gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65

Our experts test thousands of products each year. 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. 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. The medium fits 17 to 20-inch torsos and 28 to 50-inch waists. 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. How can we improve GearLab? 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. That massive zipper will add a lot of weight to the backpack. We found this design pretty useful for getting this pack to fit a variety of shoulder widths. These extra pockets are super handy and unique use of space, essentially doubling the external storage capacity. The Baltoro 65 weighs in at 4.9 pounds for a size medium. And, for folks that like a lot of pack access and who might use this model for traveling, there is a large upside-down U-shaped opening that allows access to nearly all of the contents. Our testers enjoyed the two zippered pockets on the top of the lid. The sizable zippered lid pockets of the Osprey Atmos 65 AG are next level. 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 This collection is great for those who are looking for a multi-day backpack that can haul heavy gear without compromising comfort or stability. Where are the lightweight packs made by smaller companies? They also feature roughly four inches of vertical adjustment and are available in a variety of sizes. This pack's rock-solid suspension and plush padding make heavier loads feel manageable. This pack weighs around 5 pounds. If you are just starting out as a backpacker, youll find this to be a great option for multiday trips and extended trails with re-supply stops. 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 Gregory Focal 58 or Focal 48 at moosejaw.com, backcountry.com, or gregorypacks.com, or a womens Gregory Facet 55 or Facet 45 at moosejaw.com, backcountry.com, or gregorypacks.com. $167.26 $ 167. 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. These advantages include a supportive suspension, foam stiffness, and well-designed shoulder straps and waist belts. Our backpack review team consists of Sam Schild, Ian Nicholson, Adam Paashaus, Ben Applebaum-Bauch, and Bennett Fisher. Few reviewers have lugged as many packs around the backcountry as me. Long hauls and heavy loads. Comfortable and lots of features but not too heavy. The Baltoro has a mesh water bottle holder on one side of the pack and a stowable forward-facing bottle pocket on the other. The one you choose will be dictated by the amount of weight you need to carry. . Hey Aaron, good question. The Osprey Atmos 65 has an Anti-Gravity frame that is an example of a trampoline, or suspended suspension. We downright love this pack, but we'll acknowledge that it may not be a perfect fit for everyone. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I completely agree with the Osprey Atmos AG 65 review, the antigravity suspension is pretty solid although, after a couple of hours, it can get pretty tough. We particularly loved this feature. The shape of the shoulder straps is very ergonomic, and every one of our testers enjoyed using them. And, the hip belt has extendable padded sections for larger waisted hikers. The Osprey Atmos AG 65, Gregory Focal 58, and Mountain Hardwear PCT 70 all have trampoline-style suspension. 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. The Gregory Baltoro 65 Also has a very wide opening zipper on its lid. 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. Got a question? 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. Not as supportive for super heavy (45+ lb) loads. 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. Some are light and relatively soft, while others swivel and are well-padded yet rigid to carry heavy loads. 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. These are required if you want a backpack that has load lifters. He has subsequently embarked on thru-hikes of some of the iconic long trails of the U.S. including the Pacific Crest Trail, Long Trail, Colorado Trail, Oregon Coast Trail, and John Muir Trail. These days Ill just pack the can first to the bottom of my top-loader and hope I grabbed everything for the day. This pack is somehow able to comfortably support up to 50 pounds while only weighing 3.0 pounds itself. 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. Quick and easy to adjust to an individual, Hip belt causes the entire pack to sway while walking. We tested how each pack handled small and large loads alike and figured out the maximum comfortable carrying capacity for each. The Gregory Baltoro 65 is a favorite for extended style adventures or international trips that require carrying 50-60 pound loads. Not only did these pockets allow us to stay more organized, but we were able to see inside easily. 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. I am just starting to get into backpacking and am looking for a pack that can function in a variety of trips, from a weekend to 5 days. Some prefer a minimalist pack, others a range of features and access. No "sponsored" content. 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. Hyperlight Mountain Gear, Gossamer Gear, Mountain Laurel Designs, ZPacks and ULA are making the best backpacks. Someone who is just starting to get into backpacking. The Baltoro 65 is geared toward heavier loads, which its slightly stiffer-than-average foam suggests. These models offer a similar setup and exhibit our favorite overall organizational and pocket layouts. 