Granite Gear Lattitude Vapor?

i think this is a very nice bag the only thing that i dont like is how the strap goes over the mesh on the side ( which can be benificial with a platypus )
also the bag is a bit heavy but its bombproof and would be usefull for many things(thru hiking?).
make sure to get other peoples opinions before buying some one might suggest a bag thats lighter and better for you.
Hunter Nelson

i have a nimbus latitude, which is basically the same pack but with a frame that supports more weight. i really like this pack. if you like panel loading the latitude will be a big bonus for you. the nice thing about that pack is that the hipbelt can be exchanged for a different size if need be, thus creating a bit more of a custom fit. it can also be removed if so inclined. these packs have a large volume but compress decently. i sometimes use mine as a daypack and it is a little floppy, but not to terrible. the center panel on the back is the same stretch mesh as the side pockets so this will reduce stress on the zippers. i have had no problems whatsoever with mine. the backpanel and straps are very comfy.

the downside is they are a bit heavier than most UL packs, i think the pack you are looking at is over 2 lbs. and as someone mentioned the compression straps run over the side pockets. doesn't bother me, but others don't like that.

edit: spelling errors

Rob,

My two concerns with it are that you need to be pretty sure it's big enough, since it has no extension collar, and that it relies on the zips to keep stuff in the bag. If they fail you're SOL.

Have you looked at the GG Alpine Vapor? Theoretically it's 3 litres smaller, but I figure you can get an extra 15 litres in the extension collar. I know this is anathema to BPL but it can help when packing for kids.

Much tougher material over the whole pack, but still the same weight.

Rod

rob, what pack are you currently using?

This was the first lightweight thing I bought when I started reading about UL packing (replaced a 7# Kelty Red Cloud 5600!). It was a good transition pack. A few thoughts:

Negatives:
*side compression straps over the pockets- What the @#$% were they thinking?!? I realize that some people like this, but I never once found it an advantage. It does keep a platy in the pocket well, but the pockets do a fine job without it. It also means that you have NO side compression at all for the bottom half of the pack. I thought I saw somewhere that they were starting to run the straps under the pockets?

*upper side compression straps- you have to really crank on these to get effective compression. Would be much better if there were a couple of straps like the lower ones instead of one the zigzags.

*suspension- the bag is heavy for the amount of weight transfer and comfort I get out of it. My long torso weighs 2#14oz. There are packs out there that weigh around the same that would probably give you a better ride. The whole bag is only attached to the framesheet on the sides, forming a kind of pocket between the framesheet and the packbag. Don't no why this is, or what you are supposed to put in there. All that being said, if I am carrying less than 25 pounds it is pretty comfy.

*load lifters- have not been very effective for me. The part of the bag they attach to is above the framesheet so unless the bag is stuffed to the top and well compressed they don't do much. It is better than not having them, but they could be much more effective.

*hot!- it is pretty warm against my back.

*water proofing- one of the things I like the most about my current top loading pack is the ability to use a trash bag liner rather than a pack cover.

Positives:
*panel loading- great for some applications. If you carry bulky gear that you remove often this would be a big bonus.

*size- 4200 cu in makes it a good pack for light but bulky gear.

*front compression- this is the polar opposite of the side compression straps. On the long torso there are three straps that cross the front of the pack and attach just outside the zippers to the same piece of fabric that the side straps attach to (on the regular torso there are only two). These compress the front very well. There is also a compression system inside the bag. When you open the panel there is a flap on each side with a buckle near the top and the bottom that keep the gear in place when you open it. The outside straps and the inside system, along with the fact that the panel between the zips is made of the same stretchy material that the pockets are, makes it so that there is no stress on the zippers at all.

*removable "lid"- I still love this. This is like a shaped stuff sack that clips in at the top. All of my small stuff was easily organized in it in one place. At night I only had to grab the one thing when I retired to the tent. I do the same thing with two small stuff sacks now, but it is not nearly as handy.

*hipbelt- very solid and comfy. Best one I've seen yet. Shoulder straps are good too.

*torso length- I'm sure it is every bit of the 25" claimed, but yet someone with a shorter torso than me was still able to get a good fit out of it.

I'm sure there are several other things that I liked about it that I can't remember right now. Since I am now using a different pack, the reasons I stopped using it come to mind more easily than the good things. You will also find people that disagree with some of the things that I perceive to be negatives. Bottom line is that I will still be keeping it in case I do any cold weather backpacking with light but bulky gear that won't fit in my Starlite.

