Despite its decently lightweight build, the Granite Gear Blaze 60 is exceptionally comfortable. The Granite Gear Crown 2 60 backpack is an update to the classic Crown VC 60 and features the new Re-Fit hip belt, an advanced structural frame sheet, and a detachable lid. Don’t Go Anywhere without the Granite Gear Crown 2 60 Liter Backpack. I mentioned nicknaming this pack the “Trail Transformer.” Let me explain. Already a lightweight backpack, the Crown 2 60 can go ultralight with exactly the features you want, or don’t want. to 2.46 lbs. It really depends on what you are comfortable with. Granite Gear Crown 2: Defining Features The Granite Gear Crown2 is a very attractive lightweight pack with a few unique features. It is a spacious and lightweight pack. The Drop x Granite Gear Crown X60 is available directly from Drop for $120, and is a great entry into lightweight backpacking. After testing this pack, I say yes. The Crown 2 60 features a handy roll-top design that, when fully unleashed, doubles the storage of the pack. Now you know the face I’m talking about. This pack is everything I wanted and more. Two large side pockets, each fitted with a compression strap, are easy to reach while you’re walking and can hold chunky Gatorade-style bottles, or a 12 pound terrier named Buster, without a hitch. The included top lid also has a zippered pocket. As you can see, the Granite Gear Crown 2 60 Liter Backpac kis a great buy for your next trip. Anything near that or over would cause back and neck pain. I used the Crown2 60 Women's Fit and was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable I found this pack while hiking over the … Meet the Granite Gear Crown2. An internal hydration sleeve allows you to carry a bladder. Granite Gear Crown2 38 Weight At 2 lbs. The removable top lid and hip belt are equipped with adequate pockets of their own, and the bag is hydration-ready. Bu… Introducing the all-new Granite Gear Crown2 60, an ultralight yet ultra-comfortable multi-day pack. Well done! Part of what makes the Granite Gear Crown 2 60 feel so natural is its adaptability. Without overdoing it, they’ve added convenient pockets and practical straps everywhere this backpack needed it. Typically with that low of a baseweight you can get away with the smaller backpack, but if you like bringing bulky food, or are going on extended trips like a thru-hike, sometimes the larger pack size is nice for loading up. The Nimbus boasts lots of pockets for storage, with water bottle pockets that are large enough to easily stash your Nalgenes. This allows Granite Gear to add functionality to the Crown2 while keeping the weight in the two-pound sweet spot. With all these pit stops in mind I opted to carry an exorbitant amount of home-cooked food and bottled drinks, basically turning every trailside break into a wine-and-dine picnic that even Gordon Ramsey would have to admit was spot on. I hiked for a few hours through some steady rain and had no signs of water on the inside. while keeping the weight in the two-pound sweet spot. The Granite Gear Crown 2 60 is a refreshing update to a classic lightweight backpack. I have the original Granite Gear Crown 60L, but that's too big for quick trips and places I don't need a bear canister. Though the Granite Gear Crown 2 60 is an ultralight pack, I filled its innards with a hefty pile of gear for my most recent foray into the wilderness. We awarded this pack and reviewed it, but in the end think the updates to the Crown 2 60 make it a better choice for most people, and it’s more widely available these days. The top lid is floating and connected to the pack with removable straps, while the hip belt has two large hard-faced and zippered pockets. My Crown2 is still in great shape. On a separate lightweight day hike I opted to remove that plastic frame because I didn’t require its support. The top lid (pictured here) comes off, as does the internal frame sheet, straps, the hip belt (if you for some reason wanted it to), and plenty of straps. Additionally, the exterior compression straps compact your load even further for a tight, orderly pack. It’s also offered in a Long and Short torso, which corresponds to how long your spine is (not how tall you are!). I’ll start off by admitting that I was initially concerned when I took the Blaze out of its packaging. Tecnica Cochise Boot Review: The Downhill Boot That Can Tour, Hit the Trail for Some MTB Therapy: 'Let It Ride', Check Out This 'Unknown' Ski Hill Locals Don't Want You to Crash, ‘Dear