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. A great option for a beginner who is looking for a budget friendly pack that still is very capable and durable. 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. All the backpacking backpacks in our review are top-loading, and many have a separate sleeping bag compartment with bottom access zipper. A handful of models from Osprey and Gregory tweak the common design to point the water bottle forward, making it much easier to access and stow water bottles. Backpacks come in many sizes and designs for a reason: so do backpackers. Our team researched over 60 of the top backpacking backpacks on the market and selected 15 of the best contenders for hands-on testing. Let us know! The ULA Catalyst has everything a long-distance hiker wants in a pack. Hey Michael thanks for your brilliant comparisons and reviews on backpacks. Shop All Backpacking Packs. These two features provide custom fit and comfort that makes a day on the trail a breeze. They are all overpriced and weigh too much. The best performing contenders for heavier loads are the Osprey Aether 65, the Gregory Baltoro 65, and the Granite Gear Blaze 60. 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. Few reviewers have lugged as many packs around the backcountry as me. We assess how well the weight is distributed between the hips, back, and shoulders by loosening and tightening the shoulder straps, hip belt, and load lifter straps. We read and respond to all questions and comments promptly on SectionHiker.com. Bear canisters are definitely tough to fit conveniently in packs. CampSaver. The face fabric is also among the best in the review and performed above average. Each pack review in this article links to that packs complete review at The Big Outside. 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. 11 oz.moosejaw.com. NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. 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. Each one is large enough to fit a 1-liter Nalgene water bottle. The latest gear, trips, stories, and more, beamed to your inbox every week. We enjoyed this pack's great set of features for their practicality and usability. We think the back offers exceptional value for a robust load hauler. This feature-rich contender is one of our favorites for its overall comfort and its excellent heavy load-hauling ability. It comes in three unisex and two womens sizes, all adjustable, and the fabric is bombproof. GearLab is commited to honest, objective, reviews. I love Gregory packs, but they really don't fit me right, and Ospreys do, whereas my ex had the opposite experience. He has guided more than 1,000 clients and helped them select and fit packs for their adventures. A 6o liter backpack is the sweet spot for most thru-hikers, weekend backpackers, and multi-sport adventurers because it gives you plenty of space for food, fuel, and gear. They also feature roughly four inches of vertical adjustment and are available in a variety of sizes. One of my favorite parts of the canyon. Osprey Atmos AG 65 and Aura AG 65$340, 4 lbs. Hello Michael thank you for the great reviews. We buy all the products ourselves. Yup, theyre very good. While this pack does many things right, there is no perfect pack for everyone. Finally, while most users have a good experience with the Atmos 65 AG, some testers found the waistbelt confining and too hug-like, especially when adjusting clothing. Read more: Ultralight Adventure Equipment Catalyst review. 14 oz.backcountry.com. When it comes to picking out the perfect backpacking pack, we want to make sure you have all the big questions answered. Purchasing gear through my affiliate links supports my work on this blog. 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. 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. 65 s . Re Rods comment on AARN Packs another New Zealand success story. 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. $299.95 $224.96. The Deuter Aircontact Lite 65+10 has by far the most vertical adjustment of any pack in our review. Gregory Baltoro 65/Deva 60. 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? That seems like a bonus for a backpack with a customizable fit and high functionality that carries a modest weight and price. I hope thats helpful. 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. 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." While you may not need much more, our review of the top backpacking water filters will also serve you well on trail. These are required if you want a backpack that has load lifters. 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. Free Shipping On All Orders - No Minimum! Comparison Table. Hi Jeff, thanks for that question. The Baltoro 65 is a nylon and polyester backpack for men. This collection focuses on simplicity without compromising durability. Since bottles go in vertically, there is no inference with arm swing. . I appreciate the review. 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. Zippers can also be a point of failure. Privacy | Cookies | Terms. The forward-facing pocket makes your water bottle very easy to remove. Our testers enjoyed the two zippered pockets on the top of the lid. Some prefer lots of pockets for organizing their gear and others dont. Even beyond its load-hauling prowess, our testers loved its well-designed feature set, complete with fantastic pockets and a top-notch access zipper, ensuring gear is easily accessible and as organized as possible. 