New: Granite Gear Crown2 60

There’s a lot of different specs flying around the web, but it seems like the new Crown 2 weighs 2 lbs 4oz in the regular size WITHOUT the top. So it’s about 2 lbs, 10 oz with the top.

I just went back and reread Phillips review. I misread his weights. You are correct. Thanks for pointing that out.

2 lb 10 oz with lid jives with my memory from OR.

The framesheet seems stiffer than the gen1 Crown, but 35 pounds still seems rather optimistic to me.  The belt size adjustment mechanism is super slick.

None of GG packs I’ve thought worth owning fit me as they don’t make a LG in any of them. All their “REG” packs are too small, with load lifters laying flat or below the tops of my shoulders. That, and none of the frames are adjustable to a less than straight back.

For similar or less weight, correct sizing, adjustable frame, pass the ULA please…

Brad- what’s your torso? This version and the previous version offered a large with a torso of 21-24 inches.

None of GG packs I’ve thought worth owning fit me as they don’t make a LG in any of them. All their “REG” packs are too small, with load lifters laying flat or below the tops of my shoulders. That, and none of the frames are adjustable to a less than straight back.

For similar or less weight, correct sizing, adjustable frame, pass the ULA please…

Brad,

I have never tried the pack myself, but REI does list the Granite Gear Crown 2 in a “long” size that they state fits torsos up to 24 inches.

https://www.rei.com/product/112645/granite-gear-crown2-60-pack

EDIT:  Looks like TW and I were typing at the same time, and he beat me to the punch!  :)

I’m at a loss when it comes to parsing the various weight stats, but they’ve definitely improved the pocket situation. My main gripe about version one is the lack of belt pockets and the too-short side pockets (which caused me to lose a pristine Smartwater bottle on my last hike dagnabbit).

I have recently picked up one of these packs (Long torso), here are the weights on my little kitchen digital scale:

• Pack naked, no lid, no HDPE framesheet – 909 gr / 2lbs 0oz
• Pack, no lid, *with* HDPE framesheet – 1114 gr / 2lbs 7.3oz
• Pack, lid, HDPE framesheet – 1188 gr / 2lbs 9.9oz
• Pack, lid, AirBeam framesheet replacement – 1068 gr / 2lbs 5.6oz

Note also that the the Gossamer Gear Hoop Stay (and likely similar sized ones from other cottage companies) fits inside the compartment that holds the plastic back panel, and is lighter than the plastic back panel, for another support option.

I had some REI dividends and got the new Crown2 a couple weeks ago. I haven’t taken it on the trail but did load it up for stroll around the neighborhood. Couple quick observations.

Pros:

• The new adjustable hipbelt with pockets is great. I’ve always loved GG hipbelts and this one is no different. The hip pockets are simple, sleek, and perfectly sized.
• The switch from cordura to robic looks like a smart move. The robic feels high quality and plenty tough.
• The suspension back panel seems a tad stiffer and has vented channels. Only time will tell if this proved to be an improvement. Said to carry up to 35lbs…. I think not. 25-30lbs max imo.
• I normally don’t use top lids, but the included lid actually seems fairly light and useful in this case.
• Side pockets are taller which I really like. Can easily hold 2x smartwater bottles.

Cons:

• I owned the original Crown and it feels like they cut some weight by making the shoulder straps even thinner on the Crown2. They’re blocky, too narrow, and uncomfortable. Maybe they’ll wear down, maybe they won’t. If you’re going to make thin shoulder straps, I think it’s better to go wider and flat (ala Gossamer Gear).
• The compression straps went from a cord to thin straps. Personally, I don’t like them whatsoever. They don’t slide well at all. Worse, the top compression (which used to be two independent straps) uses a finicky plastic contraption to thread two straps down to one… (like a Y). It catches, overlaps, and jams every time.

Not sure if this will replace any of my ULA packs, but I do think they mostly made improvements over the original. If your gear is more bulky vs heavy, at 60L this pack might be a winner. For me, this pack will fall into the occasional user / family loaner pack.

Cheers

@ Dan,

REI claims that the listed weight includes the lid and that the lid itself weighs 2.7 oz.  So, for a sized Regular according to REI it would weigh 2 lbs. 2 oz. without the lid.

This pack is also on back-order with REI (that is, it is currently sold out); so I am assuming that is a good thing.

@ Dan,

How comfortable is the back padding on the pack? The padding looks stiff and blocky in the pics.

I am really interested in getting this pack.

Thanks

This pack is also on back-order with REI (that is, it is currently sold out); so I am assuming that is a good thing.

Why is it a good thing? If hordes of people buy something from REI are we assuming it is a good product? Millions of people bought pet rocks. I hear the stores in my area are sold out of Fidget Spinners too.

;-)

I purchased one of these when they first came out.  I have a long torso for a woman (17.5″), and W’s short pack is a fine fit.  The regular would have been too long.

I have now had this out on two trips where loads ranged from 22-30 lbs, and I will say the GGC2 carried very nicely!  My trip last week was 5 days/4 nights in Rocky Mountain Nat’l. Park, and they require a hard-sided bear canister.  I was concerned about getting everything into the pack, since I go solo, but a BV450 sitting upright in the pack sack worked just fine.  I felt a minor pressure point on my shoulder from the strap on the the way in last week, but the foam must have molded or I got used to it, not a problem after the first 5 miles.  The two hipbelt pockets are readily accessible and just big enough to be useful.

I am coming to terms with the funny V-shaped compression strap that buckles over the rolltop bag closure, but it would be nice to have a couple more inches of length on it.  Might also want another inch or two of strap length on the front compression straps.  Overall, I have been amazed at how well this pack carries, and I don’t see ever going back to my heavier, more feature-laden packs.  Good job Granite Gear!

Thanks for the short write-up, Jenny! Could you post the actual weight of your pack, with and without the top pocket? I’d be looking at the women’s short sized model if I tried one out, as well (17″ torso). Thanks!!!

Sorry for the delay…just returned from 3 weeks in Yellowstone!  I want to live there, sigh.

Pack without brain weighs in at 2.0 lbs on my bathroom scale.

Pack with brain weighs 2.2 lbs.  The scale might not be the most accurate thing out there, but I’m not going to quibble over an ounce or two.  The W’s short should be a good fit for you.

None of GG packs I’ve thought worth owning fit me as they don’t make a LG in any of them. All their “REG” packs are too small, with load lifters laying flat or below the tops of my shoulders. That, and none of the frames are adjustable to a less than straight back.

I can’t speak to the current editions, but my Granite Gear Vapor Trail is a long, and is the best fitting pack I’ve ever had. I have a 21″ torso.