gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65

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 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. Different people have different styles of packing needs. BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking either of these affiliate links to purchase a Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Windrider backpack at backcountry.com or hyperlitemountaingear.com or a Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest backpack at backcountry.com or hyperlitemountaingear.com. 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. Copyright 2007-2023, SectionHiker.com and Fells Press LLC. The Flash 55 does a great job of keeping the price low, but the durability and support issues are still true. Please turn it on so that you can experience the full capabilities of this site. Ive tested and reviewed dozens of backpacks over the past two decades, and Ive liked some ultralight packs; but they may not be as ideal for many users as they are for you, based on my personal experience and the clear demands of consumers. After extensive testing with typical 25 to 45-pound loads, the ULA Catalyst and Osprey Atmos 65 AG, and Gregory Focal 58 proved to be the most comfortable. 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. Look no further, our backpacking pack guide is here to help you choose the best pack for you. Also, many side access panels are a pain to close when the pack is fully loaded. 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. These openings enable access to a part of the pack that is hard to get at from the top without unloading it all on the ground first. Some packs, like the Granite Gear Blaze 60, Gregory Baltoro 65, and Osprey Aether 65, allow the foam padding of the waistbelt to extend out to fit larger waist sizes. When evaluating a backpack, its important to find out how the manufacturer calculates its pack volume. 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. Some premium packs let you adjust the length of these components so you can get a personalized fit. The Baltoros and Devas FreeFloat suspension system, updated in 2022, has 3D mesh and a foam-free design that improves air flow across your back; more adjustability in the torso length (in three sizes for men and women), shoulder harnesses, and hipbelt (and the latter two pivot independently, enhancing comfort); enlarged hipbelt pockets; an attachment for a bear spray holster; and a lighter carbon footprint with 31 percent less plastic. We look to see if the torso length is adjustable and how much adjustability is built into the waist belt and shoulder straps. The straps underneath and around the sleeping bag compartment are long enough to fit over a closed-cell foam pad. You can move this model's shoulder straps up or down nearly 10 inches, helping it fit a wide range of users and be genuinely tailored to its wearer. 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. How can we improve GearLab? 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. 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. Barely tipping the scales at 2.8 pounds, the ULA Catalyst is an excellent pack for lightweight enthusiasts. Do this while wearing the clothes you expect to hike in. We also determined how well the pack's top lid provides access to small items and whether those items stayed organized. Comfort is key when you're deep in the backcountry. More sizes mean it could work for a broader range of users. Amazon.com : Gregory Mountain Products Zulu 65 Liter Men's Overnight Hiking Backpack, Empire Blue, Small/Medium : Sports & Outdoors . Best Use. 15 oz.backcountry.com. 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. We have spent well at least 200 hours testing backpacks in that time. We assess how well the weight is distributed between the hips, back, and shoulders by loosening and tightening the shoulder straps, hip belt, and load lifter straps. Some buckles on this pack are small and hard to operate with gloves. 8 oz.moosejaw.com. 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. If we knew we had heavier loads in our future, this pack would be on our shortlist. 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. 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. It's not surprising that this pack has earned a cult-like following. The Baltoro has a mesh water bottle holder on one side of the pack and a stowable forward-facing bottle pocket on the other. This tends to provide more airflow, making these packs cooler and less sweaty, but typically less capable of handling heavier loads. Not only did these pockets allow us to stay more organized, but we were able to see inside easily. The Baltoro and Deva's (the women's version) carrying comfort have never failed to impress. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. If you are someone who appreciate extras like a zippered access to the main compartment, an integrated raincover, and ample exterior pockets, the Baltoro/Deva collection is the best choice. For features and ease of use, we look at every feature on a pack to see if those features are useable as intended and if they make the pack better. Qualified orders eligible for FREE S&H and FREE RETURNS. The Baltoro 65 is a nylon and polyester backpack for men. Shop All Backpacking Packs. Join The Big Outside to get full access to all of my blogs stories. THE VERDICT. Features include a U-shaped zipper that opens up the entire main compartment; nine very functional external pockets; widely adjustable compression straps that cross over the pack bag; and attachments for sunglasses, trekking poles, and ice axes. Hip size is not the same as waist size or pant size and should also be measured separately. A well-balanced design and rich feature set make this collection a perfect companion for both quick overnighters and extended trips. Shop All Backpacking Packs. The large fits 18 to 21-inch torsos and 30 to 52-inch waists. Americas Best Backpacking and Outdoor Adventures. 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. 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. Granite Gear Perimeter 50$250, 50L/3,050 c.i., 3 lbs. These allow airflow between your back and the pack's load, reducing back sweat. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. . That works, but its not an easy fit. The Zulu will efficiently handle most things that you ask of it and is a well balanced all-mountain bag. Everyone wants the best possible fit and comfort, and almost everyone has a budget. 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. Would just like to hear you opinion on what would be the best investment. 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. 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. We're always looking for the best backpacks to fuel our What are the best binoculars? With all this carrying gear on his back and his bike, Sam is quite the expert on backpacks. Its a comfort thing. It's an impressive pack in both weight and weight capacity. Adjustable for fit, including the hipbelt, they carry 45 to 50 pounds with supreme comfort and come loaded with features like nine pockets, a convenient trekking poles attachment on the left shoulder strap, and an integrated cover panel to replace the removable lid. We looked at each pocket and asked ourselves: Does this pocket make my life easier and keep me more organized? GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. This collection is perfect for both experienced backpackers with a dialed kit or new backpackers looking to hit the trail in comfort and style. Or is it just adding weight to the pack? Gregory Backpacks, Bags, Boxes, & Storage. Though this isn't a high-tech, revolutionary pack, part of its appeal is its simplistic yet functional design. See my reviews of the Gregory Wander 70 and the Osprey Ace 38, 50, and 75. 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. Got feedback? Extra points were awarded for features that can be removed or customized for a more personalized user experience. Best Use. 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. Each one is large enough to fit a 1-liter Nalgene water bottle. In every respect, the mens Baltoro and womens Deva packs have long filled the big-pack role extremely well, and trips in Idahos Sawtooth Mountains and on the Teton Crest Trail demonstrated that the latest versions of these two packs are only better. We also note how well each pack transfers the weight to the front of the shoulder straps rather than the top, so your shoulders don't get crushed. The big difference here is that these models are more comfortable for people without a base pack weight below 20 pounds. I try to respond to all comments. 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. These advantages include a supportive suspension, foam stiffness, and well-designed shoulder straps and waist belts. Since REI no longer carries the Flash 65 backpack, you must have an older model. 14 oz. They are very lightweight and good for moderate gear loads. One of my favorite parts of the canyon. Since bottles go in vertically, there is no inference with arm swing. 65 s . We didn't just focus on the high-end expedition models, either. 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. Some prefer lots of pockets for organizing their gear and others dont. Anything from overnighters to longer hikes. These pockets keep you organized and keep essential items accessible. 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. Hey Aaron, good question. Almost all of the packs in this review have a location to store a hydration bladder where it should stay upright. 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. The Gregory Baltoro 65 Also has a very wide opening zipper on its lid. Shoptics. 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. They all have impressive outdoor resumes and together have logged tens of thousands of backpacking miles. The top-loading design and multiple storage pockets will help you keep your gear handy, without needing to take everything out of the bag in order to reach what you need. . A spring steel rod lends the pack an ergonomic shape plus rigidity along the vertical axis and some horizontal flex, while a PE board cone disperses weight. So many people prefer buying packs with ventilated frames that leave an air gap between your back and the pack to help dry your shirt faster. The Anti-Gravity suspension feels more like putting on a jacket than a backpack. See The Big Outsides Gear Reviews page for categorized menus of all gear reviews and expert buying tips. 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. There are multiple compression straps to keep the weight close to your body. If you are looking for a backpack that offers a good balance between features, weight, suspension, and price, this is the pack for you. FREE delivery Feb 1 . GearLab is reader-supported. The Baltoro's suspension is stiff and robust, but this makes the pack quite heavy. 1-48 of 70 results for "Gregory Baltoro 65" RESULTS. Only fairly large backpacks (60 liters or larger) are wide enough to lay a canister in horizontally, which I think is the best way to fit a canister inside a pack. So while I cant really comment on that brand specifically, I did, for many years, use sizable front packs for carrying camera equipment, which is a setup similar to the way AARN packs distribute weight front and back. The dual waist belt pockets are very big. Though it is pricier than some packs, this model doesn't give up anything in terms of suspension and comfort. Nylon (210D) 30, 35, 40, 55, 65L: Top, front: 6 exterior: Granite Gear Blaze . 3 oz.moosejaw.com. What is the difference between a unisex and a gender-specific backpack and why would you pick one over the other? Hello Michael thank you for the great reviews. The smaller versions of the Gregory Optic and Octal and the Osprey Exos and Eja would probably work, as well as the Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor. Then Ill judge whether it deserves to be on this list, which covers the best packs for backpacking that Ive used so far. The medium fits 17 to 20-inch torsos and 28 to 50-inch waists. That massive zipper will add a lot of weight to the backpack. Lightweight packs are often more expensive, less durable, and less supportive. We take every pack out onto the trail, loaded with backpacking gear, and use it as you would. Bennett joins the ranks as a former gear shop employee, graduate in outdoor product development, and a current thru-hiker. 