User Review: Granite Gear Nimbus Latitude Ki

Granite Gear Nimbus Latitude Ki
Above: The current Nimbus Latitude Ki, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed September 3, 2005 by Andi

Rating:
Design: Front-loading
Size: Regular 18"-22"
Number of Pockets: 2 small zippered/2 large open exterior
Max. Load Carried: 40#
Height of Owner: 5'5"
Price Paid: $209

I am not obsessed by the "lightweight" backpacking frenzy, however, this craze has created an awareness for a balance of comfort with thoughtful packing. The decision between using my die-hard Dana Design Terraplane-X, a comfortable 8 plus pounder, bomb-proof pack with lots of room for over packing or get a new pack. Wanting a women specific pack I looked at the Arc'Teryx Bora 80 and the Nimbus Latitude Ki.

The Hike: 9 days in the Lake Tahoe area.

Outcome: COMFORT -- Excellent!!!! When I first loaded this pack and walked around my house I thought...no big deal. Then I loaded my Dana with the same weight distribution and WOW! I could sure tell the difference. The Nimbus was compact and easy to move around with. I would compare it to a pack that huggs your back and moves with you. The Nimbus Latitude Ki proved itself to be a "comfort" dream on the trail. No sore shoulders, hips, or back...yes, really! It was a dream for comfort with an average load of 35-40 pounds.

FRONT LOADING -- Took a few pack-ups to get used to, but nothing worth fretting about. Two zippers attach the main flap run the entire length of the pack creating ease for loading or quick retrieval.

FYI -- Two small zipper pockets stretch and are perfect for miscellaneous items. Two large lower pockets stretch and are deep and spacious. The interior hydration sleeve had not problem with a 3L Camelbak. The interior hidden lid proved to be a drawstring bag with a foam bottom. It detaches from the pack and is handy for items you may want in the tent or for use around camp. Exterior compression straps can be used to carry a tent and/or sleeping pad. The base of the pack is durable and did not show any remarkable wear from the granite environment.

In-A-Nutshell: Loved the pack!!!!! If you can get by with 3900 cubes, want to drop a few pounds of pack weight as well as having a pack that fits a woman's shoulders, hips, and back like a dream, take a look at this one. I was "MORE" than pleasantly surprised. Not one ache or sore spot (not including feet), thanks Granite Gear!!!