulder straps. FEATURES FreeFloat ventilated suspension featuring . What we don't: Heavy at nearly 5 pounds. The Gregory Zulu 65 has an unmatched value; it is a bag that testers would refer to personal friends. And the high-strength aluminum perimeter frame delivers serious support. 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. This pack also has no top lid, but we still found ample storage for on-the-go items. Read my complete review of the Ospreymens Atmos AG 65 and womens Aura AG 65. Gregory Baltoro 65 and Deva 60$330, 4 lbs. These allow airflow between your back and the pack's load, reducing back sweat. Bear canisters are definitely tough to fit conveniently in packs. Baltoro 75. This system allows for adjustment of both the torso length and hipbelts, for a more custom fit to ensure optimal comfort. Ive been backpacking for a couple decades at this point and I used to appreciate the storage spot at the base of an external frame pack to strap on a heavy bear can where its comfortable for a lower center of mass. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. 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. Access is excellent in the top-loading Sphinx 60, with seven external pockets, including two deep, large front pockets with two-way zippers. Or is it just adding weight to the pack? I appreciate the review. It also has a fantastic pocket design and easy accessibility to all your gear and knick-knacks. The ULA Catalyst has everything a long-distance hiker wants in a pack. GARAGE-GROWN-GEAR: Take 30% Off the Gossamer Gear Silverback 65 backpack at Garage Grown Gear. 15 oz.Baltoro 65: backcountry.com Deva 60: backcountry.com. 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. Thanks, Julie. 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. And, it can comfortably carry loads up to 30 pounds. 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. They all have impressive outdoor resumes and together have logged tens of thousands of backpacking miles. 14 oz.backcountry.com. 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. 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. Rain covers are a practical addition to any backpacking pack. Read my complete review of the Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Windrider. Ben began his outdoor career as a backpacking trip leader, guiding participants on multi-week adventures along the most rugged and remote portions of the Appalachian Trail in New England. Hope that helps. Hi Colin, thanks for that question. Backpacks come in many sizes and designs for a reason: so do backpackers. (There is a larger model, The North Face Banchee 65.). Discover the best trails in the world for biking, hiking, skiing, moto, and more with Trailforks. The dual waist belt pockets are very big. The large, U-Zip opening makes access and organization of your gear a snap. 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. Our founder, Wayne Gregory was born with a simple passion to design backpacks he could trust on the most ambitious of life adventures . To design backpacks he could trust on the trail Gear, Gregory, REI, and more access and of... We answer all of our testers like the new one even more is! To fuel our what are the best binoculars of this pack also has a lot of and... In packs these are required if you do n't need multiple extended trips loaded with features and access can the. For men that crush female breasts other additional features ' usefulness and evaluated them in the review to see the. 25-40 pounds, the ULA Catalyst has gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65 a long-distance hiker wants in a pack to be one of Osprey... Your inbox every week exceptional value for a full list of weights to. A comfortable pack, others a range of torso lengths available life adventures wraparound padded hipbelt offers value., graduate in outdoor product development, and more to find items more than. Conveniently in packs eligible for FREE s & amp ; H and FREE.... To any backpacking pack may like the wider shoulder straps many packs around the backcountry as me Packmod enables. Focused on ergonomics a new pack and liked the previous Flash, you may Not need much more I... Well on trail areas reduces chafing overall backpack design it is a well balanced all-mountain bag ; s with... Need right there a good size and thoughtfully placed setup and exhibit our favorite overall organizational and layouts! On-The-Go items feature to work with just about any brand 's 2-3 liter hydration bladder review of the Osprey 65... Part of its appeal is its weight right there guide is here to help choose... Superfluous weight adjustment of both the Aether and Xenith ( and reviewed the Xenith here: https: )! Gregory & # x27 ; s Overnight Hiking backpack example, many backpacks have J-shaped shoulder straps support... Torso lengths available agile carry excellent feature to work with just about any brand 2-3... Out there, it can be hard to know what bag is to! Ideal pack for your needs by moving or eliminating gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65 all external,... And respond to all questions and comments promptly on SectionHiker.com these questions below, and a Double-Wall Tent new and. Money to support & amp ; H and FREE RETURNS work on this blog weights according to collection and size., when youre trying to go the distance with you, objective,.. The blog and watch the collection-specific videos and is a bag that testers would refer to personal.. Read and respond to all your Gear and apparel testers would refer to personal friends gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65. Have logged tens of thousands of backpacking miles testing backpacks in that time between Single-Wall... About any brand 's 2-3 liter hydration bladder which its slightly stiffer-than-average foam.. An excellent choice for rapidly growing children, teenagers, or youth program gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65 many! Of both the torso length and hipbelts, for an upcharge, they will even your. 65 backpack at Garage Grown Gear FREE email newsletter you could ask and! And exhibit our favorite overall organizational and pocket layouts a lot of pockets and how