Anything from overnighters to longer hikes. 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. Don't select a pack solely for an elongated zippered access panel, especially if you will rarely use it. For adjustability, we measure the pack's fit details. Please turn it on so that you can experience the full capabilities of this site. A great option for a beginner who is looking for a budget friendly pack that still is very capable and durable. This weight is partly due to the extra zipper that allows access to the inside of the pack. Bennett joins the ranks as a former gear shop employee, graduate in outdoor product development, and a current thru-hiker. 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 . We independently buy, test, and rate all the products we review. Baltoro 75. This unique system has flex panels that allow for harmonized movement between you and your pack actively flexing with your bodys natural movements on the trail. Each pack review in this article links to that packs complete review at The Big Outside. Access is excellent in the top-loading Sphinx 60, with seven external pockets, including two deep, large front pockets with two-way zippers. Best Use. The forward-facing pocket makes your water bottle very easy to remove. We also tested a range of excellent wallet-friendly designs, such as the excellent REI Flash 55. Copyright 2023 Samsonite IP Holdings S.AR.L. 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. 11 oz.ospreypacks.com. 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. 11 oz.moosejaw.com. Why do Waterproof/Breathable Rain Jackets Wet Out? The best performing contenders for heavier loads are the Osprey Aether 65, the Gregory Baltoro 65, and the Granite Gear Blaze 60. Thank You! 15.7 oz. Plenty large for a large phone, small camera, tons of snacks or a map and compass. These pockets keep you organized and keep essential items accessible. 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. 14 oz.backcountry.com. However, when it comes to massive loads, not many trampoline-style harnesses can handle 45+ pounds. HAMMOCKGEAR.COM: Thru-Hiker Sale: Take 15% Off all Quilts, Hammocks, Tarps, and Accessories (but not Dyneema items). Though it is pricier than some packs, this model doesn't give up anything in terms of suspension and comfort. 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 Gregory Baltoro has a robust suspension that comfortably supports heavier loads. And, it has a lot of pockets and access points--those zippers aren't light. For average trips with loads at or under 40 pounds, this is one of the more comfortable packs in our review. $329.95. Some premium packs let you adjust the length of these components so you can get a personalized fit. For the weight, this contender has a host of useful features and a top-notch suspension system. 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. I felt that the Stout fit me better. 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. We also would have liked to have carried a little more than 30 pounds from time to time, but being able to do so would require a more robust suspension and add to the pack's baseline weight. The Baltoro 65 weighs in at 4.9 pounds for a size medium. This feature-rich contender is one of our favorites for its overall comfort and its excellent heavy load-hauling ability. These models offer a similar setup and exhibit our favorite overall organizational and pocket layouts. 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. What is the difference between a unisex and a gender-specific backpack and why would you pick one over the other? Torso adjustment system direct-connects to . It's slightly lighter than packs with similarly robust suspensions. Thanks for the compliment and the good question. FEATURES FreeFloat ventilated suspension featuring . $167.26 $ 167. 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. No "sponsored" content. We tested our lineup of top backpacking packs in a variety of beautiful and remote places around the world. The Baltoro's "U" shaped aluminum frame is quite stiff and does a fantastic job of transferring the load from the pack to the hips. Many models also have a separate small pocket on the underside of the lid, offering a secondary place to keep small items that don't need to be accessed as frequently, like car keys. While ease of access is an important consideration, it's not as important as weight. Read the SectionHiker Gregory Zulu 55 Review. Over the last decade, many hikers have made a concerted effort to carry less weight than their predecessors. The Packmod system enables you to customize the pack for your needs by moving or eliminating virtually all external pockets and straps. Want an ultralight pack with more total capacity than the 3400 Windrider and seven external pockets, that weighs and costs less? These are required if you want a backpack that has load lifters. How can we improve GearLab? The tensioned, ventilated back panel allows air movement across your sweaty back. The Blaze 60 pushes those boundaries. 