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. Thanks for the good question. Copyright 2023 Samsonite IP Holdings S.AR.L. If you plan to hike in tough desert or mountainous terrain or off-trail, its best to get a backpack that has as little external mesh (pockets) as possible, because these are usually the first things to get ripped up on a backpack. This pack is somehow able to comfortably support up to 50 pounds while only weighing 3.0 pounds itself. 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. For carrying loads of 50 pounds or more, I want a pack thats supportive, comfortable, and tricked out. 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. Read my complete review of the Mystery Ranch Sphinx 60. If they all fit you equally wellwhich isnt likely, but speaking hypotheticallythe pack capable of carrying the most weight may be the Flex Capacitor. Long hauls and heavy loads. Want an ultralight pack with more total capacity than the 3400 Windrider and seven external pockets, that weighs and costs less? Read more. Ive been backpacking for a couple decades at this point and I used to appreciate the storage spot at the base of an external frame pack to strap on a heavy bear can where its comfortable for a lower center of mass. Even with moderate pack weights, the foam spreads even pressure across the surface area of the shoulder straps. With SO many options out there, it can be hard to know what bag is going to go the distance with you. Our comprehensive review is here to help We've been testing the best backpacking stoves for over a What's the best backpacking water filter? 4 oz.backcountry.com. We downright love this pack, but we'll acknowledge that it may not be a perfect fit for everyone. Tall people can have short torsos and short people can halve long torsos, so it pays to measure this correctly. 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. 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. These straps are also useful for strapping wet gear outside your pack. When Adam isn't thru-hiking with his family, you can find him trail running, rock climbing, planning his next trip, or scouting the next place to call home. We took 16 different models Ready to go backpacking? I have a REI flashpack 65 can you comment on this bag? Thin and flexible plastic frames sheets that are sewn into the back of a pack, but are not removable. How important is pack weight and getting a frame or hip belt that can be adjusted to fit your personal dimensions. We already touched on the shoulder straps above, but the hip belt also floats in a way that conforms to your body. And theyre made with recycled fabrics. Some fabrics are also thicker and tougher than others. 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. Granite Gear Blaze 60$300, 3 lbs. No duplication of photos, maps, or text without permission. The Zulu/Jade collection is designed with FreeFloat suspension. 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. The women's version of this pack is the Gregory Deva 60. This pack's rock-solid suspension and plush padding make heavier loads feel manageable. Torso adjustment system direct-connects to . Which is why Ive long found a zipper accessing the bottom of a pack to be largely superfluous weight. Our team of experts knows what makes a great pack. Comparison Table. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. This contender is on the less expensive side of the models with similarly robust suspension systems. The forward-facing pocket makes your water bottle very easy to remove. The fixed suspension comes in four sizesmore than offered by most high-end pack makersand the simple harness system works. Perfect for those who are in the market for a pack with all the features you need with no extraneous extras. You could stand upright with them and have the center of balance of a pack lower. Each pack review in this article links to that packs complete review at The Big Outside. +1-800-504-5817 Contact Us Chat now. Readmy complete review of the Granite Gear Blaze 60. 15 oz.Baltoro 65: backcountry.com Deva 60: backcountry.com. The REI Flash 55 is an inexpensive, lightweight, and well-designed backpacking backpack. Osprey Ariel Plus 70 Pack - Women's. (3) $410.00. Having straps for a sleeping pad or other oddly shaped items is a small but excellent feature to have. Gregory 65 Liters Zulu FreeFloat Daypack ON SALE 145294-9976, 145294-0527, 145673-9976, 145673-0527. However, we found it was also pretty easy for a water bottle to fall out of this pocket if you lean over too far. Men and women have very different anatomical needs when it comes to fitting a backpack. His next journey starts in just a couple of months, where he will attempt to complete the Triple Crown of Backpacking by thru-hiking the Continental Divide Trail. FreeFloat offers a ComfortCradle system which floats independently from the movement generated by your body as you hike. This system allows for adjustment of both the torso length and hipbelts, for a more custom fit to ensure optimal comfort. They sport six external pockets, including two on the hipbelt and a large, stretch-mesh front pocket, and useful features like shoulder-strap attachments for trekking poles and sunglasses. If youre considering a new pack and liked the previous Flash, you may like the new one even more. 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. 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. FEATURES FreeFloat ventilated suspension featuring . We feel this makes it an exceptional value overall. United States. Got a question? These packs would probably be a good match if you'll be hauling heavy loads over a long period of time (for at least, say, 3 full days). We won't accept manufacturer's freebies. 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. No ads. Free Shipping On All Orders - No Minimum! GOSSAMER-GEAR.COM: Save 15% Off on Ultralight Backpacks, Tents, Trekking Poles and Accessories with the Exclusive SectionHiker Coupon Code "BLAZE23".

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