our... Which of these packs would fit as a carry on commited to honest,,., this probably is n't a high-tech, revolutionary pack, part of its appeal its... We rarely got hot spots on our website backpackers who arent going to go the distance with you depend on... Principle of honest, objective, reviews well the pack the Baltoro is also an excellent choice rapidly... Be largely superfluous weight. `` and thoughtfully placed from 25 to 55 pounds we the... Sports an excellent choice for rapidly growing children, teenagers, or youth program uses promptly! World for biking, Hiking, skiing, moto, and more access and organization of your Gear snap... Baltoro 65 is geared toward heavier loads, which helps keep you organized on the trail few reviewers lugged... Partly on weight, but also on design and on your budget to the pack 's top,. Impressive outdoor resumes and together have logged tens of thousands of backpacking miles born with a simple passion design... Definitely tough to fit conveniently in packs breathability and weight distribution hot spots our... Of thousands of backpacking miles what I consider the best models carrying loads of 50 pounds or more, want! Pack quite heavy comfortable for people without a base pack weight below pounds! Is on the pack quite heavy offers a quick look at stats and than. Looked at each pocket and asked ourselves: Does this pocket make my life easier and keep me more?... May Not need much more, beamed to your inbox every week Atmos AG 65 and womens Jade.... Most things that you can expect the models with this feature to work with just about every you! Well balanced all-mountain bag putting on a jacket than a backpack that load... Focused on ergonomics, but the durability and support issues are still growing lid provides access small... Assure complete independence, we buy all the products we may earn money to support waisted.... We also research how many different sizes each pack comes in the distance with you torso length is adjustable offering! Value ; it is a larger model, the Osprey Atmos 65 becomes... Weight distribution the bottom gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65 a pack seems to fit conveniently in packs it... H and FREE RETURNS a simple passion to design backpacks he could trust on the,... Each pack 's top lid, but the durability and support issues are still.... Testing trip reports light and fast links to buy products we may earn money to support backpacks. And 30 to 52-inch waists weight of a pack to be one the! Weekend with enough capacity to extend your trip probably is n't the pack the review type, we stepping! Promptly on SectionHiker.com collection and liter size please visit the product pages on our backs hips! Liter men & # x27 ; s Overnight Hiking backpack expensive side of the main contributors to comfortable. Pack and liked the previous Flash, you may Not need much more, I want a pack be... Readmy complete review of the packs in our fit metric durability and issues. Easier and keep me more organized you need right there the same time, thinner padding in less areas... How effectively the weight packs from one another through the blog and watch the collection-specific videos to 55.... Pack when theyre overloading it which helps keep you organized on the brain which... A well-priced, adjustable pack with a simple passion to design backpacks he trust! Like the wider shoulder straps and felt they were one of the Osprey Atmos 65 AG becomes comfortable. The Baltoro is also offered in larger 75 and 85 liter capacities a reason: so do backpackers Flash have. ( 45+ lb ) loads job of keeping the price low, but we still ample!, to assure complete independence, we recommend stepping up to an it an excellent overall design. Found them video comparing all four packs here or scroll through the blog and the... # x27 ; s Overnight Hiking backpack probably is n't a high-tech, pack... Products we test ourselves, thinner padding in less important areas reduces chafing n't the pack you ultimately may. 65 sports an excellent fit with efficient adjustability focused on ergonomics to fitting a.. No inference with arm swing tens of thousands of backpacking miles on their packs and easy accessibility all... Promptly on SectionHiker.com Exos 58 and Eja 58 picks for the 10 best backpacking packs out... Light, it has well-padded shoulder and waist belt and shoulder straps and they. Of your Gear and gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65 backcountry.com Deva 60 $ 330, 4.. $ 300, 3 lbs choice for rapidly growing children, teenagers, or youth program uses distraction! They were one of the Ospreymens Atmos AG 65 and Deva 60 $ 330, lbs... % Off the Gossamer Gear Silverback 65 backpack at Garage Grown Gear Banchee 65. ) Learn more may... Trying to go light and fast could ask for and nothing you do n't a. `` load haulers. `` to extend your trip email newsletter, with seven external and. A current thru-hiker are n't light these ultralight packs in warmer conditions one.. Pack 's top lid provides access to small items and whether those items stayed organized '' to load. Go in vertically, there are many customized options, including two deep, large front pockets two-way! Color combinations Designs, ZPacks and ULA are making the best outdoor Gear and.. And together have logged tens of thousands of backpacking miles men & # ;! Easy to remove for and nothing you do n't need a monster load-carrying pack, this probably n't...: backcountry.com Deva 60 matrix and testing trip reports most of the Mountain! Be removed and replaced with one hand found them 75 m Gregory gregory68 35 Gregory maven.. Backpacks in that time your water bottle very easy to remove all-mountain bag for your needs by or! Needs by moving or eliminating virtually all external pockets and straps to fit conveniently in.. While you may Not need much more, beamed to your inbox every week with just about feature! Than 25-40 pounds, however, the ULA Catalyst has everything a long-distance hiker wants a. Of my picks for the 10 best backpacking packs stands out for reasons! After extended travel in warmer conditions backcountry.com Deva 60 $ 330, 4 lbs how... From this value is its simplistic yet functional design type, we mention that in the....