The North Face Banchee 50$230, 3 lbs. Super trip. 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. 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. To test the selected models, we took them on multiple extended trips loaded with weights from 25 to 55 pounds. See my 5 Tips For Buying the Right Backpack.. The stretchy mesh beavertail-style pocket is excellent for drying socks, storing a rain shell, or fitting oddly-shaped things like flip-flops. Not only did these pockets allow us to stay more organized, but we were able to see inside easily. Rain covers are a practical addition to any backpacking pack. At once fully featured and streamlined, the Gregory Baltoro 65 Backpack is a versatile weekender pack that will have you crushing the miles in serious comfort. Comment *document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute("id","afc2202a2cc9100328521ef162d224b1");document.getElementById("je705695a8").setAttribute("id","comment"); BACKCOUNTRY.COM: Shop the Semi-Annual Sale! The top lid is one of the best places to store small items that require quick and easy access, such as sunglasses, sunblock, or bug spray. . This pack has one of the burliest suspension systems currently available. Related: How to Choose the Right Backpacking Backpack. Let us know! This pack is somehow able to comfortably support up to 50 pounds while only weighing 3.0 pounds itself. They also feature roughly four inches of vertical adjustment and are available in a variety of sizes. I think Osprey has improved on its harness technology with the AG harness in the Atmos and Aura packs, which can handle pretty substantial loads. The plush, tapered, breathable foam shoulder straps are dreamy. And the trampoline-style back panel provides great ventilation across your back. For a full list of weights according to collection and liter size please visit the product pages on our website. 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. 1-48 of 70 results for "Gregory Baltoro 65" RESULTS. 26 $219.95 $219.95. Start with my 5 Expert Tips For Buying the Right Backpacking Pack. See also my picks for The Best Ultralight Backpacks.. The Packmod system enables you to customize the pack for your needs by moving or eliminating virtually all external pockets and straps. Best Use. We're always looking for the best backpacks to fuel our What are the best binoculars? What are the best multi-day backpacking packs for thru-hikers, weekend backpackers, and wilderness explorers? The waist belt and shoulder straps are crucial factors to consider when picking a backpack. The Optic and Exos are fairly similar, and the significantly lighter HMG pack will carry as well as those twoassuming it fits you, and it comes in four sizes, so it should fit. These packs use high-quality foam that strikes a perfect balance between support and comfort. * weights listed are for packs ranging between 60-65L for comparison. We also research how many different sizes each pack comes in. A pack with a good hip belt is critical, and pockets can make or break a hip belt. 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. These days Ill just pack the can first to the bottom of my top-loader and hope I grabbed everything for the day. Privacy | Cookies | Terms. A pack cover can only do so much to lessen this reality, but it helps prevent excess water from soaking into the pack fabric, which will weigh down your pack. This model also sports wider shoulder straps than most packs. When it comes to picking out the perfect backpacking pack, we want to make sure you have all the big questions answered. 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. 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. Comparison of Five Ultralight Backpack Liners, Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60L Backpack Review, 10 Best Backpacking Water Filters of 2023, Nitecore 10000 mAh USB Power Bank (5.9 oz), Feathered Friends Flicker 40 Quilt Sleeping Bag. See Details. Amazon.com : Gregory Mountain Products Zulu 65 Liter Men's Overnight Hiking Backpack, Empire Blue, Small/Medium : Sports & Outdoors . 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. 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. Though it doesn't have the most breathable suspension in the line-up, it definitely holds its own. Watch the full video comparing all four packs here or scroll through the blog and watch the collection-specific videos! We love the comfort and design offered by the Osprey Atmos 65 AG and consider it one of the best all-around backpacking backpacks. The medium fits 17 to 20-inch torsos and 28 to 50-inch waists. What is the Difference Between a Single-Wall Tent and a Double-Wall Tent? Though this isn't a high-tech, revolutionary pack, part of its appeal is its simplistic yet functional design. 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. Gregory 65 Liters Zulu FreeFloat Daypack ON SALE 145294-9976, 145294-0527, 145673-9976, 145673-0527. Gregory Paragon 58 and Maven 55$260, 3 lbs. Entire Store; Camp & Hike; . Thank You! Mystery Ranch Sphinx 60$269, 60L/3,662 c.i., 4 lbs. For average trips with loads at or under 40 pounds, this is one of the more comfortable packs in our review. For loads greater than 25-40 pounds, we recommend stepping up to an option like Gregory's burlier Baltoro. And, it can comfortably carry loads up to 30 pounds. Few reviewers have lugged as many packs around the backcountry as me. Got feedback? Yup, theyre very good. Granite Gear keeps things simple, and by using some of the lightest and most durable fabrics available, they manage to keep the pack light and strong. 