Wow! I got long-winded with this one. Sorry- just didn't want to leave out anything that might help. Speaking from experience, you might be better off posting what your specific needs are- your gear, expected conditions, group/family needs, etc.- and soliciting suggestions for a pack that fits those criteria. Then go to the Gear Swap and post a WTB. Many of the items that I bought just because I could get a good deal at the time turned out to be flops.

Anyway, happy pack hunting. Don't hesitate to ask if you want any more specifics.

…

I'm getting the impression that the lattitude vapor is a love it or hate it bag, is that correct? I guess quality wise though are no real complaints.

My torso measures 23.5". The GG has a long pack which is 21-25" so I'm guessing I should be okay there since I'll be in the middle to middle high of the range.

This panel loading is starting to worry me, mainly because I don't really know what it is. Wil the Alpine Vapor be a better choice? Its $190. Thats still a lot of money. I just don't know how much I'll be hiking mainly due to my area, no good area trails. And I still need to get a sleeping bag. Also, the 30 pound load capacity is bothering me. Again, I pack for two.

I looked at ALP Equipment, their only pack in my size is the catalyst at $235. My wife said $200 is the limit. ALP has the Circuit, but it has a length of 21-23". Might be a tad small

BTW: My current pack is a loaner, army ruck sack

Hi Wil,
I have actually owned the Latitude Vapor and the Alpine Vapor. Both are essentially the same suspension system with a different pack bag sewn on the back…one being a panel loader (sort of opens like suitcase) and the other being a stuffsack style.

I actually love panel loaders because it is so easy to get gear in and out, stay organized, etc. Of course, I haven't seen one light enough that I would carry these days. :)

Both have the same limited use of the side pockets, but it sounds like they have changed the design so you won't have that problem. I used my Alpine Vapor much more then my latitude Vapor and I loved it. The pack is ultra, ultra comfy! I don't think you can go wrong with it. However, it is like most GG packs and doesn't have any outside storage other then strapping stuff on. That may bother you or not, but thought it was worth mentioning.

And just to clarify…the 30 lb limit is bothering you because you plan to carry more? Or feel it is too much bag because you will be carrying much less?

Rob,
The Lattitude Vapor is good pack and for me carried 32 lbs or so just fine. The unique, double zipper, panel loading design takes some getting used to, but it's not a big deal IMO. As with most packs, the stated weight was a bit optimistic and my size Large ended up weighing 3 lbs 4 oz.

With no intent to throw you off the trail of the GG pack, I'll just throw this out since you're looking at mid-size packs ….. REI Outlet has the Gregory z55 on sale for $103.93, and they have a color in size Large. This is last years model, but the current upgrades are mostly cosmetic.

>>REI Outlet has the Gregory z55 on sale for $103.93, and they have a color in size Large.

thanks, I looked it up and their large is only up to 21" or 22" so its a bit short.

>>And just to clarify…the 30 lb limit is bothering you because you plan to carry more? Or feel it is too much bag because you will be carrying much less?

I'm afraid I'll be carrying more. Again, I'm hiking with a small boy and having to tote his stuff.

Right now my load is estimated at 32 pounds. However, thats with some heavy gear. I'm using a army ruck and a 10 pound tent. So if the pack can carry 30 pounds, then with what I have right now minus the army ruck, then my gear only is probably less than 30 pounds. I'm looking into tents as well and probably can get a good tent for 5 pounds easy. So that would make a big dent in my load.

I have to carry for two, so that means two bags and a tent. My boy is to small to tote much. However, because of his size, we won't be doing any long hikes. Right now just over nighters, may get aventours and do a two nighter later in the year. We will be doing longer hikes, maybe, as he gets older. That means bigger loads but he'll be able to help more.

The Lattitude vapor says it has a capacity of 4200 cu in in the long size. I'm hoping I can get two bags in that. I would rather get a 5000+ bag, but finding one in that capacity in my size is hard.

I had my heart set on a external frame pack. But again, size is killing me.

maybe I ought to go with the lattitude and try it. Sounds like a good quality bag for $130. And it sounds like bags are something you go through before finding the right fit for you anyway.

Hey Rob,

Maybe you could hold out on purchasing a pack right away until you have some essential gear items that you are comfortable with and that are suitable for you and your son. You may find yourself with a brand new pack and no way to get all your gear into it or in a position where you have too much pack for your gear. Unless you are urgently looking for a pack just to get out with and buy some time then let the hunting begin and keep researching, but spending the money on the contents inside the pack like shelter, sleeping gear, and suitable clothing for your locale is much more important in the beginning.

May I suggest picking up a pack on the gear swap forum and save a bundle and possibly pick up a lighter shelter as well to unload that 10lb tent of yours! That change right there will do miracles for you in the comfort department as well as get you closer to finding out what pack is going to be practical and functional for you and your boy in the long run.