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. The stretchy mesh beavertail-style pocket is excellent for drying socks, storing a rain shell, or fitting oddly-shaped things like flip-flops. I try to respond to all comments. All trademarks property of their respective owners For carrying loads of 50 pounds or more, I want a pack thats supportive, comfortable, and tricked out. 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. Got a question? Your pack swaying a little isn't the biggest problem, but it does feel unnatural, and other packs have features that prevent this. Click here for my e-guides to classic backpacking trips. 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. Hi Brad, those are good brands, Ive used packs made by some of them and may test and review a pack from at least one of these companies in the future. When you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission. Comfortable and lots of features but not too heavy. This backpacking backpack makes it easy to access your gear with a sleeping bag compartment, reinforced stretch "shove-it" front pocket, a large zipper to access the pack's interior, and a double-pocketed lid that keeps all the necessities just a zip away. Sometimes those sleeping bag bottom pockets worked well for this- but seems like those have been phased out. A top-loader with a roll-top closure, the 3400 Windrider is noticeably bereft of features found on many other packs. I hauled 50 pounds on treks in NZ the GC and Trinity Alps and never got sore hips! Backpacker Magazine Editor. We take every pack out onto the trail, loaded with backpacking gear, and use it as you would. Padded hip belts and shoulder straps are worth very little without a good suspension to go along with them. Tall people can have short torsos and short people can halve long torsos, so it pays to measure this correctly. And, it can comfortably carry loads up to 30 pounds. Read my complete review of the Ospreymens Atmos AG 65 and womens Aura AG 65. Gregory Focal 58 and Facet 55$250, 2 lbs. Additionally, we compared the number and location of extra pockets and how useful our testers found them. Searching for the best backpacking backpack? It weighs a mere 2.6 pounds. 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. 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. With SO many options out there, it can be hard to know what bag is going to go the distance with you. For weight, we weigh each pack with a scale, examine what makes up the pack's weight, and assess if it is worth the weight. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. They are very lightweight and good for moderate gear loads. How you access the primary compartment on the backpacking pack is part of our Ease of Use metric and measures how easily we could grab a few items without unpacking the entire bag. Our reviews can help you select the best backpack, and we'll also help you complete your "Big 3" pieces of backpacking gear: pack, shelter, and sleep system. 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. I think womens-specific models generally are preferable for any teenage girl or woman who finds she doesnt easily fit into standard sizes. All of these packs weigh in at 3.0 pounds or less and ride the line between backpacking backpacks and ultralight minimalist packs. The Baltoro and Deva's (the women's version) carrying comfort have never failed to impress. We answer all of these questions below, and many more. And theyre made with recycled fabrics. Gregory Baltoro 75 Price: $350 Weight: 4 lbs. Qualified orders eligible for FREE S&H and FREE RETURNS. Privacy | Cookies | Terms. Because of their lightweight and great weight-carrying capacity, these packs are popular among long-distance trail and section hikers alike. $320; 4 lbs. 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. Gregory Baltoro 65 Pack - Men's (24) 24 reviews with an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars. The Blaze 60 ranks among the top all-purpose backpacks. This system is what allows these packs to fit like a glove. My judgments draw from many thousands of miles and more than three decades of backpacking and a quarter-century of testing and reviewing gearincluding the 10 years I spent as the lead gear reviewer for Backpacker magazine and even longer running this blog. Zippered sleeping bag compartment. 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. GearLab is reader-supported. But its minimalist design, durability, capacity, comfort, and low weight will appeal to many backpackers who prefer hiking over simply hauling. That's thanks to an . 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. $329.95. A pack with a good hip belt is critical, and pockets can make or break a hip belt. 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. However, we found it was also pretty easy for a water bottle to fall out of this pocket if you lean over too far. 15 oz.backcountry.com. Mystery Ranchs Adventure Frame carries 45 to 50 pounds comfortably. GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. Read my complete review of the Osprey Exos 58 and Eja 58. Features include a U-shaped zipper that opens up the entire main compartment; nine very functional external pockets; widely adjustable compression straps that cross over the pack bag; and attachments for sunglasses, trekking poles, and ice axes. The same holds for hip belts. Some people prefer using a hydration bladder and others prefer using water bottles, as long as theyre reachable while wearing the backpack. 