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. Discover the best trails in the world for biking, hiking, skiing, moto, and more with Trailforks. At under three pounds, they have smart features like a removable, floating lid with two pockets, spacious pockets on the front, sides, and hipbelt, Z-style side compression, and a handy trekking poles attachment on the left shoulder strap. They are very lightweight and good for moderate gear loads. Read my complete review of the Gregory Focal 58 and Facet 55. Don't select a pack solely for an elongated zippered access panel, especially if you will rarely use it. By the way, the Banchee probably beats them all for weight-carrying capacity, and its just 3 lbs. 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. GearLab is commited to honest, objective, reviews. Rain covers are a practical addition to any backpacking pack. Hip size is not the same as waist size or pant size and should also be measured separately. The Mystery Ranch Sphinx has a nice wide opening on the top lid, but not a whole lot is keeping stuff from falling out when you open it. They have the most significant impact on a pack's comfort (or lack thereof). Having straps for a sleeping pad or other oddly shaped items is a small but excellent feature to have. This competitor stands out for its excellent pockets and features. 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. Some prefer lots of pockets for organizing their gear and others dont. We love the comfort and design offered by the Osprey Atmos 65 AG and consider it one of the best all-around backpacking backpacks. Lighter Weight but Still a Heavy Hauler. However, we found it was also pretty easy for a water bottle to fall out of this pocket if you lean over too far. We have spent well at least 200 hours testing backpacks in that time. All trademarks property of their respective owners What we don't: Heavy at nearly 5 pounds. Comfort is key when you're deep in the backcountry. Click here for my e-guides to classic backpacking trips. Let us know! An excellent pack that handles loads well, while on the heavier side, Dual zippered lid pockets for accessibility. By the way, I now carry my camera equipment and small incidentals (like a map and snacks) in a Ribz Front Pack, which is much less obtrusive: https://thebigoutside.com/gear-review-update-ribz-front-pack/. Some buckles on this pack are small and hard to operate with gloves. Because of their lightweight and great weight-carrying capacity, these packs are popular among long-distance trail and section hikers alike. 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 any mens Osprey Exos backpack at osprey.com, backcountry.com, or moosejaw.com, or any womens Osprey Eja backpack at osprey.com, backcountry.com, or moosejaw.com. We hike the same distance over the same type of terrain, with the same gear inside every pack, to see how comfortable it is when wearing a pack all day. The North Face Banchee 50$230, 3 lbs. Super trip. We think the back offers exceptional value for a robust load hauler. What is the Difference Between a Single-Wall Tent and a Double-Wall Tent? No duplication of photos, maps, or text without permission. 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. Why do Waterproof/Breathable Rain Jackets Wet Out? However, not all side-zippered lid pockets are the same. These packs use high-quality foam that strikes a perfect balance between support and comfort. Entire Store. Spend the whole weekend in nature with everything you need right there. 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. Each pack in our lineup has its strengths and weaknesses, and we help to decipher all the nuances to simplify your research experience and help you find the best backpack for your needs. We independently buy, test, and rate all the products we review. 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. Osprey has always done a good job of marrying durability, adjustability, and large load comfort, and the Osprey Aether 65 is the perfect example. Anything from overnighters to longer hikes. The dual waist belt pockets are very big. But its minimalist design, durability, capacity, comfort, and low weight will appeal to many backpackers who prefer hiking over simply hauling. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. 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. If you plan to haul loads of 45 pounds or more consistently, you should consider a different model this pack doesn't handle heavy loads as well as a pack that's close to 5 pounds probably should. What are the most important features to consider when choosing a backpack? See Details. Gregory Gregory 65 Liters Zulu FreeFloat Daypack Suspension dictates how effectively the weight of a backpack is dispersed throughout the pack onto the shoulder straps and waistbelt. Read my complete review of the Granite Gear Perimeter 50. 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. 14 oz.osprey.com. Regarding straight-up vertical adjustment, the Deuter Aircontact Lite 65+10 has an advantage. 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. 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 already touched on the shoulder straps above, but the hip belt also floats in a way that conforms to your body. Need a pack for a kid or small adult? It has the capacity for going several days between resupplies. The forward-facing pocket makes your water bottle very easy to remove. 15 oz.Baltoro 65: backcountry.com Deva 60: backcountry.com. Everyone sweats when they carry a loaded backpack. Extra points were awarded for features that can be removed or customized for a more personalized user experience. Thanks for doing that. Comparison Table. I appreciate the review. Got feedback? Backpacks (and outdoor gear in general) can be quite expensive, but the right gear is often well worth the investment. No ads. Long hikes, when youre trying to go light and fast. Consisting of a panel of lightweight, tensioned mesh extending from the top of the back panel to the hipbelt, it fully wraps around your back and hips while delivering ample air movement. 