Competitors’: One Brand’s Call to Unite the Outdoor and Sports Apparel Industry, Today's Bargains: 5 Great Deals on Jackets, Save Up to 60% on Surf-Inspired Outerknown Apparel This Week. Tie it down, let it loose, or remove them if you don’t need ’em. The Granite Gear Crown2 is a lightweight backpack weighing 2.36lbs when fully configured, but thanks to its removable top lid, or brain, it can weigh even less at 2.2 lbs. Each time I just so happened to think about the pack as I walked, I pursed my lips and nodded my head in silent approval, much like the “Obama not bad face” meme. TheCrown2 60is also incredibly light, but a few ounces heavier compared to the Crown 60. This multi-day pack is as capable as it is versatile, as ultralight as it is ultra-comfortable, and it can be stripped down to its skivvies like a hiker at an alpine lake on a hot day — that’s to say it has a number of conveniently removable parts. Granite Gear pulled inspiration from the Crown VC60 for this model. The roll top in particular works well to adjust the size of your pack. 60 backpack. Hi, Do you think is too much for a base weight of 12lb? Granite Gear has a track record for improving upon their packs with each new edition, and the Crown 2 60 is no different. You’re stoked about the new additions. An excellent internal frame that’s both removable and surprisingly supportive for the ultralight setup. This wasn’t going to be our typical mile-crushing hike-a-thon. This backpack should work fine for just about any body. Granite Gear was born among the placid network of wild waterways etched through the boreal forest that make up the Boundary Waters between Minnesota and Ontario. Editor’s Note: This pack was provided by Drop as a sample for review purposes. I completed the Crown2 60 Backpack Review on my annual Fall Foliage backpacking trip along the New England Trail. There is also a huge stretch woven pocket on the pack’s exterior that I can stuff an entire sleeping bag into if I feel so inclined. We tested the Massdrop X Granite Gear Crown X60, modified version of Granite Gear’s Crown2 60 lightweight backpack, specifically built for and sold by Drop (formerly MassDrop).This pack has been with us on trips throughout the Rockies, and it’s been surprisingly comfy. Granite Gear Crown 2 Reviews Looking at the features and benefits is great, but taking a look at what real-and-actual customers have to say about a product offers a deeper dive of insight. This is more of a PSA than a review. Review: Granite Gear Crown2 Backpack New for 2017, Granite Gear offers the Crown2 ($200) as a solution for the weekend warrior, the compulsive organizer, and the dedicated thru-hiker. Burly materials include excellent mesh on the front and side pockets, which are usually prone to ripping. It’s as if it’s shouting, “Throw me at a tree, then drop me into a river! Our trip was going to be rife with scenic waterfalls and crystal clear topaz pools, which demanded our time and attention. The Crown2 packs we used during our 2016 thru-hike were test models, in case you wonder why you can’t find the colorway pictured. At base setup, the new Crown 2 60 weighs a mere 2.36 pounds, but Granite Gear’s updated modular design allows you to remove the parts you don’t need in a matter of seconds to further reduce its size and weight. Cruising with the fully-loaded Crown 2 60. This trusty structure prevented painful pressure points and strap slippage from occurring. A relatively low price for a very high quality ultralight backpack. and the water resistance is actually pretty effective. Right? Curious as to who's in the finals and what the pros are riding? Kelty CBD Pain-Reliever Review: How Much Help, How Much Hype? The Granite Gear Virga 2 is one of the specialty ultralight backpacks we tested. A do-all pack that could essentially transform from a weekend heavy-hauler to a lightweight bag for a long thru-hike… well, alas, that backpack does exist. The model offers regular and long versions that are just between 2.125 and 2.25 lbs. New for 2017, Granite Gear offers the Crown2 ($200) as a solution for the weekend warrior, the compulsive organizer, and the dedicated thru-hiker. Required fields are marked *. Our mission is to empower all walks of life to be ambassadors of the outdoors. Just received my Granite gear crown 2 pack from campsaver. Size: Regular Torso Size, Maximum Loading Weight: 35, Weight: 2.1, Pack Volume: 38, Color: Barro/Black, Flint/Midnight … The Flex Capacitor remains much more comfortable, especially for heavier loads, but the Crown 2 60 barely edges it out in most other realms, specifically packability. 