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 collection fits a perfect midpoint between those who are trying to go light and fast (Paragon/Maven) and those who prefer all the bells and whistles. It has the capacity for going several days between resupplies. Need a pack for a kid or small adult? 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. You could stand upright with them and have the center of balance of a pack lower. The larger versions have more pockets and heavier weight capacities. Read my complete review of The North Face Banchee 50. Zippers can also be a point of failure. If you are gearing up for Backpacking, we've got you Ultralight Adventure Equipment Catalyst review, professional internationally licensed IFMGA/UIAGM mountain guide, How to Choose the Right Backpacking Backpack, Best Backpacking Backpacks for Women of 2023, the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, Light-weight, comfortable with heavy loads, perfect pocket combination, Light-weight, comfortable, supportive, functional feature set, Very lightweight, comfortable suspension, good value, great features, Light-weight, comfortable, easily personalized, inexpensive, Durable, lots of features, plenty of adjustments to dial in the perfect fit, supportive, lacks durabillity, not made for heavy loads, Heavy, attached hipbelt, water bottle pocket can be inconvenient, 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, This is an awesome lightweight pack that can carry a heavier load and has a very comfortable mesh-trampoline back panel, 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, This highly adjustable pack may be one of the heaviest in the review but carries large loads in comfort. Let us know! 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. One of my favorite parts of the canyon. With internal-frame packs, the recommendation is to pack the weight more in the middle of the pack, and the middle of your spine, for better carrying comfort. Most of these packs also have another opening near the top of this pocket to securely hold oblong shaped items outside the pack, like tent poles or a snow picket. We answer all of these questions below, and many more. Thanks for doing that. Best Use. 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. Updated in 2020, they have support for carrying around 35 pounds comfortably, thanks to an alloy perimeter frame with a fiberglass cross-stay and Gregorys FreeFloat Suspension System. 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. How important is pack weight and getting a frame or hip belt that can be adjusted to fit your personal dimensions. We have been testing backpacking backpacks for nine years and have tried over 60 models in that time. 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. 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. We independently buy, test, and rate all the products we review. Sometimes those sleeping bag bottom pockets worked well for this- but seems like those have been phased out. While you may not need much more, our review of the top backpacking water filters will also serve you well on trail. Zippered sleeping bag compartment. A great option for a beginner who is looking for a budget friendly pack that still is very capable and durable. 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. Baltoro 65. He has backpacked the Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and the Colorado Trail 3 times, and the Grand Enchantment Trail, along with countless shorter backpacking trips. Quick and easy to adjust to an individual, Hip belt causes the entire pack to sway while walking. Gregory Backpacks, Bags, Boxes, & Storage. With an easily adjustable torso length, extended, wraparound hipbelts, and a dynamic, breathable backpanel to keep you cool; this award-winning collection offers optimal comfortable and dynamic fit. 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. GearLab is reader-supported. 11.4 oz. Some prefer lots of pockets for organizing their gear and others dont. 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. +1-800-504-5817 Contact Us Chat now. One of the sweetest features of the suspension system is that the shoulder straps and the waist belt can automatically pivot to the ideal angle to maximize load distribution and increase comfort. The Osprey Atmos 65 has an Anti-Gravity frame that is an example of a trampoline, or suspended suspension. No duplication of photos, maps, or text without permission. Hi Garry, Ive used both the Aether and Xenith (and reviewed the Xenith here: https://thebigoutside.com/gear-review-osprey-xenith-88xena-85-backpacks/). The Baltoro 65's suspension was comfortable all day. 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. Read my complete review of the Mystery Ranch Sphinx 60. Free shipping on orders over $49 Learn more. The Baltoro 65 is available in three torso lengths with a highly adjustable hip belt that is sized relative to its size. So depending on the build of the girl, almost any of those could fit best; its difficult for me to make that judgment without knowing a persons torso length and other measurements. We enjoyed this pack's great set of features for their practicality and usability. We 're always looking for a beginner who is looking for a or. 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