Granite Gear Crown V.C. 60

Summary

The pack has a nice feature set, but the framesheet suspension system does not live up to the advertised weight of 35 lbs. Even worse, packed without the framesheet, the back begins to buckle at only 15 lbs. Hikers would be better off going with either a true frame or frameless. This one splits the middle and falls short.

Overall, this pack has a nice set of features. The compression system is very effective and it gives several options for carrying gear on the outside of the pack. Its best feature is easily the hipbelt which quickly molds to the shape of your hips, increasing both load transfer and comfort over time.

However, the suspension system is rather poor, and the framesheet doesn't live up to its billing.  I used the pack over six months, in a variety of configurations both framed and frameless. Without the frame, the molded backpanel creates weak spots that cause the pack to buckle even with very light loads (less than 15 lbs.), and the more often this happens, the quicker the frame collapses each time.  With the frame, the pack is good to 25 lbs., but the framesheet is generally frustrating. It keeps the back of the pack from adapting to the shape of your back and becomes uncomfortable over time.  Even more, it is too flexible to provide strong load transfer above 20-25 lbs.

The Crown tries to be a pack of all trades—switching between framed and frameless modes easily. But in the end, the poor suspension keeps it from doing either of them well.

Summary

This is a great lightweight multi-day back pack coupled with Airbeam for the frame for 15 to 30 lb loads.

Bought this for a 28lb load for a two-week backpacking trip.

This is a very comfortable bag and has impeccable quality for the sticking and design.

You have to remember to pack your load correctly and tightened the pack string system so all the contents in the pack are close to the back and not shifting.

The hip belt is a little light which causes the pack to be a little uncomfortable after a few hours on the trail.

I have used this on three backpacking trips in preparation for my two week trip and so far it holds up great.

Summary

Super great product. Both lightweight and durable. I hiked the Appalachian Trail with this pack and it stood up for the whole thing. I'm still using the same pack. It also has an innerchangeable back brace. Great pack!

It stood up to all of my hiking. The only cons were that the side pockets tended to get a little holy with all the throwing around. But other then that it is super durable and lightweight.  

I fell in love iwth this pack after my first use and will always use Granite Gear for my packs from here on out. It is the lightest I could go and the best, most comfortable packs.