60is as light as you could go for a heavy-duty pack. (Not to knock tearing it up. But here’s one way to look at it: My Crown2 only cost 10 cents per mile hiked ($200/2,000 miles), and the updates result in a more comfortable and functional experience. The Virga 2 is hard to compete with in this regard. See reviews, photos, directions, phone numbers and more for the best Carpenters in Granite Falls, WA. Due to the above improvements, we have named the Granite Gear Crown 2 60 our Budget Pick for Ultralight Backpackers. The load lifters work great, and the adjustable Re-Fit hip belt is intended to fit all body types. Granite Gear really outdid themselves with the Crown 2 60. The Best Backpacks for Backpacking and Hiking, backpack hip belts and how to measure in our Guide, backpack torso measurement and adjustable torsos see our Guide. This approach led to a heavier pack, which better tested the Crown 2 60’s load capacity. Well placed, well made. Aside from all of the removable components I’ve already mentioned, the Granite Gear Crown 2 60 is available in regular, long, and short sizes. 60, boasts our patent-pending fully adjustable Re-Fit hip belt, our new and innovative Air-Current Mark 2 compression molded PP frame sheet with molded foam back panel, and bonus lid (removable), all while weighing in at 2.2lbs. If you want to shave more weight the Granite Gear Crown2 38 comes with a removable hood which brings the weight down to 2lbs. If you want a versatile backpack capable of undertaking extended lightweight expeditions or an incredibly capable day hiker, the Crown 2 is the pack for you. GearJunkie may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. At this point, you may have some mixed feelings. In this instance the back foam cushion was firm enough to retain the bag’s overall shape while allowing for a bit more flexibility, which was appreciated during the short bursts of trail running I was able to muster. The added functionality of the Crown2 makes Granite Gear’s update to the award-winning Crown VC60 a good one. The Virga 2 comes with an internal hydration hook, rather than a full sleeve to shave a bit more weight from the pack. BUY Granite Gear Crown2 38L Backpack. Granite Gear designed the Crown2 as an adaptable backpack. I've used the Granite Gear Crown2 38L backpack on outings to Fire Lake and Fish Lake this past summer and also as a ski touring pack during the winter. Granite Gear’s Unisex Crown2 38 Liter pack is the skinnier version of their thru hiker favorite, the Crown2 60. Between it and my NEMO Hornet 2 tent, I’ve cut five pounds from my overall load. Over several months, I’ve used the pack nearly every weekend for hikes of 12 miles or more, so I’ve got a good idea of the bag’s strengths and weaknesses now. Quite light. The hipbelt rolled with my hips, the bulk of the weight swayed as I swayed, and the back ventilation was top notch. Plenty comfortable when kept below the max limit. © Copyright 2021 GearJunkie, All Rights Reserved, Under Armour Flow Velociti Wind Review: No Outsole Needed, Get Behind the Scenes of Burton's 'One World' Snowboarding Film, Multitool Threads: Leatherman Works Its Way Into American-Made Apparel, Lifetime Achievement: 6 Marathoners Vie for a Spot on the Olympic Team, The Bestselling Gear at Competitive Cyclist This Week, Perfect Camp Grounds: VSSL JAVA Coffee Grinder Review. It’ll keep you going wherever you need to go. Offering a durable design, 75 liters of storage space, and plenty of internal pockets for organization, you will have no problem fitting in all of your gear. My wife and I, and our little doggie-tornado named Buster, ventured out on an overnight backpacking trip down the McKenzie River Trail with leisure and relaxation set as our top priorities. You know, enjoy the journey with a bit more awareness of our surroundings — to live in the moment, if you will. Follow his adventures and stories at betterhiker.com and on Instagram. I’m between this one and the 38L. Everything about the Crown 2 60 feels high-quality and durable. That said, we tested the high range of 35 pounds and it did very well. It’s a good face. Consider a Crown2 with the knowledge that we tested it for more than 2,000 miles before its release. But some might be concerned about the lack of the Cordura-brand fabric, which is known for its durability. Your email address will not be published. Learn more about the project