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 June 19, 2006 by mbarnett

Rating:
Design: Front-loading internal
Size: 3900 cubic inches
Number of Pockets: 7
Max. Load Carried: 30 pounds
Height of Owner: 5'5"
Price Paid: C$267

I came to this pack basically because none of the others I tried on fit me or were remotely comfortable. I had spent about three hours in various stores with various packfitters and nothing really adapted well to my body -- until I was at an outdoor show that had a Granite Gear rep. It was love at first fitting. It was a little smaller than I wanted but although I was not looking for it the light weight of this pack was an added bonus. I was also a little confused by the front-loading system with the stretch fabric cover, and was hoping for a separate sleeping bag compartment but I went into the purchase with an open mind.

Comfort: This pack is incredibly comfortable; the first day with it was 5 km straight uphill and another 5 down and I was not even aware that I was carrying 30 pounds. It just seems to hug to the body and move with you which is great if you happen to stumble or slip as it doesn't lurch or throw you off balance.

Water resistance: We were caught in rain for about an hour and even though I could see the raindrops on its surface from the inside of the pack, none of them made it through, even with the stretch fabric. I would still use a pack cover in a real downpour but if you get stuck your gear will be protected for a while!

Front-loading: Love this. It takes a while to get used to if you've had top-loading before but it's so much easier this way. With the smaller size of the backpack you do have to pack it quite well to fit everything in (takes a few test runs) but the end result is that it's very organized and with the front panel unzipped you can see exactly where everything is - no more fumbling in the dark. There are clips internally and externally to hold it all together and the design externally is such that I can use them to hold my sleeping pad on the outside of my pack which saves some space.

Pockets: The internal lid is a great feature. It's an extra pocket right on top but it unclips which makes it very versatile. I have been using it to hold lunch but may also try it for dinner gear or "bedroom" stuff. The external side pockets at the top of the pack are made of the same stretch fabric as the front panel and can fit a lot in! I had my rain pants and jacket in one and in the other had trail mix, toilet paper and sunglasses. The pockets at the bottom are very deep and with the compressor straps on the side are ideal for tent poles, etc. I also found the side straps great for my rain coat when I needed to dry it out.

Other: I hike with a hydration bag and an additional water bottle. There is an internal pocket for the hydration bag but for the water bottle I actually ended up with it in an add-on holder attached to the hip belt. One good thing about this pack is that if you do need a little more room there are lots of places externally to attach additional pouches. I personally haven't had any issues with the size and really like the shorter length as there is no lid butting up against my head (less claustrophobic!).

This is a comfortable, durable, lightweight pack with some fantastic features, and I am looking forward to many more trips with it.