User Review: Granite Gear Nimbus Ozone

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

Reviewed August 12, 2006 by TropX

Rating:
Design: Top-loading
Size: Medium-3,800 cu in.
Number of Pockets: 1
Max. Load Carried: 30 lbs.
Height of Owner: 5'11"
Price Paid: $150

I have made an effort in the past three years to carry a much lighter load. Previously I had a Gregory Shasta that, trail-ready, went over 50 pounds. I sold that pack and picked up the Nimbus Ozone as the centerpiece of my new lightweight system. It's a very simple design but works wonderfully. The main compartment swallows a ton of stuff and expands at the top when you need a bit more space.

The external compression system is excellent, and I use it to carry a fishing rod tube, camera tripod, and other odd-shaped things that don't fit so well in the bag itself. The stretchy pockets on the side are quite large and are good for jackets and other bulky items, but it's hard to access things such as water bottles from them with the pack on your back (especially when the pack is stuffed full).

Comfort-wise, the Ozone's harness and hipbelt are top-notch. I've carried 30-pound loads all day long with no sore spots. Probably the most comfortable pack I've ever tried, despite the relatively simple harness/hipbelt design. Lumbar support is perfect, and the myriad of adjustment straps make it easy to shift things around for comfort while walking. It has thus far (on its third season) proved quite durable as well.

My biggest nitpick is the internal hydration sleeve. It's nice to have, but to refill it you basically have to empty your gear (or most of it) to get at it. It would also be nice if the interior of the pack was a lighter color to make things easier to see, but not a big deal. The compulsive organizer in me gravitates a bit more to the similar but panel-loading Nimbus Latitude, but in that one you give up the extending collar at the top. This is an excellent pack and is my weapon of choice for multi-day trips.