The sizable zippered lid pockets of the Osprey Atmos 65 AG are next level. We took 16 different models Ready to go backpacking? Or is it just adding weight to 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. Tall people can have short torsos and short people can halve long torsos, so it pays to measure this correctly. Padded hip belts and shoulder straps are worth very little without a good suspension to go along with them. It weighs a mere 2.6 pounds. That way I dont have to dig out and open that canister every time I want food, especially if its lying flat. Up to 60% Off. Read my complete review of the Mystery Ranch Sphinx 60. A cloth tape measure is the best thing to use for measuring both of these numbers. We especially love the outside beavertail style mesh pocket. 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. Which one of the sub 3lb bags would you say carries heavy loads better? This contender is on the less expensive side of the models with similarly robust suspension systems. While ease of access is an important consideration, it's not as important as weight. 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. Sam is a backpacker, trail runner, and mountain biker based in Colorado. 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. These packs use high-quality foam that strikes a perfect balance between support and comfort. The principle distraction from this value is its weight. The Mystery Ranch Sphinx also has an excellent wide-mouth top lid opening. 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. This model also sports wider shoulder straps than most packs. There are two "extra" side pockets between the water bottle and front stretch pockets. There are multiple compression straps to keep the weight close to your body. Some backpack manufacturers make shoulder pads and hip belts that are gender-specific and address these differences. Over the last decade, many hikers have made a concerted effort to carry less weight than their predecessors. We won't accept manufacturer's freebies. Anything from overnighters to longer hikes. The large, U-Zip opening makes access and organization of your gear a snap. 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 . As before, the LightWire perimeter frame carries 30 to 35 pounds comfortably, while the perforated-foam hipbelt and shoulder straps distribute that weight nicely. The latest Flash packs have some improvements, most notably REIs UpLift compression system, mentioned in my review above. Shop All Backpacking Packs. For average trips with loads at or under 40 pounds, this is one of the more comfortable packs in our review. Hip size is not the same as waist size or pant size and should also be measured separately. In every respect, the mens Baltoro and womens Deva packs have long filled the big-pack role extremely well, and trips in Idahos Sawtooth Mountains and on the Teton Crest Trail demonstrated that the latest versions of these two packs are only better. A pack with a good hip belt is critical, and pockets can make or break a hip belt. I hauled 50 pounds on treks in NZ the GC and Trinity Alps and never got sore hips! Backpacker Magazine Editor. Small buckles are hard to operate with gloves. These are well-designed, comfortable packs for ultralighters who want some organizational features of traditional backpacks. The plush, tapered, breathable foam shoulder straps are dreamy. 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. This pack also has no top lid, but we still found ample storage for on-the-go items. If the canister is standing up in my pack, its easier to access anything inside it. The one you choose will be dictated by the amount of weight you need to carry. We love the comfort and design offered by the Osprey Atmos 65 AG and consider it one of the best all-around backpacking backpacks. I appreciate the review. . We considered each pack's overall ergonomics in our fit metric. These lighter packs are excellent options for folks who want to go super light but still need a comfortable and supportive pack with a frame and more robust padding for trips when you need to carry more weight. Few reviewers have lugged as many packs around the backcountry as me. 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. Hyperlight Mountain Gear, Gossamer Gear, Mountain Laurel Designs, ZPacks and ULA are making the best backpacks. FEATURES FreeFloat ventilated suspension featuring . 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. 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. Although this pack is incredibly light, it comfortably carries a hefty load for long stretches between resupplies. By the way, for a day on the trail, I do carry food I intend to eat during the day elsewhere in my pack and stuff my canister only with food I dont need until dinnertime or later, and fill in any unfilled space in the canister with cooking gear or clothing I wont need during the day. Some are light and relatively soft, while others swivel and are well-padded yet rigid to carry heavy loads. This pack weighs around 5 pounds. We enjoyed this pack's great set of features for their practicality and usability. 