By the way, the panel loading feature is just one specific type of pack loading system, nothing to be worried about, simply put, your pack opens up like a gutted fish and you load your items from the front stacking your items. It is convenient when you are getting items in and out of your pack frequently. Top loading packs are most common, most UL packs are top loading packs with a roll top design, you stuff your gear inside and cinch down the collar and roll the excess fabric down and compress with the top straps. This style of pack has a great amount of wiggle room for fluctuating gear depending on season, locale, and whether you are packing solo or carrying for 2.

Rob,

If you're looking to get 2 synthetic bags in one of the GGs, I think you'll struggle, with the rest of your gear. I don't have an adult syn bag anymore, but if you give me an idea of what size/volume gear you're using, I can load the Vapor Trail up and post some pics.

I find when I'm carrying for the family, it's the food that real kills me. (Last trip was five days for the four of us, and my two kids eat like adults, but carry like toddlers. 750g x 4 people x five days is 15kg. That's 33lb of food!!!!) I see in your trip reports that you guys aren't really cooking yet, but factor that into your pack size.

The first thing I moved out of my pack into the kid's was their sleeping bags, just to free up some volume.

Regards,
Rod

i would agree that 2 synthetic bags may be pushing it as far as volume. in my nibmus latitude i once carried a synthetic bag and a down bag with all my other gear and just about maxed out the volume. i wasn't using compression sacks though.

like eugene said, the first thing i would do is to try to find a lighter shelter. have you ever considered a tarp? it would save alot of weight easily 7-8 lbs. if you can hold onto your pack until you find all your other gear, buying a correct volume pack may be easier.

another thought would be to get your kid to carry his sleeping bag, even if it is the only thing he carries.

just my 2 cents.
ben-

thanks for all ya'lls comments and trying to help me out here.

some more info, I've posted this stuff along other threads so its a repeat, bear with me.

Next month I'm hiking at the smokey mountains. Overnight trip, will be staying in a shelter. So I won't be taking a tent that trip. Might have to tote two bags though, my son's and one for me. Right now I don't use a bag, to hot. But I imagine its 1) cooler up there and 2)sounds like you need one to keep the rats from crawling over you.

For hiking around here, if we do any anytime soon, a sheet is all I need for blanket. I'll still tote my son's bag because its still a secruity blanket for him.

I'm using my BIL's ruck for a pack right now. I would keep using it, heavy, but great. However, I really need to get it back to him. Its been around the world on training and combat and he wants to keep it. He let me borrow it for some trail hiking to see if we liked it. I'm afraid to keep using it because I don't want to mess it up.

So I really need to get a pack. I know I'm putting the cart in front of the horse here, but thats what I'm needing at the moment.

Also, from the looks of things, I really don't have that much of a choice because there aren't that many packs that fit my torso. I can get the lattitude for $130, or get the ULA catalyst for $235. The catalyst has more volume, but does it? Its 4,600cu, but the main comparment is only 2,600. It just has a bunch of pockets.

the lattitude is either 3,800 or 4,200, but its just one big compartment. That may be better for carring the larger stuff I have to carry.

So thats what I'm thinking. Get that large compartment lattitude and then start working on my other gear. If I have to get a new bag down the road, so be it. But then I'll be more informed then and be able to get what I need.

as far as the tent, I'm still looking into that. I don't think I can deal with a tarp down here, but I might try some rigging and backyard campouts and see how one will work.

Well, since you mentioned it, I wanted to earlier, but i abstained as you mentioned you only had around $200 to purchase a pack, the Catalyst would kill the Latitude in terms of carrying ability and versatility at the weight you are at right now and will be amazing as you decrease your load size, it would make a great solo pack for you and also carry gear for 2 amazingly. The Catalyst would be a great pack for the long term haul and if you plan to do trips ranging from loaded overnights to extended trips that pack would fit the bill. Also, you will have a much easier time selling that pack in the future if you wanted to downsize as the ULA packs are near coveted on this forum, the Granite Gear, not so much, especially that particular pack, which is pretty specific.

There is no issue there, you will be able to carry more gear with the ULA Catalyst, it has more volume inside and out, more functional pockets, the mesh exterior pockets accommodate a lot of gear and the design is very thorough, made in the USA by a very experienced hiker, used by hikers. Remember too, the Latitude vapor doesn't have a stay, it relies on a thin framesheet for support, the effectiveness of that frame sheet will degrade as your weight increases over 25lbs. The pack weight comes in less on the Catalyst as well, I believe 42 oz. I may be wrong check the ULA site. Just some things to consider.

I did some more investigation. I think I might go with the Catalyst. Just put the foot down and tell the woman "i'm getting this one and I don't care what it costs!!!"

