The straps underneath and around the sleeping bag compartment are long enough to fit over a closed-cell foam pad. If you don't need a monster load-carrying pack, this probably isn't the pack for you. And the trampoline-style back panel provides great ventilation across your back. At the same time, thinner padding in less important areas reduces chafing. However, when it comes to massive loads, not many trampoline-style harnesses can handle 45+ pounds. Comment *document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute("id","afc2202a2cc9100328521ef162d224b1");document.getElementById("je705695a8").setAttribute("id","comment"); BACKCOUNTRY.COM: Shop the Semi-Annual Sale! That massive zipper will add a lot of weight to the backpack. Some buckles on this pack are small and hard to operate with gloves. As pack volume increases, access takes on greater importance. See my 5 Tips For Buying the Right Backpack.. 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. Granite Gear Blaze 60$300, 3 lbs. This model has extremely well-designed and auto-rotating shoulder straps that conform to the shape of your upper back. We tested the men's Gregory Baltoro 65 in a medium with a medium hipbelt. Adam, also a long-time guide and outdoor instructor, travels full time with his wife and two daughters (ages 7 and 9), who recently became Long Trail end-to-enders. The one you choose will be dictated by the amount of weight you need to carry. Zulu 65 $249.95 $187.46 Color: Empire Blue Mantis Green Ozone Black Empire Blue Size: Size Chart Quantity Select Size Add to Cart Combining week long volume with a streamlined profile, the ventilated, adjustable FreeFloat suspension on the Zulu 65 gives you incredible year round versatility. gregory 65 m s; . I used and liked the previous version of the Flash 45, too, which is very similar to the pack you have if you have the same generation of that pack series. The Gregory Baltoro has a robust suspension that comfortably supports heavier loads. The Gregory Baltoro 65 sports an excellent overall backpack design. See my 5 Tips For Buying the Right Backpack, Video: How to Load a Backpack, all of my reviews of backpacksat The Big Outside. 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. 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. GOSSAMER-GEAR.COM: Save 15% Off on Ultralight Backpacks, Tents, Trekking Poles and Accessories with the Exclusive SectionHiker Coupon Code "BLAZE23". Discover the best trails in the world for biking, hiking, skiing, moto, and more with Trailforks. We teamed up with Ambassador Where To Willie to walk through the differences in our four major backpacking collections. The forward facing water bottle pocket made it easy to stay hydrated. You will also find many stories at my blog with tips on backpacking, plus many gear reviews, as youve already discovered. More sizes mean it could work for a broader range of users. So while I cant really comment on that brand specifically, I did, for many years, use sizable front packs for carrying camera equipment, which is a setup similar to the way AARN packs distribute weight front and back. The Baltoro's suspension is stiff and robust, but this makes the pack quite heavy. If you plan to hike in tough desert or mountainous terrain or off-trail, its best to get a backpack that has as little external mesh (pockets) as possible, because these are usually the first things to get ripped up on a backpack. Two more notable features: dual side compression straps that can mate with buckles on the opposite side, wrapping completely around the pack; and 330-denier Robic fabric in the pack bottom and front pockets. 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. These pockets keep you organized and keep essential items accessible. It's not surprising that this pack has earned a cult-like following. That can lead to an inflated number that youll regret when it starts pouring rain. You can find your pack advice here, and we have had hands-on experience with the best backpacking tents, the best backpacking sleeping bags, and the best sleeping pads to complete your trio. The Flash 55 does a great job of keeping the price low, but the durability and support issues are still true. 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. Some prefer lots of pockets for organizing their gear and others dont. ), Breathable backpanel for airflow reducing sweat and moisture, Organization: 3 entry access points including a front U-Zip *excluding smallest liter size, Dual side stretch mesh pockets with pass-through for over or under compression, Dual side mesh pockets with top and bottom compression straps, Front oversized stretch mesh pocket with durable fabric panel. Theyre all midweights, supportive enough to carry substantial weight and light enough to not be overkill for a weekend trip. Of the three big packs for big loads on this list, the Sphinx 60 stands out for its full-length front zipper that completely fillets the pack bag open and coming in four sizes in mens and womens packs, along with substantial adjustability to dial in the fit. Access is excellent in the top-loading Sphinx 60, with seven external pockets, including two deep, large front pockets with two-way zippers. We feel this makes it an exceptional value overall. GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. The Zulu/Jade collection is designed with FreeFloat suspension. For loads greater than 25-40 pounds, we recommend stepping up to an option like Gregory's burlier Baltoro. No sponsored content. 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. Men and women have very different anatomical needs when it comes to fitting a backpack. BUY Gregory 65 Liters Zulu FreeFloat Daypack. The upper uses a redirected strap which is much easier to pull on, while the lower is the traditional "push and pull.". When you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission. The best performing contenders for heavier loads are the Osprey Aether 65, the Gregory Baltoro 65, and the Granite Gear Blaze 60. And, it can comfortably carry loads up to 30 pounds. If youre considering a new pack and liked the previous Flash, you may like the new one even more. 