New Granite Gear Blaze 60, women’s

I returned a ULA Catalyst pack that I recently purchased to accommodate my gear plus bear canister. My old pack, a GG Crown VC60, was great in every way, except it just didn’t feel good with a loaded canister. So, I just received a new GG Blaze 60 pack, women’s model, from REI, and wow! Unlike the fussing and fiddling I was doing with the Catalyst, I easily fit all my gear in the new pack, with nothing attached outside except my light foam pad. Even my rain gear can fit inside although I generally carry it in the outer pocket for handy access. The bear canister fits either horizontally or vertically but is better upright. I can’t feel it at all with the pack’s frame, which is very comfortable. Water bottle pockets are easier to reach than those of either the Catalyst or the Crown. And the cinch straps really compress the load nicely.

Downside is that it’s a pound heavier than my Crown. But it feels so much better with the awkward canister in it. There are a few things I could remove, like the lid, to lose some weight. Not sure how much I’ll remove or if I’ll want them.

The pack also looks “cute,” although probably not a criterion most here care about.  I don’t either, just noting it’s a visual improvement on the Crown. I can’t give a thorough review since I haven’t tested it, just packed it with my full gear and loaded canister (not water though). But my first impression is “yes!”

Now if only I could find shoes that gave me the same reaction! I think I’m on pair #12…

Karen – Glad you found a pack that suits your needs so well.  I also have a Blaze 60 (last generation) that I keep around specifically for those times when I need to carry more than 25 lbs.  I would characterize it’s performance under your stated conditions similarly…very comfortable, nice features, wish it were a pound lighter :)