Actually, I just called the Smokey Mountain backcountry lines and he was telling me a fleese blanket should be fine for July at the Kephart shelter. If thats the case, I may skip out on a bag for myself. I don't really need one for awhile down here. So that should save some money by not having to buy a bag. That will help out in buying a more expensive pack. And then I can say "well, since I don't have to buy a bag can I please, please, please buy this more expensive pack? I'll rub your feet tonight"

Yes – the Catalyst has a much smaller main bag than the Lattitude. However, the front pocket makes up for much of the additional volume. My Circuit is like that – much smaller main bag than my GG Nimbus Meridian, but the front pocket becomes the equalizer. Don't put anything heavy in the front pocket or you could throw off your balance – keep it close to your back.

Rob,

I'm not sure how you feel about used gear, but if you're interested, I bought Steve Evans's Alpine Vapor off him. I had planned on adding a couple of pockets and using it for SAR, but I've got back into using an old pack of mine and just haven't got to it. Plus I have another 4 packs to choose from. If you're interested I can ship it to you for US$110 to get there in about 4 days, or US$95 to get there in about 6 weeks.

(Steve I know this is a couple of bucks more than I paid,last year, but seamail has gone from $15 to $35 and airmail is now $55. Hope that's still a fair deal)

I'll be offline for about 12 hours (work), but I'll check back tonight, or PM me your email.

Rod

Rob-
One comment, I don't mean anything negative by saying it, but it's hard to know your background… I've been fitting packs for nearly a decade, and I've never measured someone at 23.5 inches for a torso length. I might've run into a couple around 22 inches? You might already know this, and might have already done this, and just have a "special" torso, but… you want to measure from the highest point on your hips. So if you put your hands on your hips, and rolled your hands up a bit, then pushed in, your hands would be on the top of your iliac crest. Measure from that highest point to the bump on the base of your neck. I suppose it's possible that you're really that long in the torso, but frankly not likely… The only reason I bring it up is it might help you find a pack within your sizing range.

In terms of the packing for two people bit, I seem to be in the minority on this site, but I'm not sure that a Vapor suspension is adequate. You can literally roll the pack up over the length of the "frame," which is really basically just a disposable flexible cutting board, if you will. Better to a ULA Catalyst, maybe, perhaps a GoLite Quest?…

Best of luck-
Brad

You keep mentioning the ability to roll the pack up with the frame in it. How come I can't do that with my VT?

>>been fitting packs for nearly a decade, and I've never measured someone at 23.5 inches for a torso length. I might've run into a couple around 22 inches?

well, I had my wife measure again and this time she got 22" last night it was 23.5" So who knows. Unfortunately, no real shops around here, only a bass pro shop which has a limited selection. I do remember trying the large packs they had and thinking they were two short so I do think I need to go with something larger than the normal large.

thanks again for all the help. For whatever reason, the vapor just didn't feel right, even with all the good word on it from here. I did some more reading on this site and the ULA seemed to get real high marks everywhere. I also read a thread that a guy wrote who was tall and seemed to try all the packs I was looking at. He had settled on the ULA as well. So I got the catalyst. more than I wanted to spend, but like I said earlier, I'll be able to forgo a sleeping bag for me right now, so I can spend a little extra on the pack.

I did go with a large though. The large is 21-23". last night I measured 23.5" and tonight I measured 22", so I went with the large instead of extra large which is >23".

probably screwed up.

thanks again for the help

Hey David-
I dunno, man. I'm not trying to rip on the packs: they're great packs for the right people. But I have been able to roll up every Vapor I've come across. Start at the bottom and roll 'er up just like a sleeping pad. Granted, it's not going to roll up nice and small and pretty… The reason I keep mentioning it, I guess, is in response to people who keep talking about the frame as something substantial and that is great for 30 pound loads. I just think people should know how the Vapor suspension compares to others on the market… and if someone is planning on carrying gear for two, or is doing longer trips without resupply, they might want to at least consider a more supportive frame like an Ohm or something. Frameless can be great for light loads, but there's a reason we have pack frames: they work great on heavier loads. That's all.

Peace-
Brad

Rob-
It's all good. You probably didn't screw up. When you get that awesome new pack (congrats!), put the center of the hipbelt on that highest point/iliac crest. It's higher than many people are accustomed to. But it's where it "should" be. Why? Because that will allow the hipbelt to do its job, transferring weight from the pack to your skeletal structure. It might feel weird at first. Give it a try for a day or two on the trail. I think you'll find that the pack doesn't slip down, it might feel a little lighter, and you'll have free-er range of motion…

Cheers, peace, and all that-
Brad