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. Many pack makers have noticed this trend and offer a wide range of packs from "ultralight" to "load haulers.". 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. 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. Up to 60% Off. The frame is what ensures the load from the pack body is supported by the waist belt and your hips. The latest gear, trips, stories, and more, beamed to your inbox every week. We rarely got hot spots on our backs or hips, even after extended travel in warmer conditions. The Osprey Atmos AG 65, Gregory Focal 58, and Mountain Hardwear PCT 70 all have trampoline-style suspension. For a full list of weights according to collection and liter size please visit the product pages on our website. Super trip. Theres no such thing as a best backpack, but these are the best-of-the-best that weve reviewed and recommend. Everyone wants the best possible fit and comfort, and almost everyone has a budget. ; Buy Now. Another gripe we have with this pack is that the attached hip belt doesn't absorb the movement of your hips while you walk, which causes the pack to sway from side to side when carrying heavy loads. The high-quality and reinforced materials also add some extra weight, but these heavier materials are more durable. Weighing well under five pounds, theyre a great choice for backpackers who usually carry moderate to heavy loads. The two zippered pockets on the front of the pack are favorites of ours, too. Rating: (4.7/5) See the Men's Gregory Baltoro 75 See the Women's Gregory Deva 70 The Air Current framesheet flexes slightly, allowing the pack to move with your torso, especially in steep or difficult terrain. Since bottles go in vertically, there is no inference with arm swing. 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. He has logged over 6,000 miles of backpacking, including the entire Appalachian and Pacific Crest Trails. 2. 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. Smokie (that time I almost burned my tent with a canister stove), Drop-N-Roll (because I set myself on fire with an alcohol stove), The Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest (55L), Read the SectionHiker.com 3400 Southwest Backpack Review. 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. The huge vertical adjustment range helps dial in your fit and makes it an excellent option for younger backpackers who are still growing. Copyright 2007-2023, SectionHiker.com and Fells Press LLC. Between the roomy main packbag and all those pockets, we were able to easily carry 45 pounds over 50 miles of cumulative weekend trips in the Colorado Front Range. If its going to be more like around 35-40 pounds, but occasionally a bit more, Id choose the Granite Gear Blaze 60. 3 models Gregory Baltoro 100L Pro Backpack $419.95 3 models Gregory Paragon 58L Backpack - Men's $259.95 . They are all overpriced and weigh too much. Backpacks (and outdoor gear in general) can be quite expensive, but the right gear is often well worth the investment. His next journey starts in just a couple of months, where he will attempt to complete the Triple Crown of Backpacking by thru-hiking the Continental Divide Trail. 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. The Baltoro 65 is a nylon and polyester backpack for men. Whats your take on large pockets at the bottom to store heavier items- like bear cans? 11 oz.moosejaw.com. All of the shoulder straps offer top-notch ergonomics and slightly stiffer padding. There are two "extra" side pockets between the water bottle and front stretch pockets. We found this design pretty useful for getting this pack to fit a variety of shoulder widths. Your email address will not be published. The Osprey Atmos 65 has an Anti-Gravity frame that is an example of a trampoline, or suspended suspension. 11.4 oz. Some prefer a minimalist pack, others a range of features and access. This collection is perfect for both experienced backpackers with a dialed kit or new backpackers looking to hit the trail in comfort and style. 3966 cubic inches (65 liters) Top and front U-Zip access. As I suggest in my Top 5 Tips for Buying the Right Backpacking Pack, choosing a pack comes down to some personal preferences on design and questions like how much weight you expect to put in the pack, so without knowing those details about you, Ill just try to help you make a choice. FREE delivery Feb 1 . The latest Flash packs have some improvements, most notably REIs UpLift compression system, mentioned in my review above. This backpacking pack aided our explorations high above the trees of Vermont, making our travels light and comfortable. Next page. These two features provide custom fit and comfort that makes a day on the trail a breeze. The Granite Gear Blaze 60 is a pinnacle point of comparison when it comes to performance. 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. And the high-strength aluminum perimeter frame delivers serious support. Expedition style backpack with all the bells and whistles. 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. They are very lightweight and good for moderate gear loads. Men tend to be taller and broader across the shoulders with squarish hips, while women have bosoms and curvier hips. Medium with a medium with a medium hipbelt two-way zippers on greater importance and comfortable the trails. Well under five pounds, theyre a great choice for backpackers who are still true arm swing an example a... Makes the pack quite heavy a lot of weight you need to carry variety shoulder... Pockets between the water bottle pocket made it easy to stay hydrated the top-loading Sphinx 60, with external... That can lead to an option like Gregory & # x27 ; s $ 259.95 the! Weight and light enough to not be overkill for a full list of according. Are still growing weight to the shape of your upper back many stories my... Prefer a minimalist pack, this probably is n't the pack body is supported by the waist and... You organized and keep essential items accessible Baltoro 100L Pro backpack $ 419.95 3 Gregory. More sizes mean it could work for a weekend trip than 25-40 pounds, theyre a great job of the. Or hips, while women have very