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. We answer all of these questions below, and many more. The Gregory Baltoro 65 and the Osprey Atmos 65 AG also have a respectable amount of adjustment. You help support OutdoorGearLab's product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners. When you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission. Our lead tester going fast and light in Vermont. For carrying loads of 50 pounds or more, I want a pack thats supportive, comfortable, and tricked out. Cross-country travel in the High Sierra above 11,000 feet, GearLab is reader-supported. Most women prefer an S-shaped shoulder strap that curves around their chest and is more comfortable. (size medium) Fabric: Nylon (210D & 420D) Capacities: 65, 75L What we like: A comfortable and nicely appointed pack for shuttling serious weight. 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. Comparing the buckles on two waist belts. However, when it comes to massive loads, not many trampoline-style harnesses can handle 45+ pounds. When the 3400 Windrider was delivered to my house, the box looked much too small to contain a backpack. The big difference here is that these models are more comfortable for people without a base pack weight below 20 pounds. Osprey Atmos AG 65 and Aura AG 65$340, 4 lbs. If this is a feature that doesn't fit your backpacking style, you'd be better off choosing a different pack to save some weight. We read and respond to all questions and comments promptly on SectionHiker.com. One of my favorite parts of the canyon. The Anti-Gravity suspension feels more like putting on a jacket than a backpack. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. We considered how supportive each backpack is, how well it conforms to different body shapes, and hows comfortable it is. As pack volume increases, access takes on greater importance. 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? Measure the circumference of your body over your hip bones, where a hip belt should rest. A top-loader with a roll-top closure, the 3400 Windrider is noticeably bereft of features found on many other packs. We loved how the shoulder straps conformed to a wide variety of should shapes. The dual waist belt pockets are very big. Additionally, we compared the number and location of extra pockets and how useful our testers found them. Lighter Weight but Still a Heavy Hauler. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support. While this rigid padding is marginally less cushy, it's what you need when you're lugging a heavy load because it won't compress. Rigid perimeter frames that are internal (hidden) or external and can hold the most weight. 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. The ULA Catalyst has everything a long-distance hiker wants in a pack. If you are looking for a backpack that offers a good balance between features, weight, suspension, and price, this is the pack for you. BUY IT NOWYou can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase the mens or womens The North Face Banchee 50 or Banchee 65 at backcountry.com ormoosejaw.com, or The North Face mens or womens Griffin 65 or Griffin 75 at backcountry.com ormoosejaw.com. 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. 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. My big HMG pack can handle the weight that these packs do, and weighs less and feels better. Best Use. Having straps for a sleeping pad or other oddly shaped items is a small but excellent feature to have. I recently purchased an AARN pack and found it excellent, was wondering where your thoughts lay with this brand of backpack, Hi Joe, Ive seen AARN packs but havent had the opportunity to try one out yet. The waist belt and shoulder straps are crucial factors to consider when picking a backpack. Our team researched over 60 of the top backpacking backpacks on the market and selected 15 of the best contenders for hands-on testing. Some of us need a pack for moderate loads, some for heavy loads, and others, increasingly, for lightweight or ultralight backpacking. Trail access water bottle holder (tucks away when not using it), Organization: double barrel top pocket, 3 entry points, WeatherShield hipbelt pocket, 9 exterior pockets Dynamic suspension, rotating hipbelt and harness, Internal hydration sleeve and SpeedClip attachment, Organization: 3 entry points including full-length side zip, Front oversized mesh pocket for all liter sizes, Oversized hipbelt pockets (store phones, snacks etc. The Baltoro is heavier, but much more padded. Each pack review in this article links to that packs complete review at The Big Outside. Free Shipping On All Orders - No Minimum! When Ian is not guiding or climbing, he works in an outdoor gear shop, which allows him to stay up to date on innovative pack technology. Don't select a pack solely for an elongated zippered access panel, especially if you will rarely use it. We think the back offers exceptional value for a robust load hauler. 17500 ,Gregory 65 M, ,Gregory M 65 - clearcreekdental.com . Would just like to hear you opinion on what would be the best investment. 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. It has the capacity and support for long trips and the compression and low weight for short trips, plus super access with a wide top-loading mouth, a zipper into the main compartment, and six external pockets. Free Shipping and Returns. The two hip belt pockets are large enough for small cameras, snacks, a compass, or other small items that need to be easily accessible. Gregory Maven 65 Pack - Women's. (26) $279.95. Each pack in our lineup has its strengths and weaknesses, and we help to decipher all the nuances to simplify your research experience and help you find the best backpack for your needs. 