I noticed some great prices on Granite Gear packs right now, big sale. I have two – a Granite Gear VC Crown 60 and a Granite Gear Blaze 60. I bought the Crown some years back on a big sale, and it’s a great pack. I used it for a while, but it didn’t carry a bear canister super well; otherwise it was fantastic. I then bought the Blaze through REI, and have used that ever since. It isn’t the lightest pack, but it carries a heavier load (20-30 pounds) really really well. I barely notice 20, and while I notice 30, it’s not bad – no sore spots, no weird loading issues. I only have 30 when I’ve got like 10 days of food, or a big water carry (almost never). I could lighten the Blaze by removing the brain, some of the straps, etc. but I haven’t bothered.
I have tried some other lighter packs, like the Gossamer Gear Mariposa and the Gossamer Gear Kumo, but didn’t like the floppiness and lack of support. The Blaze really works for me so I’ll keep it until it disintegrates completely. Then I might try the REI Flash 55.
Anyway if folks want to try these packs, now’s a good time because they’re extra cheap. Which means it will be hard to sell my Crown – but it might just go to the Scouts, like most of my unwanted gear!