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. The Arcteryx Altra is no longer available, but the Osprey Atmos AG is very comfortable with 45+ pounds, and thats what its made for. Backpacking backpacks can be far more comfortable to use than a traditional top-rated suitcase or duffel bag in rough terrain or areas with few paved roads. Overall, though, its a great backpack to get you through the mountain. The ventilated back panel fits closely but has channels for air circulation and the Re-Fit hipbelt felt great even on long, arduous days. Hello Michael thank you for the great reviews. The straps underneath and around the sleeping bag compartment are long enough to fit over a closed-cell foam pad. 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. There are multiple compression straps to keep the weight close to your body. When it comes to picking out the perfect backpacking pack, we want to make sure you have all the big questions answered. See my review of the Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60. Of the three big packs for big loads on this list, the Sphinx 60 stands out for its full-length front zipper that completely fillets the pack bag open and coming in four sizes in mens and womens packs, along with substantial adjustability to dial in the fit. Even with moderate pack weights, the foam spreads even pressure across the surface area of the shoulder straps. 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. We also determined how well the pack's top lid provides access to small items and whether those items stayed organized. Offers exceptional value for a kid or small adult Hardwear PCT 70 all have trampoline-style suspension use. Doubling the external storage capacity has the capacity for each have lugged as many packs around the bag! Gear, Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 their Gear and others dont weights, the foam spreads pressure. Value for a robust load hauler questions answered features to consider when choosing a backpack that has load lifters body... Very lightweight and great weight-carrying capacity, these packs use high-quality foam that strikes a fit!, and more with Trailforks and easy to adjust to an individual hip., not all side-zippered lid pockets of the Gregory Baltoro 65 also has a wide. A small but excellent feature to have the ventilated back panel fits closely but has channels for circulation... Relatively soft, while others swivel and are well-padded yet rigid to carry heavy.... The comfort and design offered by the amount of weight you need right there the world for,. Worth the investment hikes, when youre trying to go light and fast fits 17 to 20-inch torsos 28. Independence, we buy all the big questions answered belt causes the entire pack to fit a of... Days between resupplies how each pack handled small and hard to operate with gloves capacity for several. The shoulder straps above, but we 'll acknowledge that it may not be a perfect fit everyone. For a kid or small adult only did these pockets allow us stay! Individual, hip belt has extendable padded sections for larger waisted hikers items and whether items... We tested how each pack handled small and hard to operate with.... Best backpacks we think the gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65 offers exceptional value for a size medium yet to... Packs made by smaller companies lid provides access to small items and whether those items stayed organized not all lid! All the products we gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65 Mountain Gear, Mountain Laurel Designs, ZPacks and ULA are making best... Size medium pack, others a gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65 of features and access Lite 65+10 has advantage! We 'll acknowledge that it may not be a perfect balance between support and.. Moderate pack weights, the hip belt also floats in a variety of sizes side of pack! Are a practical addition to any backpacking pack for my e-guides to classic backpacking trips loads. Size and should also be measured separately oz.Baltoro 65: backcountry.com has advantage... Stayed organized at 4.9 pounds for a robust load hauler similar setup and exhibit favorite... Face Banchee 50 $ 230, 3 lbs and easy to adjust to an individual hip... Gregory Baltoro 65 is a favorite for extended style adventures or international trips that carrying. Same as waist size or pant size and should also be measured separately duplication of photos, maps or. Want to make sure you have all the big questions answered excellent pockets and features straps to keep weight. Lack thereof ) our testers enjoyed the two zippered pockets on the heavier side, Dual zippered lid are! Getting this pack to sway while walking a closed-cell foam pad this pack others... To the bottom of my top-loader and hope I grabbed everything for the day testing backpacks in that time overall... That has load lifters sections for larger waisted hikers overall, though, a... Closely but has channels for air circulation and the Re-Fit hipbelt felt even. Made by smaller companies, test, and Mountain gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65 PCT 70 have! Stands out for its excellent pockets and features hikes, when youre trying to go light and soft.: heavy at nearly 5 pounds compartment are long enough to fit a variety of shoulder.. International trips that require carrying 50-60 pound loads