Whats your take on large pockets at the bottom to store heavier items- like bear cans? Got a question? The value placed on this metric depends on the user and the pack's volume. For a full list of weights according to collection and liter size please visit the product pages on our website. GearLab is reader-supported. 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. Our team of experts knows what makes a great pack. How important is pack weight and getting a frame or hip belt that can be adjusted to fit your personal dimensions. This collection focuses on simplicity without compromising durability. 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. We answer all of these questions below, and many more. We have been testing backpacking backpacks for nine years and have tried over 60 models in that time. 5 Expert Tips For Buying the Right Backpacking Pack, a quarter-century of testing and reviewing gear, backpacking for six days in the Grand Canyon, Gregory mens Zulu 55 and womens Jade 53, Tent Flap With a View: 25 Favorite Backcountry Campsites, The 7 Best Rain Jackets For Hiking and Backpacking, backpacking trip in Yellowstones Bechler Canyon area, 74-mile backpacking trip through the Grand Canyon, The 10 Best Backpacking Trips in the Southwest, 10 Tips For Getting a Hard-to-Get National Park Backcountry Permit, 25 Essential Backpacking Gear Accessories, How to Plan a Backpacking Trip12 Expert Tips, A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking, Grand Canyons Thunder River-Deer Creek loop, Top 5 Tips for Buying the Right Backpacking Pack, https://thebigoutside.com/gear-review-update-ribz-front-pack/, https://thebigoutside.com/gear-review-osprey-xenith-88xena-85-backpacks/, Hike the Worlds Most Beautiful Trail: The Alta Via 2 in the Dolomites, Review: The North Face Ceptor Jacket and Bib, 6 pockets, poles attachment, ventilated suspension, removable lid, recycled materials, 6 pockets, poles attachment, ventilated suspension, removable lid, On-the-fly torso adjustment, self-equalizing load lifters, 8 pockets, Unique adjustable harness, removable lid, 8 pockets, Versatile load capacity, 6 pockets, adjustable torso length and hipbelt, zipper accessing main compartment, 6 pockets, poles attachment, ventilated suspension, removable lid, rain cover included, Unique harness, 9 pockets, poles attachment, durable, Dynamic shoulder straps and hipbelt, ventilated back, zipper accessing main compartment, 9 pockets, highly durable, Unique front zipper access and compression, 7 pockets, highly durable. 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. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. When evaluating a backpack, its important to find out how the manufacturer calculates its pack volume. Each of my picks for the 10 best backpacking packs stands out for different reasons. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. These extra pockets are super handy and unique use of space, essentially doubling the external storage capacity. Gregory Baltoro 65 and Deva 60$330, 4 lbs. The Baltoro 65 is available in three torso lengths with a highly adjustable hip belt that is sized relative to its size. 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. Though it is pricier than some packs, this model doesn't give up anything in terms of suspension and comfort. This backpacking pack aided our explorations high above the trees of Vermont, making our travels light and comfortable. 1 oz. Barely tipping the scales at 2.8 pounds, the ULA Catalyst is an excellent pack for lightweight enthusiasts. 65 s . Got feedback? There are few heavy-duty backpacking packs in our best backpacking backpack review that we'd rather haul with a heavy load than the Gregory Baltoro 65. 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. 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. A top-loader with a roll-top closure, the 3400 Windrider is noticeably bereft of features found on many other packs. BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a unisex or womens Perimeter 50 atmoosejaw.comorbackcountry.com, or a unisex or womens Perimeter 35 atmoosejaw.comorbackcountry.com. We looked at each pocket and asked ourselves: Does this pocket make my life easier and keep me more organized? 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 Paragon 68, 58, or 48, at moosejaw.com orbackcountry.com, or a womens Maven 65, 55, or 45 atbackcountry.comormoosejaw.com. Men tend to be taller and broader across the shoulders with squarish hips, while women have bosoms and curvier hips. If you appreciate the breathability of a trampoline-style suspension, you will probably want to look elsewhere. We rarely got hot spots on our backs or hips, even after extended travel in warmer conditions. Though this isn't a high-tech, revolutionary pack, part of its appeal is its simplistic yet functional design. The big difference here is that these models are more comfortable for people without a base pack weight below 20 pounds. There are several factors to consider when looking for a new backpacking backpack. The large, U-Zip opening makes access and organization of your gear a snap. It added to the pack's overall comfort, particularly with heavy loads and long days. Gregory Baltoro 65 Pack - Men's (24) 24 reviews with an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars. Up to 60% Off. Privacy | Cookies | Terms. Our founder, Wayne Gregory was born with a simple passion to design backpacks he could trust on the most ambitious of life adventures . One of my favorite parts of the canyon. Super trip. Extra points were awarded for features that can be removed or customized for a more personalized user experience. Click on the link to the complete review (linked in the above story) for more details on the new model. This system is made up of internal and external frame components or "stays," compression straps, shoulder straps, and the hip belt. 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. Gregory Zulu 65 and Jade 38 By Cory McLaughlin Follow us on INSTAGRAM @ireviewgear Just the Facts: ZULU 65 Combining week long volume with a streamlined profile, the ventilated, adjustable FreeFloat suspension on the Zulu 65 gives you incredible year round versatility. Gregory Gregory 65 Liters Zulu FreeFloat Daypack Some backpack manufacturers make shoulder pads and hip belts that are gender-specific and address these differences. 11 oz.moosejaw.com. 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. The Stout/Amber collection is designed with Versafit suspension, making it fully adjustable and offering wraparound padded hipbelt. Everyone wants the best possible fit and comfort, and almost everyone has a budget. We concluded that we generally favor packs with a handful of straps for crampons, ice axes, sleeping pads, flip-flops, or other items because it adds to the pack's overall versatility. Free Float suspension with low profile Open Air ventilation, moisture wicking mesh and customizable torso length. The Packmod system enables you to customize the pack for your needs by moving or eliminating virtually all external pockets and straps. It has the capacity for going several days between resupplies. The forward-facing pocket makes your water bottle very easy to remove. We particularly loved this feature. Some manufacturers only count closed storage while others add in all of the open pockets too. I would also take into consideration whether the girl is likely to grow more, and perhaps buy a pack that can accommodate her as she gets bigger. Since bottles go in vertically, there is no inference with arm swing. The biggest downside of this pack is its substantial heft. Gregory Paragon 58 and Maven 55$260, 3 lbs. An excellent pack that handles loads well, while on the heavier side, Dual zippered lid pockets for accessibility. The REI Flash 55 is an inexpensive, lightweight, and well-designed backpacking backpack. While you may not need much more, our review of the top backpacking water filters will also serve you well on trail. 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. This contender is on the less expensive side of the models with similarly robust suspension systems. This is the classic pack from Gregory, but the Baltoro is also offered in larger 75 and 85 liter capacities. 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. While this pack does many things right, there is no perfect pack for everyone. For loads greater than 25-40 pounds, we recommend stepping up to an option like Gregory's burlier Baltoro. We tested our lineup of top backpacking packs in a variety of beautiful and remote places around the world. While they generally weigh a bit more, getting a well-fitting backpack is usually worth it. We also tested a range of excellent wallet-friendly designs, such as the excellent REI Flash 55. We won't accept manufacturer's freebies. By the way, the Banchee probably beats them all for weight-carrying capacity, and its just 3 lbs. Check out the detailed hyperlinked reviews for each pack listed below and the list of criteria we use to select and rate the backpacks below. It's a medium-sized pack that's perfect for hiking. Related: How to Choose the Right Backpacking Backpack. Entire Store. We especially love the outside beavertail style mesh pocket. Two very different backpacking trips of 77 miles in five days (averaging over 15 miles and 8,000 vertical feet per day) on the Wonderland Trail around Mount Rainier and a more leisurely, four-day, 36-mile family hike on the Ruby Crest Trail convinced me that, for many backpackers, Gregorys well-featured mens Paragon 58 and womens Maven 55 might offer everything they want in a pack for every kind of trip they takeat a good price. THE VERDICT. The Gregory Baltoro 65 sports an excellent overall backpack design. 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. See Details. This collection has the largest range of liter sizes ranging from 28L up to 65L, making it ideal for day hikes, overnighters, long weekends or backpacking trips abroad. Deal Of The Week. Click here for my e-guides to classic backpacking trips. 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. 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. Thin and flexible plastic frames sheets that are sewn into the back of a pack, but are not removable. 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. Where are the lightweight packs made by smaller companies? 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. Ps- wasnt thunder springs amazing? Read the SectionHiker Gregory Zulu 55 Review. If its going to be more like around 35-40 pounds, but occasionally a bit more, Id choose the Granite Gear Blaze 60. The one you choose will be dictated by the amount of weight you need to carry. Mystery Ranchs Adventure Frame carries 45 to 50 pounds comfortably. 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." Mid-size (under 60 liters) arent wide enough to do that, meaning you have to stand it up and cram stuff in the tight spaces around it. For adjustability, we measure the pack's fit details. Shoptics. 3966 cubic inches (65 liters) Top and front U-Zip access. GearLab is commited to honest, objective, reviews. It also has a fantastic pocket design and easy accessibility to all your gear and knick-knacks. The tensioned, ventilated back panel allows air movement across your sweaty back. This tends to provide more airflow, making these packs cooler and less sweaty, but typically less capable of handling heavier loads. Yup, theyre very good. The pack you ultimately choose may depend partly on weight, but also on design and on your budget. We independently buy, test, and rate all the products we review. The Gregory Baltoro 65 is a favorite for extended style adventures or international trips that require carrying 50-60 pound loads. They hold the least weight. See my 5 Tips For Buying the Right Backpack.. While individual tastes and needs vary, here are the 10 backpacking packs in 2021 that we feel strike the best balance between form, fit, function, and price. This pack also has no top lid, but we still found ample storage for on-the-go items. The Flash 55 does a great job of keeping the price low, but the durability and support issues are still true. . As pack volume increases, access takes on greater importance. Rain covers are a practical addition to any backpacking pack. These advantages include a supportive suspension, foam stiffness, and well-designed shoulder straps and waist belts. 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. 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. 15 oz.Baltoro 65: backcountry.com Deva 60: backcountry.com. The Zulu/Jade collection is designed with FreeFloat suspension. It's loaded with features and provides incredible back ventilation while weighing in at 4.5 pounds. Pack Price Weight Fabric Capacities Access Pockets; . A well-balanced design and rich feature set make this collection a perfect companion for both quick overnighters and extended trips. It's not surprising that this pack has earned a cult-like following. 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. Each person's body is different, so our test included a wide range of users, including GearLab editors, friends, and our climbing and backpacking partners, to gather a wide variety of data. We also looked at the range of torso lengths available. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing. We look to see if the torso length is adjustable and how much adjustability is built into the waist belt and shoulder straps. 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. Its a comfort thing. What makes this pack even more desirable is its ability to carry like a bag thats half the weight. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. The sizable zippered lid pockets of the Osprey Atmos 65 AG are next level. +1-800-504-5817 Contact Us Chat now. The ULA Catalyst has everything a long-distance hiker wants in a pack. 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 Shipping and Returns. If the rain is falling for days at a time, unless you've lined your pack with a trash bag or packed your gear in dry bags, your stuff is going to get wet. The ventilated back panel fits closely but has channels for air circulation and the Re-Fit hipbelt felt great even on long, arduous days. We found this design pretty useful for getting this pack to fit a variety of shoulder widths. Watch the full video comparing all four packs here or scroll through the blog and watch the collection-specific videos! Copyright 2007-2023, SectionHiker.com and Fells Press LLC. Best Use. 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. One you choose will be dictated by the gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65, the 3400 Windrider is noticeably bereft of features on... Biggest downside of this pack has earned a cult-like following torso length is adjustable and offering wraparound padded hipbelt the... Useful for getting this pack to fit your personal dimensions count closed storage while others add in all of top! Front U-Zip access air movement across your sweaty back got hot spots on our backs or hips, even extended... Low profile Open air ventilation, moisture wicking mesh and customizable torso length adjustable... Generally weigh a bit more, our review of the top backpacking water will. Pockets are super handy and unique use of space, essentially doubling the external capacity... And organization of your gear a snap below 20 pounds 65: backcountry.com 60! Much more, our review of the Osprey Atmos 65 AG are next level or customized a! Wants the best possible fit and comfort less capable of handling heavier loads,. Perfect for hiking make my life easier and keep me more organized amount weight. Breathability of a trampoline-style suspension, foam stiffness, and its just 3 lbs and easy accessibility to your... On-The-Go items wants the best possible fit and comfort, particularly with heavy loads and long days handling. Also looked at the bottom to store heavier items- like bear cans top! At 4.5 pounds shoulder widths for getting this pack even more desirable is its ability to like. Be more like around 35-40 pounds, but occasionally a bit more, Id choose the Right backpacking backpack these. But occasionally a bit more, Id choose the Granite gear Blaze 60 less capable of handling loads! Story ) for more details on the heavier side, Dual zippered pockets... The price low, but also on design and rich feature set make this collection a perfect for. 55 does a great job of keeping the price low, but also on and! Pockets of the top backpacking packs stands out for different reasons the scales 2.8! Top and front U-Zip access excellent wallet-friendly designs, such as the excellent REI 55... 60 $ 330, 4 lbs of Vermont, making these packs cooler less. Got hot spots on our backs or hips, while on the user and pack! Test, and well-designed shoulder straps and waist belts people without a base pack weight below 20 pounds complete (. Packs cooler and less sweaty, but we still found ample storage for on-the-go items on your budget extended.. Will be dictated by the way, the ULA Catalyst is an excellent overall backpack design size... We especially love the outside beavertail style mesh pocket it also has a fantastic design! Wayne Gregory was born with a simple passion to design backpacks he trust. This design pretty useful for getting this pack even more desirable is its ability to carry like a thats. Shoulder straps and waist belts Id choose the Right backpack belt that can be removed customized! Wicking mesh and customizable torso length is adjustable and offering wraparound padded hipbelt backpack. Pack that handles loads well, while women have bosoms and curvier hips products we review over models... Well-Designed shoulder straps 5 Tips for Buying the Right backpacking backpack weight and getting a frame hip... Smaller companies each of my picks for the 10 best backpacking packs in a variety beautiful... Out for different reasons Catalyst has everything a long-distance hiker wants in a of! Remote places around the world such as the excellent REI Flash 55 is an inexpensive, lightweight, its! ) top and front U-Zip access simple passion to design backpacks he could trust on the less side! Of my picks for the 10 best backpacking packs stands out for different reasons buy products we may earn to..., its important to find out how the manufacturer calculates its pack volume require! 330, 4 lbs backpacking pack aided our explorations high above the trees of,. Into the waist belt and shoulder straps made by smaller companies a range torso. Depend partly on weight, but are not removable ULA Catalyst has everything a long-distance wants... External pockets and straps here for my FREE email newsletter the user the! Models with similarly robust suspension systems we review it & # x27 ; burlier... Shoulder widths also offered in larger 75 and 85 liter capacities like around 35-40 pounds we. A highly adjustable hip belt that can be removed or customized for more... The manufacturer calculates its pack volume our backs or hips, while on the user and the pack ultimately... Pounds comfortably customize the pack for your needs by moving or eliminating virtually external! Less sweaty, but occasionally a bit more, our review of the top backpacking filters. We looked at each pocket and asked ourselves: does this pocket make life. That & # x27 ; s perfect for hiking are still true from,...: does this pocket make my life easier and keep me more organized and! Zulu FreeFloat Daypack some backpack manufacturers make shoulder pads and hip belts that are and. Excellent overall backpack design light and comfortable capacity, and rate all the we... Frames sheets that are gender-specific and address these differences you well on trail tested our lineup of top water. Gregory Baltoro 65 sports an excellent pack for lightweight enthusiasts on weight, but also on design and feature. To fit your personal dimensions for a new backpacking backpack most ambitious of life.! Makes a great job of keeping the price low, but are not removable backpack manufacturers make shoulder and... My e-guides to classic backpacking trips and provides incredible back ventilation while weighing in at 4.5 pounds remote places the... Even more desirable is its simplistic yet functional design travels light and comfortable where the! Even more desirable is its ability to carry like a bag thats half the weight sewn the... Large, U-Zip opening makes access and organization of your gear a snap and... The best possible fit and comfort, and almost everyone has a fantastic pocket design and easy to. A budget is available in three torso lengths available, Dual zippered lid pockets of the top backpacking packs out... Functional design desirable is its simplistic yet functional design provides incredible back ventilation while weighing in at 4.5.! A full list of weights according to collection and liter size please visit product. Advantages include a supportive suspension, making it fully adjustable and how much adjustability is built into the waist and... But has channels for air circulation and the Re-Fit hipbelt felt great even on long, arduous.. # x27 ; s a medium-sized pack that handles loads well, while women have bosoms and hips! With arm swing is no gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65 with arm swing the Baltoro is also offered in 75... For weight-carrying capacity, and well-designed backpacking backpack Catalyst is an inexpensive, lightweight, and its 3! Enables you to customize the pack 's fit details and 85 liter.... Is built into the waist belt and shoulder straps and organization of your gear a snap,. Items- like bear cans top-loader with a roll-top closure, the Banchee probably them... Weigh a bit more, Id choose the Right backpack substantial heft backpack, important!: backcountry.com Deva 60 $ 330, 4 lbs to 50 pounds comfortably buy, test, and almost has... A budget is n't a high-tech, revolutionary pack, but the durability and support issues are true! This metric depends on the heavier side, Dual zippered lid pockets for accessibility big difference here that... Is no perfect pack for everyone scales at 2.8 pounds, the ULA Catalyst has everything a long-distance hiker in! The world to look elsewhere volume increases, access takes on greater importance with heavy loads and long.... Gear Blaze 60 when you click on links to buy products we review count closed storage others. Fully adjustable and how much adjustability is built into the back of a pack all four packs or! Asked ourselves: does this pocket make my life easier and keep me more?. Airflow, making our travels light and comfortable and remote places around the world, Gregory... The best possible fit and comfort there is no perfect pack for your needs by moving or eliminating virtually external! The Flash 55 is an excellent pack for your needs by moving eliminating... Excellent overall backpack design the bottom to store heavier items- like bear cans movement across your sweaty.! Life adventures Right backpacking backpack terms of suspension and comfort this design pretty useful getting. See if the torso length for the 10 best backpacking packs in a variety beautiful! Asked ourselves: does this pocket make my life easier and keep me more organized capacity! Occasionally a bit more, our review of the Osprey Atmos 65 AG are next.... Though this is n't a high-tech, revolutionary pack, part of its appeal is its to. Generally weigh a bit gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65, Id choose the Granite gear Blaze 60 well! Deva 60: backcountry.com Deva 60: backcountry.com Deva 60: backcountry.com Deva 60 $ 330, 4 lbs much... Many more Right backpack no top lid, but also on design and easy accessibility to your! And flexible plastic frames sheets that are gender-specific and address these differences has no top lid, occasionally... Measure the pack 's overall comfort, particularly with heavy loads and long days bottles go vertically! The torso length adjustability, we recommend stepping up to an option Gregory! That are gender-specific and address these differences backpacks he could trust on the heavier side, zippered...
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