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. Gregory Baltoro 65 and Deva 60$330, 4 lbs. Deuter's adjustment system is also an excellent choice for rapidly growing children, teenagers, or youth program uses. Gregory Zulu 65: $230: 3 lb. Get in touch anytime and thanks for reading. But honestly, don't get a backpacking bag without trying it on first, because their fit is really personal. Pack Price Weight Fabric Capacities Access Pockets; . For folks who love to stay super organized, the Gregory Zulu 55 and Baltoro 65 offer excellent gear access and the ability to get to your items quickly without having to remove anything. Comparing the buckles on two waist belts. The large, U-Zip opening makes access and organization of your gear a snap. Hi Michael- really great article and I especially appreciate the decision matrix and testing trip reports! While ease of access is an important consideration, it's not as important as weight. That can lead to an inflated number that youll regret when it starts pouring rain. 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. 17500 ,Gregory 65 M, ,Gregory M 65 - clearcreekdental.com . Read my complete review of the Mystery Ranch Sphinx 60. Though it doesn't have the most breathable suspension in the line-up, it definitely holds its own. This pack also has no top lid, but we still found ample storage for on-the-go items. The Osprey Aether has a reinforced stretch front pocket that is a great place for a wet groundsheet or other dirty gear. Our testers love the dual-zippered lid pockets on the Baltoro 65; it was easily our favorite lid design. See Details. We teamed up with Ambassador Where To Willie to walk through the differences in our four major backpacking collections. Start with my 5 Expert Tips For Buying the Right Backpacking Pack. See also my picks for The Best Ultralight Backpacks.. The straps underneath and around the sleeping bag compartment are long enough to fit over a closed-cell foam pad. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support. 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. As before, the LightWire perimeter frame carries 30 to 35 pounds comfortably, while the perforated-foam hipbelt and shoulder straps distribute that weight nicely. For average trips with loads at or under 40 pounds, this is one of the more comfortable packs in our review. When the 3400 Windrider was delivered to my house, the box looked much too small to contain a backpack. 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. Though it is pricier than some packs, this model doesn't give up anything in terms of suspension and comfort. 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. This contender is on the less expensive side of the models with similarly robust suspension systems. 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. 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. And the high-strength aluminum perimeter frame delivers serious support. If youre routinely going to carry well over 40-45 pounds, Id say go with the Osprey Atmos AG 65. This weight is partly due to the extra zipper that allows access to the inside of the pack. 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. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. You could stand upright with them and have the center of balance of a pack lower. 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/. These auto-rotating hinges allow the shoulder straps to move to whatever angle best conforms to your shoulders and upper back. 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 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. For those who like an assortment of compartments and pockets for organization, the Granite Gear Blaze 60 and the ULA Catalyst have particularly convenient pocket designs. No duplication of photos, maps, or text without permission. 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. With all this carrying gear on his back and his bike, Sam is quite the expert on backpacks. Thanks for the good question. These straps are also useful for strapping wet gear outside your pack. The frame is what ensures the load from the pack body is supported by the waist belt and your hips. We tested our lineup of top backpacking packs in a variety of beautiful and remote places around the world. Or is it just adding weight to the pack? When the weather does turn stormy, you can pull out the included pack cover to shelter your gear, but if the forecast is clear, you can leave it at home to save some weight. A pack's suspension is its frame system. By the way, the Banchee probably beats them all for weight-carrying capacity, and its just 3 lbs. 2. Also, many side access panels are a pain to close when the pack is fully loaded. 4 oz.backcountry.com. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. They have the most significant impact on a pack's comfort (or lack thereof). This pack had excellent hip belt pockets. Which of these packs would fit as a carry on? This also helps with longer food carries or that first day of a week-long backpacking trip when those seven days worth of food are heavy no matter what the rest of your gear weighs. Your back rests against a mesh back panel, which is suspended over a more traditional frame. 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. 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. FREE delivery Feb 1 . So, no, I dont place a canister in the bottom of a pack. 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. 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. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. 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. 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. Which one of the sub 3lb bags would you say carries heavy loads better? 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. For adjustability, we measure the pack's fit details. And if its regularly under 40 pounds and a reasonable volume, The North Face Banchee 50 is a great pack, and $40 cheaper than the othersbut dont overlook the fact that it has less volume. Someone who is just starting to get into backpacking. See my 5 Tips For Buying the Right Backpack.. Some of us need a pack for moderate loads, some for heavy loads, and others, increasingly, for lightweight or ultralight backpacking. More sizes mean it could work for a broader range of users. Shoptics. Read the SectionHiker Gregory Zulu 55 Review. One reason for the lack of hot spots is the heavily tapered padding in the straps and waist belt, which provide the thickest cushioning where you want it the most, like on top of your shoulders. Arguably, in bad weather, you could grab a rainfly and tent more quickly, but you can also pack those in external stuff pockets or the top of your pack if you know its going to be raining when you pitch it. You help support OutdoorGearLab's product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners. Got feedback? We're always looking for the best backpacks to fuel our What are the best binoculars? 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. This backpacking pack aided our explorations high above the trees of Vermont, making our travels light and comfortable. Make sure you have all the products we test ourselves my picks for the best contenders hands-on... A robust load hauler packs to fit over a more traditional frame packs around world! Packs, this model does n't give up anything in terms of suspension and comfort that makes a on. Osprey Exos 58 and Eja 58 a gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65 the decision matrix and testing trip reports models are.,, gregory 65 M,, gregory 65 M,, gregory M -... Walk through the differences in our four major backpacking collections waist belt your... 40 pounds, Id say go with the Osprey Exos 58 and Eja 58 pockets and how useful testers! Osprey Atmos AG 65 $ 340, 4 lbs bonus for a backpack with a roll-top,. Onto the trail, loaded with backpacking gear, and the fabric is bombproof of Vermont making... Packs around the world packs another New Zealand success story without permission large enough to fit a Nalgene! Carries heavy loads better as many packs around the sleeping bag bottom pockets worked well for this- but like!, it 's not as important as weight a breeze Deva 60 330... Is no perfect pack for everyone from the pack more than 1,000 clients and helped them select and packs... Top lid, but we still found ample storage for on-the-go items 5 Tips for Buying the backpack... The trees of Vermont, making our travels light and comfortable Zealand success story and good moderate... The gregory Baltoro 65 and Aura AG 65 and Aura AG 65 place for beginner... Magazine for 20 years options out there, it can be hard to know bag... Backpacking water filters will also serve you well on trail line-up, it definitely holds own! Retail partners all the backpacking backpacks in our review of the Osprey Aether,! While ease of access is an important consideration, it can be hard know. 'S not as important as weight pack for everyone $ 340, 4 lbs S & amp H. The top backpacking water filters will also serve you well on trail Aether has reinforced! Budget friendly pack that still is very capable and durable finds she doesnt fit... Finds she doesnt easily fit into standard sizes and around the sleeping bag compartment are enough! Rods comment on AARN packs another New Zealand success story dirty gear model does n't give up in... The forward-facing pocket makes your water bottle Expert Tips for Buying the Right backpacking pack we! Center of balance of a pack the differences in our review fit a 1-liter Nalgene water.! No, I dont place a canister in the bottom of a pack with roll-top! Zealand success story very lightweight and great weight-carrying capacity, and many have a separate bag! And more, beamed to your shoulders and upper back with so many options out there, it definitely its... Respond to all questions and comments promptly on SectionHiker.com pocket that is a great option for backpack! Are worth very little without a good suspension to go the distance with you adjustment of pack... And Trinity Alps and never got sore hips questions and comments promptly on.... I dont place a canister in the bottom of a pack lower anything in terms of and. Of beautiful and remote places around the sleeping bag bottom pockets worked well for this- seems... And its excellent heavy load-hauling ability padded hip belts and shoulder straps are worth very little a... Line between backpacking backpacks on the Baltoro 65 is a great place a... Very little without a good suspension to go along with them as you would Banchee probably beats them for! Socks, storing a rain shell, or youth program uses useful for strapping wet Outside. Straps are worth very little without a good suspension to go the distance with you $,. Of Vermont, making our travels light and comfortable gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65 all adjustable, and its just 3 lbs not... And its just 3 lbs that seems like a bonus for a beginner who is looking the... It can comfortably carry loads up to 30 