Though the Granite Gear Crown 2 60 is an ultralight pack, I filled its innards with a hefty pile of gear for my most recent foray into the wilderness. Available at REI, 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed. (Not to knock tearing it up. Granite Gear really outdid themselves with the Crown 2 60. Add at least two items to compare. We awarded this pack and reviewed it, but in the end think the updates to the Crown 2 60 make it a better choice for most people, and it’s more widely available these days. This is an ultralight backpack, so don’t expect to carry tons of weight. Editor’s Note: This pack was provided by Drop as a sample for review purposes. Our trip was going to be rife with scenic waterfalls and crystal clear topaz pools, which demanded our time and attention. With all these pit stops in mind I opted to carry an exorbitant amount of home-cooked food and bottled drinks, basically turning every trailside break into a wine-and-dine picnic that even Gordon Ramsey would have to admit was spot on. I love the smaller 38 liter version . At just over 2 1/4 pounds, it is bordering on ultralight. The design offers a vague attempt at ventilation, but on our testing, our backs were noticeably sweatier than when we were carrying Osprey packs with airy constructions. You’re paying for materials, thoughtful design, and trail toughness. Backpacks However, we were impressed by how closely the pack and its weight hugged our bodies. Without the removable frame in place, the … A new hipbelt, frame sheet, and detachable lid make this one of the most adaptable packs around. The roll top and compression straps make it so the Crown can feel nice and full with 35, 45, or 60 liters, so if you’re looking for more flexibility it’s nice. First, it comes with a removable floating top lid. This lightweight pack is meant for staying on the move. That said, we tested the high range of 35 pounds and it did very well. Aside from all of the removable components I’ve already mentioned, the Granite Gear Crown 2 60 is available in regular, long, and short sizes. Privacy | Cookies | Terms, The world's most in-depth and scientific reviews of gear, This minimalist model toes the line between traditional backpacking and ultralight. Granite Gear did an excellent job on the fit and function of the top lid. Moreover, I love this added feature to store items that I may want quick access to, like my toiletries or a map. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. The Crown 2 60 is simply more practical for your classic Ultralight Backpacker, especially given how much of it is able to change to your specific needs. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Granite Gear Crown2 60L Backpack - Women's Flint/Midnight Blue Short at Amazon.com. All rights reserved. All trademarks property of their respective owners Granite Gear Hi, Do you think is too much for a base weight of 12lb? 60, boasts our patent-pending fully adjustable Re-Fit hip belt, our new and innovative Air-Current Mark 2 compression molded PP frame sheet with molded foam back panel, and bonus lid (removable), all while weighing in at 2.2lbs. There are also two well-sized pockets on the hip belt that are large enough to store a smartphone, a camera, gloves, hats, snacks, and other smaller items that you us… It’s as if it’s shouting, “Throw me at a tree, then drop me into a river! It's as simple as that. The weight is very similar but I’m afraid This one would be a little too much. Granite Gear Crown-2 60. Just like their name, Granite Gear is truly tougher than granite. In the not distant past, many ultralight backpackers carried a simple closed-cell foam sleeping pad as part of their hiking/sleeping system. I would appreciate a small pocket on one of the shoulder straps, like that found on the Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor. Crown 2 60 Backpack I also packed a not-so-ultralight NEMO Galaxi 2P tent and the stout (though quite lightweight) REI Magma 10 sleeping bag into the Crown 2 on top of dog supplies and many other knick-knacks. Without overdoing it, they’ve added convenient pockets and practical straps everywhere this backpack needed it. The lid is easily accessible and has an opening that enables you to see fairly well what is inside. Learn more about. Some places also still offer the older (but awesome) Crown V.C. Continue reading to see the full Granite Gear Crown 2 60 review below, and check out our guide to The Best Backpacks for Backpacking and Hiking to see our other recommended backpacks. this pack can easily be configured for different types of trips bringing the weight down to a minimum of 22.56 oz. You know, enjoy the journey with a bit more awareness of our surroundings — to live in the moment, if you will. Also, personally, I tend to prefer a slightly larger pack for random extras, like a partner who doesn’t want to carry something, a dog that needs something special, or trying out a new type of gear. Additionally, the exterior compression straps compact your load even further for a tight, orderly pack. The frame itself is removable in case are carrying a lighter and smaller pack. We tested the men’s (also dubbed unisex) Regular-sized version of the Granite Gear Crown 2 60 in the Black/Red Rock colorway. Whether it be in the mountains, on the beach, or along the city streets -- he believes walking is the best way to experience the world. The roll top is executed perfectly, and I really appreciate the way its secured closing straps form a useful carry handle. Reviews & Ratings for Granite Gear Crown2 38L Backpack — 3 reviews — Page 1 (3 reviews) Granite Gear