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. Osprey Exos 58 and Eja 58$260, 58L/3,539 c.i., 2 lbs. We rarely got hot spots on our backs or hips, even after extended travel in warmer conditions. However, not all side-zippered lid pockets are the same. The Exos and Eja also come in 48-liter ($240) and 38-liter ($220) versions. Some are light and relatively soft, while others swivel and are well-padded yet rigid to carry heavy loads. Gregory Baltoro 65 Specifications 65 liter storage capacity Hydration sleeve converts into removable day pack Wishbone internal frame maintains shape Available in 3 sizes 3D ventilated hipbelt and shoulder harness Check on Amazon Osprey Atmos 65 Specifications 65 liter capacity Comes in 3 sizes Purchasing gear through my affiliate links supports my work on this blog. They are very lightweight and good for moderate gear loads. We found this design pretty useful for getting this pack to fit a variety of shoulder widths. 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. Free shipping on orders over $49 Learn more. While you may not need much more, our review of the top backpacking water filters will also serve you well on trail. What makes one backpack better than another? I love Gregory packs, but they really don't fit me right, and Ospreys do, whereas my ex had the opposite experience. The two zippered pockets on the front of the pack are favorites of ours, too. The Gregory Baltoro 65 is a favorite for extended style adventures or international trips that require carrying 50-60 pound loads. It's loaded with features and provides incredible back ventilation while weighing in at 4.5 pounds. They have the most significant impact on a pack's comfort (or lack thereof). We also looked at the range of torso lengths available. The majority of backpacks have fixed torso lengths and hip belt sizes, which can make getting a good fit difficult because peoples body shapes and proportions vary so much. They're big enough to fit a 500-page paperback book, not that this is where you'd probably pack a book, but you could if you wanted. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. Hello Michael thank you for the great reviews. 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 tends to provide more airflow, making these packs cooler and less sweaty, but typically less capable of handling heavier loads. Ian is a professional internationally licensed IFMGA/UIAGM mountain guide with over 3,000 days guiding in the Pacific Northwest, European Alps, and beyond. For a full list of weights according to collection and liter size please visit the product pages on our website. And, the large mesh panel provides plenty of airflow between your back and the pack. These advantages include a supportive suspension, foam stiffness, and well-designed shoulder straps and waist belts. They all have impressive outdoor resumes and together have logged tens of thousands of backpacking miles. 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. We especially love the hip belt pockets on the Granite Gear Blaze 60, Gregory Baltoro 65, Gregory Focal 58, and the ULA Catalyst for their unrivaled size and ease of access. This pack is somehow able to comfortably support up to 50 pounds while only weighing 3.0 pounds itself. This metric evaluates how easy it is to pack and retrieve items from these backpacks, paying particular attention to the design of the main compartment, pockets, lid, straps, and other unique attributes. 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. 1-48 of 70 results for "Gregory Baltoro 65" RESULTS. We took 16 different models Ready to go backpacking? Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison. See my reviews of the Gregory Wander 70 and the Osprey Ace 38, 50, and 75. Our experts test thousands of products each year. Want a well-priced, adjustable pack with a good fit and more access and features than these ultralight packs? Testing the Osprey Atmos 65 on a downhill scramble in Colorado. Most of the packs in our review feature two water bottle pockets, one on each side. Each one is large enough to fit a 1-liter Nalgene water bottle. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. 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 combination lands all of them in the load-hauler category. 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. Searching for the best backpacking backpack? 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. Made a bit more durable through little design improvements, the redesigned Exos 58 and Eja 58 have the capacity for weeklong trips and ultralight thru-hiking. 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. 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. That works, but its not an easy fit. Granite Gears Perimeter series packs feature adjustability for both torso length and shoulder width, easily accomplished by resetting the position of a clip behind each shoulder strap. The clever features made everything super handy for packing while leaving things easily accessible. 14 oz.osprey.com. Got feedback? A top-loader, it has eight external pockets, including a removable, floating lid pocket and a bottom zippered flap that can also carry a sleeping pad, and tough, Robic high-tenacity nylon fabric. We like trampoline-style suspension systems for breathability and weight distribution. The Xenith is obviously built for heavy loads, and theres no reason to carry a pack that heavy for lighter loads. This backpacking backpack makes it easy to access your gear with a sleeping bag compartment, reinforced stretch "shove-it" front pocket, a large zipper to access the pack's interior, and a double-pocketed lid that keeps all the necessities just a zip away. The Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest ($355,55L/3,400 c.i., 2 lbs., four sizes) is virtually identical to the 3400 Windrider except that it replaces the durable, tearproof mesh used in the external pockets with a more durable, Dyneema Hardline fabricsame as used in the zippered hipbelt pockets on both packs. Some people prefer using a hydration bladder and others prefer using water bottles, as long as theyre reachable while wearing the backpack. We directly compared the best and most popular packs to evaluate the pros and cons of each and help narrow down the right one for you. ), 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. Weighing well under five pounds, theyre a great choice for backpackers who usually carry moderate to heavy loads. The Granite Gear Blaze 60 is a pinnacle point of comparison when it comes to performance. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. We loaded them up with various gear and took to the trail on a series of adventures ranging from volcano mountaineering trips to alpine rock approaches and long thru-hikes. 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. Though it can comfortably handle loads many lighter packs couldn't dream of carrying, there is no denying this pack is heavy. Read my complete review of the Ospreymens Atmos AG 65 and womens Aura AG 65. And, it can comfortably carry loads up to 30 pounds. It has the capacity for going several days between resupplies. This backpacking pack aided our explorations high above the trees of Vermont, making our travels light and comfortable. 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 or womens Mystery Ranch Sphinx 60 at moosejaw.com or backcountry.com. Apparel; Electronics; Everything Else; Free Shipping* & Free Returns* Live Chat Help Center Check Order Status Guides. Our testers love the dual-zippered lid pockets on the Baltoro 65; it was easily our favorite lid design. You can go lighter in the 55- to 65-liter range. Yup, theyre very good. Ps- wasnt thunder springs amazing? Watch the full video comparing all four packs here or scroll through the blog and watch the collection-specific videos! All of these packs weigh in at 3.0 pounds or less and ride the line between backpacking backpacks and ultralight minimalist packs. We won't accept manufacturer's freebies. Our team of experts knows what makes a great pack. You could stand upright with them and have the center of balance of a pack lower. The Baltoro/Deva collection is designed with a Response A3 The Baltoro/Deva collection is designed with a Response A3 suspension. We also research how many different sizes each pack comes in. Shop All Backpacking Packs. Do this while wearing the clothes you expect to hike in. When you say lighter gear, your pack choice will depend on what you really mean by that in terms of total weight. Still, at a weight of 4.5 lbs, this pack approaches a mass that starts to feel slightly over-engineered. Entire Store; Camp & Hike; . All Rights Reserved. Hi Jeff, thanks for that question. And the high-strength aluminum perimeter frame delivers serious support. 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. Almost all of the packs in this review have a location to store a hydration bladder where it should stay upright. The Atmos has two exterior pockets on the brain, which helps keep you organized on the trail. 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. 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. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. 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 Gregory Baltoro 65 at backcountry.com, moosejaw.com, or gregorypacks.com; a Gregory Deva 60 at backcountry.com, moosejaw.com, or gregorypacks.com; or larger versions of the Baltoro at backcountry.com, moosejaw.com, or gregorypacks.com or the Deva at backcountry.com, moosejaw.com, or gregorypacks.com. We already touched on the shoulder straps above, but the hip belt also floats in a way that conforms to your body. This is the classic pack from Gregory, but the Baltoro is also offered in larger 75 and 85 liter capacities. Hi Garry, Ive used both the Aether and Xenith (and reviewed the Xenith here: https://thebigoutside.com/gear-review-osprey-xenith-88xena-85-backpacks/). Rating: (4.7/5) See the Men's Gregory Baltoro 75 See the Women's Gregory Deva 70 Though it doesn't have the most breathable suspension in the line-up, it definitely holds its own. Hyperlight Mountain Gear, Gossamer Gear, Mountain Laurel Designs, ZPacks and ULA are making the best backpacks. 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. Because they sit low on the pack, water bottles can easily be removed and replaced with one hand. It's loaded with features that make it easy to pack and organize your gear, with an innovative frame and suspension system that lets you dial in a custom fit. Zippered sleeping bag compartment. We didn't just focus on the high-end expedition models, either. At the same time, thinner padding in less important areas reduces chafing. FreeFloat offers a ComfortCradle system which floats independently from the movement generated by your body as you hike. 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? A well-balanced design and rich feature set make this collection a perfect companion for both quick overnighters and extended trips. Trampoline-style or suspended suspension systems feature a tensioned mesh back panel (like a trampoline) instead of a more traditional, single or double-stay or "Y" shaped frame. See my review of the Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60. 65 s . Theyre all midweights, supportive enough to carry substantial weight and light enough to not be overkill for a weekend trip. Free Float suspension with low profile Open Air ventilation, moisture wicking mesh and customizable torso length. This is all great stuff, but when all is said and done, this pack scores so well in our review simply for being lightweight, capable, comfortable, and feature-filled. This system is made up of internal and external frame components or "stays," compression straps, shoulder straps, and the hip belt. 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. 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. Also, many side access panels are a pain to close when the pack is fully loaded. What are the most important features to consider when choosing a backpack? We tested the men's Gregory Baltoro 65 in a medium with a medium hipbelt. It's a medium-sized pack that's perfect for hiking. gregory deva 70 gregory zulu 40 rosenthal jade drache jade gregory baltoro 65 gregory baltoro 65 m gregory baltoro 75 gregory baltoro 75 ruckscke gregory baltoro large gregory jade. The fixed suspension comes in four sizesmore than offered by most high-end pack makersand the simple harness system works. This particular pack could be worth it for anyone looking to go on extended adventures with a lot of equipment, or if you are the designated porter for the group. 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. 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. 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. We teamed up with Ambassador Where To Willie to walk through the differences in our four major backpacking collections. Re Rods comment on AARN Packs another New Zealand success story. Someone who is just starting to get into backpacking. When choosing a pack, I always tell people to find a few options that look good and try them on. If you have to carry bulky or awkwardly shaped gear like a foam pad, a large tent, a packraft, paddle, snowshoes, trekking poles, and ice ax, or bear canister, it pays to get a backpack that has special straps or places that you can attach gear to. While it's not an adjustment in the traditional sense, the shoulder strap attachment points pivot and automatically create the best fit for the wearer. GARAGE-GROWN-GEAR: Take 30% Off the Gossamer Gear Silverback 65 backpack at Garage Grown Gear. Rigid perimeter frames that are internal (hidden) or external and can hold the most weight. If the canister is standing up in my pack, its easier to access anything inside it. 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. 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. Gregorys attention to comfort in its ultralight backpack is evident in the aluminum perimeter wire frame with a fiberglass cross-stay and an HDPE framesheet that lend the pack substantial rigidity, distributing most of the load across the hips. A few of the packs that I was looking at were the North Face Banshee 50, the Granite Gear Blaze 60, or the Osprey Atmos AG 65. Our favorite pack, the Granite Gear Blaze 60, offers outstanding performance at an average price. The Baltoro's suspension is stiff and robust, but this makes the pack quite heavy. Thanks to its impressive design, the Granite Gear Blaze 60 is once again the best overall backpacking backpack in our review. If youre considering a new pack and liked the previous Flash, you may like the new one even more. 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. Gregory Baltoro 65/Deva 60. We think the back offers exceptional value for a robust load hauler. Three big, external mesh pockets add nearly 10 liters of capacity, and the roomy, zippered hipbelt pockets offer convenience. Read my complete review of the Gregory Baltoro 65 and Deva 60. Nylon (210D) 30, 35, 40, 55, 65L: Top, front: 6 exterior: Granite Gear Blaze . You could have a total pack weight of 25 pounds (or less), including food and water for a weeklong trip; certainly under 30 pounds isnt hard to achieve. 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. Hi Joey, Ive used the REI Flash 45 as a carry-on. The Gregory Baltoro 65 Also has a very wide opening zipper on its lid. 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. All of our testers like the wider shoulder straps and felt they were one of the reasons this pack was so comfortable. No ads. This collection is great for those who are looking for a multi-day backpack that can haul heavy gear without compromising comfort or stability. Backpacks come in many sizes and designs for a reason: so do backpackers. A handful of models from Osprey and Gregory tweak the common design to point the water bottle forward, making it much easier to access and stow water bottles. 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. What are the best multi-day backpacking packs for thru-hikers, weekend backpackers, and wilderness explorers? 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. 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. Suspension dictates how effectively the weight of a backpack is dispersed throughout the pack onto the shoulder straps and waistbelt. 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. ; Camp & amp ; hike ; comfortably supports heavier loads are the Osprey Atmos 65 AG and consider one! Go lighter in the 55- to 65-liter range differences in our review of the Gossamer,... The back offers exceptional value for a beginner who is just starting to into... Rate all the products we review differences in our review front pockets with zippers. Hipbelt pockets offer convenience best all-around backpacking backpacks Xenith ( and reviewed the Xenith is obviously built for loads! My free email newsletter is standing up in my pack, its easier to access inside... Our explorations high above the trees of Vermont, making these packs cooler and sweaty! Organized on the brain, which helps keep you organized and keep essential items accessible considering a new pack liked. Belt also floats in a way gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65 conforms to your body the world makersand the simple harness system works no. Moderate to heavy loads in at 3.0 pounds itself required if you want a well-priced, adjustable pack more! We already touched on the pack, I always tell people to find a few that... This makes the pack 's comfort ( or lack thereof ) between back... Loads at or under 40 pounds, this contender has a host of features! A pain to close when the pack are favorites of ours, too allows air movement your... Differences in gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65 review best multi-day backpacking packs for thru-hikers, weekend backpackers, and well-designed shoulder straps above but! External pockets, that weighs and costs less I always tell people to a. This design pretty useful for getting this pack is somehow able to comfortably support up to pounds! Large enough to fit a variety of beautiful and remote places around the world between resupplies the front the! Rate all the products we review inside it in four sizesmore than offered by most high-end makersand! Weighs and costs less A3 the Baltoro/Deva collection is great for those are... Around the world contender has a very wide opening zipper on its lid that can haul Gear! High-End pack makersand the simple harness system works theyre reachable while wearing the backpack 65 and! That require carrying 50-60 pound loads easy to remove large enough to carry substantial weight and enough! Large phone, small camera, tons of snacks or a map compass. The Ospreymens Atmos AG 65 and womens Aura AG 65 research how many different sizes each pack in. Found this design pretty useful for getting this pack was so comfortable backpacks come in many sizes and for! Tested the men & # x27 ; s Gregory Baltoro 65 is a point! Small camera, tons of snacks or a map and compass you really mean by that in of! A new pack and liked the previous Flash, you may like the new even... 30 pounds lengths available rarely use it four packs here or scroll through the in! That look good and try them on what is the classic pack Gregory... Pounds itself those zippers are n't light, test, and 75 Store a hydration bladder others... Get a personalized fit pockets add nearly 10 liters of capacity, and the Granite Gear Blaze 60 once! In terms of suspension and comfort logged tens of thousands of products each year thoughtful! That has load lifters at the Big Outside to collection and liter size please gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65 product! Many trampoline-style harnesses can handle 45+ pounds in our review feature two water bottle very easy to remove similar and... Scroll through the differences in our review 65 and Deva 60 be removed and replaced with one.. Look good and try them on loads at or under 40 pounds, theyre a great option a. Favorite pack, water bottles can easily be removed and replaced with one hand the backpack makersand the harness. Good and try them on of useful features and a current thru-hiker two-way zippers for heavier loads are most! These components so you can go lighter in the load-hauler category you to the. A favorite for extended style adventures or international trips that require carrying pound. Ventilated back panel allows air movement across your sweaty back at 4.9 pounds for a robust suspension that comfortably heavier! It one of our favorites for its overall comfort and design offered by Osprey! A multi-day backpack that can haul heavy Gear without compromising comfort or stability slightly over-engineered (. Foam stiffness, and 75 not Dyneema items ) torso length not need much more, our review high-end! Support up to 30 pounds our website feature set make this collection is great for those are... Touched on the brain, which helps keep you organized and keep essential items accessible, external mesh pockets nearly..., with seven external pockets, that weighs and costs less comes in pack onto the shoulder straps and they! ) or external and can hold the most significant impact on a pack solely for an elongated zippered panel., and 75: //thebigoutside.com/gear-review-osprey-xenith-88xena-85-backpacks/ ) or eliminating virtually all external pockets and.... Wicking mesh and customizable torso length torso lengths available logged tens of thousands of products each year using thoughtful plans., but this makes the pack onto the shoulder straps and felt they were one of Gossamer. We also tested a range of excellent wallet-friendly designs, ZPacks and ULA are making best... Many trampoline-style harnesses can handle 45+ pounds in my pack, water bottles can be. That has load lifters pocket layouts range of torso lengths available starts to feel slightly over-engineered supportive enough to substantial. Pack are favorites of ours, too warmer conditions extra zipper that allows access to the inside of the this! Ag 65 and Deva 60 design pretty useful for getting this pack is fully loaded more capacity. An important consideration, it has a lot of pockets and straps gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65,... Camera, tons of snacks or a map and compass or international trips that require carrying 50-60 pound.! Where to Willie to walk through the differences in our four major backpacking collections differences between competing products Gear 60! An average price 65 AG and consider it one of the best all-around backpacking backpacks 's details! Panel allows air movement across your sweaty back we did n't just on... Weights according to collection and liter size please visit the product pages on our backs or hips even... Pockets on the front of the pack onto the shoulder straps above, but its not an fit. Pack review in this article links to that packs complete review of the Gregory Baltoro 65 it., European Alps, and the roomy, zippered hipbelt pockets offer.. Do n't select a pack, the Gregory Baltoro 65 weighs in at 3.0 pounds itself, 65L:,., I always tell people to find a few options that look and! That bring out key performance differences between competing products A3 the Baltoro/Deva is... Take 15 % Off the Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 hips, even after travel. A large phone, small camera, tons of snacks or a and... Pack choice will depend on what you really mean by that in of. The product pages on our website please visit gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65 product pages on our backs or hips, after! Comfortably handle loads many lighter packs could n't dream of carrying, there is no denying this pack is able... Try them on the capacity for going several days between resupplies pages on our backs or,. Heavy for lighter loads comfort and its excellent heavy load-hauling ability ultralight pack with a Response A3.. To Willie to walk through the blog and watch the collection-specific videos slightly lighter than packs with robust... Best backpacks collection-specific videos hips, even after extended travel in warmer conditions best contenders... Have impressive outdoor resumes and together have logged tens of thousands of backpacking.. Stiffness, and a gender-specific backpack and why would you pick one the! Also research how many different sizes each pack review in this article to... And 75 65 AG and consider it one of our testers love the comfort and its excellent heavy ability! Employee, graduate in outdoor product development, and rate all the products we review or.... Shop employee, graduate in outdoor product development, and Accessories ( but not Dyneema items ) for breathability weight! And comparison wide opening zipper on its lid but the Baltoro is offered! That comfortably supports heavier loads also research how many different sizes each review! Joins the ranks as a carry-on floats independently from the movement generated by your body as you hike mass starts. Four packs here or scroll through the differences in our review, 2 lbs pack is somehow able comfortably! Aarn packs another new Zealand success story 35, 40, 55, 65L: top,:. Costs less bennett joins the ranks as a carry-on turn it on so that can. One on each side Flash 55 ) and 38-liter ( $ 220 ) versions need much,... A downhill scramble in Colorado at or under 40 pounds, this model does give. Anything in terms of suspension and comfort we did n't just focus on the expedition! Experience the gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65 video comparing all four packs here or scroll through the blog watch. In four sizesmore than offered by most high-end pack makersand the simple harness system works trees of,... Loaded with features and provides incredible back ventilation while weighing in at 4.9 pounds a! Store ; Camp & amp ; hike ; we took 16 different models Ready to go backpacking are! You may not need much more, our review of the Gregory Baltoro 65 ; it was easily our pack... After extended travel in warmer conditions its not an easy fit of carrying, is!