Thought some people might be interested in a few pics of the Granite Gear Escape AC 60. I havn't seen many places that stock these guys in store I ordered mine in through REI for an upcoming hike. I'm not very good at reviews or pics for that matter so this will be brief, if you wanted to see a certain part of it from a different angle or anything just let me know and I'll do my best.
Wont go into alot of detail heres a link with the specifics of the pack http://www.granitegearstore.com/Product3.aspx?ProductId=164&CategoryId=7
it did weight in right at 3Lbs 2oz on my scale and i'm fairly certain that I can get it down to 3Lbs even.
First a full front view of the pack
Side View
Few things to point out are the three small diameter compression straps one at top one middle and one at the very bottom of the pack. They are positioned in a way that does not compress the side pockets or the stretchy water bottle pockets.
Next is a back view
The back padding is very similar to the padding on the last model (pre 09) Osprey Aether series. Lots of little ridges which seem very comfortable when loaded. It uses Granite Gears interchangeable belts which many are familiar with. The shoulder have long top loader straps with thumb loops very similar to the ones that are on Granite Gears Vapor Trail. One thing to point out is that these 6 straps (hip belt, shoulders, top loaders) and the top inside compression strap are the only typical 1 inch webbing straps. Every other strap on the pack including the lid closure straps are the thin LineLoc straps seen previously on their UL Compression sacks. There is also a very thing black see thru cover over top of the back padding that was hard to get a picture of. This part looks very fragile and I will have to keep an eye on it as it looks like it would be very easy to rip.
Here is a pic of the ability to move the shoulder straps up and down to give a couple of inches of adjustment.
A couple of shots of the side pockets and water bottle pocekts. I love the fact that the compression straps don't prevent the open use of either.
In retrospect I should have pushed the dog toy further down in the pocket to show its full size. The pocket is quite big about 10inches long and even with the bag stuff opened up about 2inches.
Next is the lid pocket. It is one central pocket that opens directly down the middle on the top of the lid. I think this will be easier to use the the typical lid pockets that open at the rear near the head.
Here is a picture of the top compression stap and the underside of the lid. No other pockets on the other side of the lid but it does have to web latching points not really sure what I'd use them for though.
The top of the bag does expanded up a bit,maybe 4inches. I'm assuming that fully extended the bag is 60L and compressed down it is less. Not 100% sure though.
Here are two pics of the large front pocket. Its full zip and has sides made out of the same Lycra feeling stretch material the water bottle pockets that the water bottle pockets are made of. This really helps keep the pocket usable when the bag is fully stuffed.
A few pics of the LineLoc straps and a comparison against a standard 1 inch webbing strap. The actually feel very strong despite their size.
Lastly the most useless or useful thing on the pack depending on which way you look at it. The Rain Cover Pocket. I personally don't use a rain cover most of the time so its kind of useless weight for me, but to those that use a cover all the time it may be quite convenient. Its a small pocket with a reverse zip on the bottom of the pack that has a bit of bungee cord in it to attach the rain cover.
Now the pack does not come with a raincover like the Osprey Kestrel series or Deuter ACT series does so you'll have to provide your own.
There ya go just some quick pics. Havn't gotten a change to try it out in the field yet but I expect it'll work just find. Ill try to update this later after I do. Once again if you have any questions or need any other specific pictures just let me know.