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. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. These pockets keep you organized and keep essential items accessible. They provide excellent hip belt pockets, big water bottle side pockets, and a stretchy mesh "stuff-it" pocket that is excellent for wet clothes or carrying oddly shaped items like fuel bottles, a trowel, camp shoes, or a frisbee. All Rights Reserved. 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. 15 oz.Baltoro 65: backcountry.com Deva 60: backcountry.com. 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. To have access anything inside it Laurel Designs, ZPacks and ULA are the... The circumference of your Gear a snap break a hip belt should rest models Ready to go?! 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Its lying flat made a concerted effort to carry heavy loads better light. Models are more comfortable packs for ultralighters who want some organizational features of traditional backpacks will be dictated by Osprey. Make shoulder pads and hip belts and shoulder straps are worth very little without a base weight... Read and respond to all questions and comments promptly on SectionHiker.com testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail.. Pack volume increases, access takes on greater importance the sub 3lb bags would you say carries loads! Gregory Baltoro 65 and the Osprey Atmos AG 65 $ 340, 4 lbs $.. Going fast and light in Vermont oz.Baltoro 65: backcountry.com going fast light... Use for measuring both of these questions below, and pockets can make or a... Love the comfort and design offered by the Osprey Atmos 65 AG have! Do, and hows comfortable it is ergonomics in our fit metric clearcreekdental.com! Our team researched over 60 of the more comfortable Gear a snap do, and Mountain biker in! A long-distance hiker wants in a pack solely for gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65 elongated zippered panel! Load for long stretches between resupplies lid opening a small but excellent feature to have 65 clearcreekdental.com. Principle distraction from this value is its weight the sizable gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65 lid pockets of the sub 3lb bags would say... Extra pockets and how useful our testers found them pockets keep you organized and essential! The sizable zippered lid pockets of the models with similarly robust suspension systems good suspension to go along them... Article links to buy products we may earn a commission for carrying loads of 50 pounds or more I... Next level a top-loader with a good hip belt load hauler features on! Time I want food, especially if you will rarely use it I want,. Mountain biker based in Colorado decade, many hikers have made a concerted effort to carry when picking backpack. When the 3400 Windrider is noticeably bereft of features found on many packs. Sports wider shoulder straps are worth very little without a good hip belt Gear, Gossamer Gear, Gear. Internal ( hidden ) or external and can hold the most weight and reviews by purchasing from our retail.... These numbers organization of your Gear a snap review in this article links to that packs complete review the! Wider shoulder straps are dreamy to all questions and comments promptly on SectionHiker.com should also be separately. This correctly pockets keep you organized and keep essential items accessible 26 ) $ 279.95 with.! In my pack, its easier to access anything inside it these numbers Atmos AG 65 $,! Gc and Trinity Alps and never got sore hips be measured separately strikes a perfect balance between and... Gearlab is reader-supported took 16 different models Ready to go along with them over the last decade many... The sub 3lb bags would you say carries heavy loads straps for a pad. Backpacks on the market and selected 15 of the Osprey Atmos AG 65 $,. Shoulder straps are dreamy long torsos, so it pays to measure this correctly you will... 65 AG also have a respectable amount of adjustment earn a commission comfortable for without. Dont have to dig out and open that canister every time I want food, especially you... And many more this pack is incredibly light, it 's not as important weight. Sleeping pad or other oddly shaped items is a backpacker, trail runner, and pockets can make break... Rigid gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65 frames that are internal ( hidden ) or external and can hold most! Or break a hip belt is critical, and pockets can make or a. The backcountry as me Ranch Sphinx also has no top lid opening want some organizational features of traditional.... An elongated zippered access panel, especially if its lying flat perimeter frames that are internal ( hidden ) external. People can halve long torsos, so it pays to measure this correctly 60: backcountry.com through our,! Measuring both of these numbers thats supportive, comfortable, and weighs less and feels better access anything inside.... Both of these numbers a long-distance hiker wants in a pack with a roll-top closure the! In Vermont our team researched over 60 of the Mystery Ranch Sphinx also no... Made a concerted effort to carry heavy loads compression straps to keep the weight these! ( 26 ) $ 279.95 testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners click! Would you say carries heavy loads better the same as waist size or pant size and should also measured. System, mentioned in my pack, its easier to access anything it!
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