here. Go for it, if that’s your jam.). We even trimmed the cinch straps, an irreversible modification to save grams. There are also two well-sized pockets on the hip belt that are large enough to store a smartphone, a camera, gloves, hats, snacks, and other smaller items that you us… See reviews, photos, directions, phone numbers and more for the best Ammunition in Granite Falls, WA. It’s also removable. The roll top and compression straps make it so the Crown can feel nice and full with 35, 45, or 60 liters, so if you’re looking for more flexibility it’s nice. I’m Granite Gear. Granted, you could get a pocket similar to this by Granite Gear with a purchase, or buy a separate pocket altogether and put it on, but including it would be nice. Versatile and modular, this pack excels for picky ultralighters. The 2019 Granite Gear Crown2 60 is a roll-top backpack with an optional top lid pocket, giving you the best of both worlds in terms of backpack configuration. Ammunition in Granite Falls on YP.com. This is an ultralight backpack, so don’t expect to carry tons of weight. This is where the pack earned its nickname. You just have to learn how to pack well! Thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail was his first backpacking foray, and he hasn't stopped since. The Crown2 does not use Cordura fabric, a noteworthy change for the brand. At just over two pounds, the Crown2 can comfortably haul 35 pounds or more. Continue reading to see the full Granite Gear Crown 2 60 review below, and check out our guide to The Best Backpacks for Backpacking and Hiking to see our other recommended backpacks. It was as if the Crown 2 60 was a part of me. I absolutely loved how convenient they were. On the flip-side, when hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, once we made it out of the High Sierra we no longer needed to carry heavier mountain loads. The main pack back is cavernous and closes with a roll top, while the hip belt has two large solid zippered pockets. Good for lightweight beginners who haven’t reduced the size (and weight) of every item yet, and great for longer treks. A new hipbelt, frame sheet, and detachable lid make this one of the most adaptable packs around. Whether it be in the mountains, on the beach, or along the city streets -- he believes walking is the best way to experience the world. 29 thoughts on “Gear Review: Granite Gear Blaze 60 Backpack” ... Hi Scott and Michael. It is compatible with hydration bladders. The Granite Gear Crown 2 60L is one of the best lightweight backpacks that offers multifunctional features, durability, efficiency, and reliable support that is around 2 lbs 6oz. The thick, red GRANITE GEAR lettering on the surface adds to the pack’s robust appearance. Could it get any better? The Crown 2 60 has both a roll top lid, which is classic for Granite Gear, and a removable top lid. The Crown2 is made from 210 denier, high-tenacity nylon that seems plenty durable. … I wanted a pack that was much lighter than my old one, which was more than double the weight as this. I was reminded of my appreciation for the Granite Gear Crown 2 multiple times throughout this 26 mile journey along the banks of the McKenzie River. Learn more about. Enter before February 8th for your chance to win. The back panel on the Crown 2 60, called the Mark 2 Frame, was impressive. © 2021 Backpackers.com All Rights Reserved. NordicTrack wants to give you $7,500 toward your dream adventure. Many pieces are removable as well, making it an ultralight transformer of a backpack. Straight from the retail shelf, this backpack can haul 35 pounds within its 60 liter capacity, but that capacity doesn’t leave you with a bulky mass of fabric when your load is light like in other styles of bags. When superior storage isn’t needed, the design enables that extra fabric to roll down tight for day hikes like a tube of half empty toothpaste. For ultralight loads, remove the framesheet to bring the pack weight to just 1.6 lbs. This is my first lightweight pack. They are slightly adjustable within those three ranges. Learn more about, The Crown 2 60 comes in three different torso sizes. In 2015 and 2016, the team hiked the AT and PCT, respectively, picking up trash along the way. He and his wife now regularly travel into the wilderness of the Pacific Northwest seeking new trails to hike. This worked just fine, even for a bladder up to 3 liters, and I did not miss a full sleeve. BACKPACK: Granite Gear Nimbus Trace Access 70 Granite Gear Nimbus Nimbus Trace Access 70. TheCrown V.C. The most notable upgrade is the addition of lid and hip-belt pockets with water-resistant zippers. I love the smaller 38 liter version. They also use NeverWet water repelling tech, which works quite well. The HDPE frame is specifically designed to maintain structural integrity without additional load. From the leather-like edging on the roll down top to the burly bottom ripstop nylon, this backpack wants you to know that it’s ready to rumble. Available at REI, 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed. The Crown2 remains a top-loader pack with three spacious external mesh storage pockets surrounding the pack. 1.0 ounces. We had a dog for one thing, which meant we couldn’t push too hard, and we had recently started making a concerted effort to slow down our trail pace during some of our hikes. It worked well for me up to 30 pounds. I thru hiked the AT in 2018 with the Crown 2 60. The Crown2 is designed to be stripped down to the bare essentials at will. That said, I do my best to remain objective and I’ll only advocate for products that I’ve personally put through the wringer. The Crown 2 60 is simply more practical for your classic Ultralight Backpacker, especially given how much of it is able to change to your specific needs. We asked five pros how they made it work and what it takes to make a living in the outdoor industry "in real life.". The pack is ultra light, and as we … Patagonia ‘Black Hole’ Backpack, Lighter For 2017, In The Spotlight: Topo Designs Brand Profile. That’s a minor gripe in the grand scheme of things because the Granite Gear Crown 2 60 is a fantastic backpack. It does this with its innovative hip belt, improved back panel, and thoughtfully placed 10mm load cinching straps. We packed, hefted, and hiked with the Granite Gear Crown2 for a five-month test along the Pacific Crest Trail. Yeah, I can take it! Get at anything you need, any time you need it, with the handy access panel on this heavy-duty trekking pack. It's impressive how a 65-liter pack can pack down to the size of a 2-liter bladder. The adaptability is enhanced by the removable top lid, hip belt, sternum strap, and interior framesheet, all of which are updated from the previous Granite Gear Crown VC 60 . By the time I was ready to roll to the trailhead, the pack was approaching its 35 pound load limit. And the pack is still going strong, despite the miles. Granite Gear Crown2 60 Review. Some places also still offer the older (but awesome) Crown V.C. The weight is very similar but I’m afraid This one would be a little too much. Most of all I like that this pack has planty of room for storage and also you can remove lid and expend capacity even more if you need . This Crown2 60gets big plus points for its weight, but its modest suspension and inability to carry heavier loads make it one of our lower scorers. You can even trim down the weight of your rucksack by removing a few detachable features such … Rawr!”. Also, personally, I tend to prefer a slightly larger pack for random extras, like a partner who doesn’t want to carry something, a dog that needs something special, or trying out a new type of gear. The materials on this pack are robust, and somehow lightweight. All of this comes wrapped in a durable 100D high-tenacity nylon across much of the surface, and 210D ripstop nylon where it matters. Highly recommended! Durability The Granite Gear Virga 2 is surprisingly durable for such a light-weight pack. 1.5 oz. Granite Gear managed to keep all the good things about the original Crown and added headlining features like an adjustable hip belt and removable top lid, making this one of the best packs the company has ever produced. Our previous Budget Pick was the Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor, which remains an incredible pack — one I tested, and have continued to use for many trips. This new and improved successor to the classic Crown V.C. Click it. Disclaimer: My initiative, “Packing It Out,” is sponsored by Granite Gear; the brand is one of a few companies that help support our trip costs, and we are also provided gear to test. I love everything about it. There are two large water bottle side mesh pockets, two zippered hip belt pockets, and a large stretch mesh pocket on the back of the pack. It has 3 torso size options, ranging between 2.26 lbs. Granite Gear has found a way to put all the bells and whistles typically found in larger framed packs from other manufacturers into a slim fitting backpack.