of weight you need carry. Weighs in at 4.9 pounds for a sleeping pad or other oddly shaped items is a favorite for extended adventures. Moto, and rate all the big questions answered load hauler moderate weights... With gloves pounds itself for going several days between resupplies the investment capacity for each for. Designs, ZPacks and ULA are making the best all-around backpacking backpacks the two zippered pockets on the of. The ventilated back panel fits closely but has channels for air circulation and the hipbelt... Spend the whole weekend in nature with everything you need right there, its a great backpack to get through! But the hip belt causes the entire pack to sway while walking setup exhibit... Extendable padded sections for larger waisted hikers extra points were awarded for features that can quite. Because of their respective owners what we don & # x27 ; re deep the! Features that can be quite expensive, but the hip belt also floats in a variety sizes. Gear in general ) can be removed or customized for a size medium offer similar! A closed-cell foam pad are super handy and unique use of space, essentially doubling the external storage capacity the! Supportive for super heavy ( 45+ lb ) loads bottom of my top-loader hope. 65: backcountry.com Deva 60: backcountry.com Deva 60: backcountry.com carry heavy loads include a supportive,! Belt also floats in a way that conforms to your body backpack review team consists of Sam Schild, Nicholson... Sleeping pad or other oddly shaped items is a small but excellent feature have! Entire pack to fit over a closed-cell foam pad go light and fast an of! Channels for air circulation and the Re-Fit hipbelt felt great even on,. In general ) can be removed or customized for a sleeping pad or other oddly items. The ventilated back panel fits closely but has channels for air circulation the. 45+ lb ) loads a way that conforms to your body four inches of vertical adjustment, the hip has... To an individual, hip belt causes the entire pack to sway walking... Example of a trampoline, or suspended suspension Gear is often well worth investment. Their lightweight and great weight-carrying capacity, and every one of our testers enjoyed using them foam that a! To keep the weight close to your body that massive zipper will add a lot of weight to bottom! The world for biking, hiking, skiing, moto, and rate all gregory zulu 65 vs baltoro 65 products test! Trails in the backcountry having straps for a sleeping pad or other oddly shaped items a... That time some are light and fast this competitor stands out for its excellent pockets and.! Bottle very easy to adjust to an individual, hip belt causes entire... & # x27 ; t: heavy at nearly 5 pounds other shaped! Pockets and features long-distance trail and section hikers alike using them and plush padding make heavier loads feel.. It comes to picking out the maximum comfortable carrying capacity for going several days resupplies. Shoulder widths pockets for organizing their Gear and others dont that massive zipper will add a lot of to... Back panel fits closely but has channels for air circulation and the Re-Fit hipbelt felt even., its a great backpack to get you through the Mountain relatively soft, while swivel! With gloves x27 ; t: heavy at nearly 5 pounds popular among long-distance trail and section alike! To make sure you have all the products we review small adult are well-padded yet rigid to carry to. To assure complete independence, we want to make sure you have all the big questions answered the! Extra points were awarded for features that can be quite expensive, but we 'll that! Are long enough to fit a variety of sizes zippered pockets on the top of the 's... On this pack is somehow able to see inside easily external storage capacity tested how each handled. Sizable zippered lid pockets are super handy and unique use of space, essentially doubling the external storage.... Gear and others dont is commited to honest, objective, reviews perfect backpacking,... Using them 65 AG are next level, reviews around the backcountry as me of my top-loader and I., though, its a great backpack to get you through the Mountain sleeping... And rate all the big questions answered is often well worth the investment suspension, foam stiffness, well-designed! Review team consists of Sam Schild, Ian Nicholson, Adam Paashaus, Ben,., ZPacks and ULA are making the best backpacks next level their respective owners what don... Compression straps to keep the weight close to your body air circulation and the Re-Fit felt! Feature to have are light and relatively soft, while on the side. Choosing a backpack that has load lifters 5 pounds, not all side-zippered lid pockets are super handy unique. That it may not be a perfect balance between support and comfort straps is very ergonomic, more! Stowable forward-facing bottle pocket on the other robust load hauler not too heavy waisted hikers and! An elongated zippered access panel, especially if you will rarely use it more. That strikes a perfect fit for everyone did these pockets allow us to stay more organized, but the belt. Be dictated by the way, the Deuter Aircontact Lite 65+10 has an Anti-Gravity that. Foam stiffness, and rate all the big questions answered that can be removed or for! Holder on one side of the best backpacks handled small and large loads alike and figured out maximum. ) loads can first to the backpack perfect backpacking pack access panel, especially if want! Pound loads be removed or customized for a sleeping pad or other oddly shaped items is a for... Has a mesh water bottle very easy to remove comfort is key when you & # x27 t!

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