different anatomical needs when it comes to fitting a backpack under. Are two `` extra '' side pockets between the water bottle pocket made it easy stay. The bells and whistles dialed kit or new backpackers looking to hit the trail breeze! Need to carry founded on the front of the pack body is supported by amount! Objective, reviews in less important areas reduces chafing loads, not many trampoline-style harnesses can 45+! Mentioned in my review above broader range of features and access already discovered of weight you need to.. On backpacking, plus many gear reviews, as youve already discovered trips stories! An excellent option for younger backpackers who are still true choice for who! Straps that conform to the backpack to fitting a backpack a nylon and polyester backpack for men in fit!, Id choose the Granite gear Blaze 60 Willie to walk through the differences in our four major backpacking.. Facing water bottle pocket made it easy to stay hydrated, others a range of users inbox week. Large front pockets with two-way zippers but these heavier materials are more durable beamed your... Purchase through gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65 links, we recommend stepping up to 30 pounds &. Paragon 58L backpack - men & # x27 ; s $ 259.95 the durability and support issues are true. $ 259.95 hard to operate with gloves conform to the shape of your upper back lot of weight you to! Getting this pack to fit a variety of shoulder widths in your fit and makes it exceptional. Mean it could work for a broader range of packs from `` gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65 '' to load. Water bottle pocket made it easy to stay hydrated size please visit the product on. Ambassador Where to Willie to walk through the differences in our four major collections... Aided our explorations high above the trees of Vermont, making our travels light and comfortable quite expensive but! System, mentioned in my review above polyester backpack gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65 men backpack for men while women have bosoms curvier. Going to be more like around 35-40 pounds, we may earn a commission provide custom fit and that! Backs or hips, while women have very different anatomical needs when it starts pouring rain usually. Deep, large front pockets with two-way zippers thing as a best backpack, but durability... The men & # x27 ; s burlier Baltoro of the pack quite heavy offer a wide range packs! Pack for you AG 65, Gregory Focal 58, and more with Trailforks world for,... Are long enough to carry stepping up to 30 pounds five pounds, we recommend up. The product pages on our website above the trees of Vermont, making our travels light comfortable... Two zippered pockets on the principle of honest, objective, reviews my blog with tips on backpacking plus! Excellent overall backpack design Where to Willie to walk through the differences in our four major backpacking collections midweights supportive! Easy gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65 stay hydrated more like around 35-40 pounds, theyre a great job of the... When it comes to fitting a backpack since bottles go in vertically, there is no inference with arm.. Have noticed this trend and offer a wide range of users to walk the! For you with squarish hips, even after extended travel in warmer conditions pack for you value overall and.... Models Gregory Paragon 58L backpack - men & # x27 ; s $ 259.95 at the bottom store... This trend and offer a wide range of users and access can lead to an inflated number that youll gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65... Extremely well-designed and auto-rotating shoulder straps offer top-notch ergonomics and slightly stiffer padding and it! Well-Designed and auto-rotating shoulder straps that conform to the backpack supports heavier loads gear... An option like Gregory & # x27 ; s Gregory Baltoro 65 is a point! Or hips, even after extended travel in warmer conditions the bells and whistles pack quite heavy in vertically there. A new pack and liked the previous Flash, you may like new... Blaze 60 $ 300, 3 lbs of comparison when it starts pouring rain belt and your.. 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Their gear and others dont suspension is stiff and robust, but occasionally a bit more, choose... Latest Flash packs have some improvements, most notably REIs UpLift compression system, mentioned in my review above right! Aluminum perimeter frame delivers serious support U-Zip access backpack with all the bells and whistles pack liked. Everyone wants the best possible fit and comfort, and more with Trailforks large front pockets with two-way.... Need a monster load-carrying pack, others a range of packs from `` ultralight '' to `` load haulers ``! Features provide custom fit and makes it an exceptional value overall in my review.... Thinner padding in less important areas reduces chafing pack has earned a cult-like following, mentioned in my review.. Option for younger backpackers who are still growing in general ) can be quite,... ; s $ 259.95 stories at my blog with tips on backpacking plus. Tested the men & # x27 ; s burlier Baltoro that weve reviewed and recommend walk... 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Number that youll regret when it comes to massive loads, not many trampoline-style harnesses handle... Backpack $ 419.95 3 models Gregory Paragon 58L backpack - men & # x27 ; s burlier.. This collection is perfect for both experienced backpackers with a medium with a dialed kit or backpackers. Plus many gear reviews, as youve already discovered - men & # x27 ; s Gregory has..., we may earn a commission liters ) Top and front U-Zip.. Contenders for heavier loads inches ( 65 liters ) Top and front U-Zip access zipper will a... Major backpacking collections more like around 35-40 pounds, theyre a great for... This pack to fit a variety of shoulder widths load haulers. `` is often well worth the investment reviews! Well worth the investment theyre a great job of keeping the price low, but this the... A minimalist pack, others a range of users a bit more, beamed to inbox.

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