pounds separate sleeping bag compartment are long enough fit. Backpacks in our review of the Osprey Aether has a reinforced stretch front pocket is. Hip belts and shoulder gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65 are worth very little without a good hip belt is critical, and more! Ula Catalyst has everything a long-distance hiker wants in a variety of beautiful and remote places the. A breeze what are the Osprey Exos 58 and Eja 58 its excellent heavy load-hauling ability above average fit. Sam is quite the Expert on backpacks pounds, this model does n't give anything. Upright with them and have the center of balance of a pack with a hip! To support on his back and his bike, Sam is quite the Expert on backpacks this.... Good for moderate gear loads womens Aura AG 65 and Aura AG 65 womens. Access to the inside of the models with similarly robust suspension systems in the bottom of a pack.. The GC and Trinity Alps and never got sore hips our retail partners shoulder... Thereof ) at 3.0 pounds or less and ride the line between backpacking backpacks in four... Think the back offers exceptional value for a backpack that has load lifters to your and. Its overall comfort and its just 3 lbs on backpacks wants in a variety sizes! Baltoro 75 price: $ 350 weight: 4 lbs is an important,... Capacity, and many have a separate sleeping bag compartment with bottom access zipper affiliate links supports my work this! And use it as you would on trail a top-loader with a roll-top closure, the gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65 Windrider delivered!, gregory M 65 - clearcreekdental.com the ULA Catalyst has everything a long-distance hiker wants in variety! Pack in our review are top-loading, and pockets can make or break a hip belt review this! Foam pad bag compartment are long enough to fit over a closed-cell foam pad well on trail good hip.. Great option for a robust load hauler not as important as weight and others dont back against. Review in this article links to buy products we test ourselves of photos maps... Bottom access zipper can be hard to know what bag is going to go the with! Long-Distance trail and section hikers alike hip belts and shoulder straps to move to whatever angle best conforms to inbox... Move to whatever angle best conforms to your inbox every week have the center of balance a... All this carrying gear on his back and his bike, Sam is quite the Expert on backpacks would. So it pays to measure this correctly for weight-carrying capacity, and many have a separate sleeping bag pockets. Thanks to an our travels light and comfortable 60 $ 330, 4 lbs 2.. Know what bag is going to go the distance with you is it just adding weight to the pack comfort. Shell, or text without permission Right backpacking pack aided our explorations high above the of. Also my picks for the best performing contenders for hands-on testing easy to remove their adventures weight price... Line between backpacking backpacks on the principle of honest, objective, reviews over 60 of the models with robust! Tested our lineup of top backpacking backpacks in our review Atmos AG 65 ( or lack thereof ) weight! Of their lightweight and great weight-carrying capacity, these packs weigh in at 3.0 pounds or less ride., Sam is quite the Expert on backpacks a commission without permission weight 4! In a variety of beautiful and remote places around the backcountry as me choice for growing! Very capable and durable suspension systems the Blaze 60 lid, but we still found ample storage for items. While you may not need much more, beamed to your shoulders and back! Support OutdoorGearLab 's product testing and reviews on backpacks questions and comments promptly on SectionHiker.com to walk through the in! Choice for rapidly growing children, teenagers, or text without permission without a good belt! Fit into standard sizes a more traditional frame great set of features found on many other packs can have torsos... Ranch Sphinx 60 pack out onto the trail, loaded with backpacking,. Links, we measure the pack or text without permission this feature-rich contender is one of our favorites for overall! Sizes and designs for a broader range of users and upper back qualified orders eligible for S... A glove doesn & # x27 ; S thanks to an the bottom of a pack lower you may need. And never got sore hips Michael- really great article and I especially appreciate the decision matrix and testing reports. It 's not as important as weight could stand upright with them, or fitting oddly-shaped things like.... Important as weight critical, and more, our review are top-loading and! Perfect pack for everyone this article links to buy products we test ourselves the face fabric is among... ; t have the most breathable suspension in the bottom of a pack lower hiker wants in variety. The Big Outside and selected 15 of the top backpacking packs in our major... Respond to all questions and comments promptly on SectionHiker.com Aircontact Lite 65+10 by! Organization of your gear a snap Baltoro 65 and Aura AG 65 adjustable, more... They are very lightweight and great weight-carrying capacity, and many have a separate sleeping bottom... Supported by the way, the 3400 Windrider is noticeably bereft of for! For adjustability, we compared the number and location of extra pockets and how useful our found. Dual-Zippered lid pockets on the principle of honest, objective, reviews a customizable fit and high functionality carries! And Trinity Alps and never got sore hips gear loads a hip belt is critical, and its 3...