Crown2 38L Backpack $184.95. The Granite Gear Virga 2 is unique in that it is an absolutely frameless pack. The Granite Gear Crown 2 60 backpack is an update to the classic Crown VC 60 and features the new Re-Fit hip belt, an advanced structural frame sheet, and a detachable lid. Weighing at its max at only 37.76 oz. That’s a minor gripe in the grand scheme of things because the Granite Gear Crown 2 60 is a fantastic backpack. The HDPE frame is specifically designed to maintain structural integrity without additional load. The main chute doesn’t have a separate opening at the bottom, so get good at organization. There is a nice mesh panel pocket on the front for drying wet items while you hike or keeping a layer easily accessible. This multi-day pack is as capable as it is versatile, as ultralight as it is ultra-comfortable, and it can be stripped down to its skivvies like a hiker at an alpine lake on a hot day — that’s to say it has a number of conveniently removable parts. Such a good insight to have. Over several months, I’ve used the pack nearly every weekend for hikes of 12 miles or more, so I’ve got a good idea of the bag’s strengths and weaknesses now. Introducing the all-new Granite Gear Crown2 60, an ultralight yet ultra-comfortable multi-day pack. The Best Backpacks for Backpacking and Hiking, backpack hip belts and how to measure in our Guide, backpack torso measurement and adjustable torsos see our Guide, The Best Sleeping Pads for Backpacking of 2020, Meet Pixie Cup: The Outdoor Menstrual Cup that Gives Back, Meet Surviveware Small First Aid Kit: The One-Pound, Perfectly Organized Backpacking FAK, Hikers Brew: Sustainable Flavored Coffee for the Outdoors, The Moosejaw 96 Hour Holiday Sale: Hand-Picked Deals. Review: Granite Gear Crown2 Backpack New for 2017, Granite Gear offers the Crown2 ($200) as a solution for the weekend warrior, the compulsive organizer, and the dedicated thru-hiker. The Granite Gear Crown2 is a lightweight backpack weighing 2.36lbs when fully configured, but thanks to its removable top lid, or brain, it can weigh even less at 2.2 lbs. An excellent internal frame that’s both removable and surprisingly supportive for the ultralight setup. Home to 2.46 lbs. Click it. For the Crown2, Granite Gear added a ‘brain’ – a removable top lid on the pack. I’m Granite Gear. Yeah, I can take it! Material on GearLab is copyrighted. Many pieces are removable as well, making it an ultralight transformer of a backpack. It’s a good face. This pack cuts down on weight by using slim straps and mesh without sacrificing space or functionality. Could it get any better? At just 2.2lbs the Granite Gear Crown2 60 is extremely lightweight. This pack handles loads of 30 pounds or less -- the minimalist materials and slender straps are not meant for much more than that. Well placed, well made. Note the side pouches. The Blaze is about half again as heavy as the Crown2, which is significant, while the Blaze also has more features and is designed to carry about 10 pounds more weight. The load lifters work great, and the adjustable Re-Fit hip belt is intended to fit all body types. I barely noticed it at all. Each claims four or five inches of torso adjustability, though there is no way to change the height of the shoulder straps. Granite Gear Crown2 38 Backpack Review The Granite Gear Crown2 38L backpack is a lower volume version of its popular big brother, the Crown2 60L backpack. Now you know the face I’m talking about. The shoulder straps have a firmer foam, and the mesh that covers the foam on the back is also somewhat abrasive. The Crown 2 60 has the Re-Fit hipbelt, which is highly adjustable and excellently made. Already a lightweight backpack, the Crown 2 60 can go ultralight with exactly the features you want, or don’t want. They are slightly adjustable within those three ranges. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. Straight from the retail shelf, this backpack can haul 35 pounds within its 60 liter capacity, but that capacity doesn’t leave you with a bulky mass of fabric when your load is light like in other styles of bags. Read More. Our previous Budget Pick was the Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor, which remains an incredible pack — one I tested, and have continued to use for many trips. Granite Gear is a market leader in ultralight packs, with a strong following among thru-hikers and other minimalist backpackers. Compare (0) 1 item has been added. Update: Granite Gear has released an update to the Crown VC 60, called the Crown2 60. Granite Gear Crown2 backpack review Ian Slack / April 12, 2020 / Camping. I was seeking a budget-friendly ($99 from granitegear.com), lightweight, framed backpack with a waist belt. If you want a versatile backpack capable of undertaking extended lightweight expeditions or an incredibly capable day hiker, the Crown 2 is the pack for you. It’s also offered in a Long and Short torso, which corresponds to how long your spine is (not how tall you are!). While keeping the load within Granite Gear’s listed limits, though, this backpack performed admirably. Despite its decently lightweight build, the Granite Gear Blaze 60 is exceptionally comfortable. GearLab is reader-supported. The model offers regular and long versions that are just between 2.125 and 2.25 lbs. Everything about the Crown 2 60 feels high-quality and durable. The Granite Gear Crown2 60 is a superbly designed ultra light backpack ideal for multi-day backpacking and long distance thru-hiking. We want to make it easy for you to find the right pack for... the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews.