The Best Backpacking Backpack 3 Years Running? 

Thanks for reaching out! We’ll talk

@@TheBackpackingBiologist Looking forward to it!

@@granitegear Are there any indicators, like a serial number, on the pack that would allow customers to know if they have the updated polycarbonate back panel? How long ago has this change been made?

​@@joker2100 The change was made back in 2019 when the pack was released. The new frame has a more milky, translucent look than the previous clear one. It would be hard to find one with an old frame now in 2023.

Guys, I really recommend to switch for aluminium frame, rather these plastic sheets. they don't transfer weight properly. while this pack can carry a big load, it s not properly distributed bcs of the frame. while I really wanted this pack to be my go to, bcs many features I like, it s just not comfortable enough with heavier loads. no way 50pounds. Also another big issue,after hiking in a 3 hour rain, belt and side pockets collect rain water like buckets.

I'm gonna second this

Third

Forth. Kinda snobbish

Thank you so much! That means a lot to me! Cheers 🙌🏾

Thanks so much! I’m glad the vids resonate with you! Just trying to make science and the outdoors fun. Cheers!

Glad it was helpful!

Thank you!

Thanks for watching!

Wow, I'm glad to know I'm not the only one. Did they replace yours for free? I got a the same one and it's holding up quite nicely

@@TheBackpackingBiologist, wouldn’t it be fair to add an update? Otherwise, I wouldn’t take your word on anything.

I definitely wish you good luck. The Fanny pack was one of the things that sold me about this pack, it’s a shame it’s so tedious to assemble.

@@TheBackpackingBiologist Thank you! I am curious to see where you land next in your pack journey!

Thanks so much!

I was actually looking into the ULA Catalyst! If I end up getting one I’ll do a review, it looks sick. Glad this video helped!

Thank you!

:(. I don’t know how it’s still the number 1 backpack on a lot of these sites

oh shit..

Thank you!

I’ll put that on my list! Thanks!!

Thank you!

Thanks Sergio! So far the backpack has held up on a 3 day trip at around 35lbs. I've also been vary carful how I put the pack on and try not to do it one strap at a time, which is a bit annoying if I can be honest. Gonna wait after a few more trips before I make a full update video. thanks for watching and subbing!

Thanks for the awesome recommendation! I’ll definitely check it out. Camera gear is such a burden when backpacking. I just got a gimbal and have been bringing it up with me, such a hassle but the shots are worth it

My friend said the same thing about his Crown 2. Thanks for watching!

Glad it helped!

They've treated me very well so far so I can't knock on them at all. I already have the new pack and I'll be testing it out on a 2 day backpacking trip next week! Cheers!

@@TheBackpackingBiologist, and? I know you haven’t done a video but would love to know all the details. I’m considering one.

New pack. Already took it out on a backpacking trip and it held up fine. Will have to test it more before I give an update

I didn’t have the change to take it out in the rain so I’ve never experienced anything like that unfortunately

That’s a great point. Will do that for the future 👍🏾

I need to check that out! hows the weight and packability?

@@TheBackpackingBiologist (78 x 25 x 1.5 inches) is 8 inch by 13 and the weight is 2 pound 6 oz.. I sleep like a king on this mat.

I have had many mats and yes the ones that is around $200 plus in price, and yet i never go back to the plastic bag sound or the float like a boat feel while sleeping! Keep this mat clean and not use it as a seat pad and it could last a long time! Keep this with you and never open till you need it GEAR AID Aquaseal FD Flexible Durable Repair Adhesive ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-1d2-fS2BZgs.html It be the best thing you carry with you on a hike! Happy Trails

Here is a video on the mat i use, best mat i have ever owned! Don't get the 20 inch pad, too narrow! ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-jV_NJfQUSSs.html

Thanks for the rec!

@@TheBackpackingBiologist Welcome!

😂😂😂

Gotta check them out! Thanks for the suggestion. I’m def in the market for a new backpack.

lowe alpine are great. but flex capacitor in terms of simplicity and Comfort beats my GGBlaze. which is sad, bcs I like blaze features. flex is half the weight of mine LA manaslu but carries weight even better, which is surprising

Thanks so much!

I'm gonna make a new video after this backpacking season, but Granite Gear sent me a replacement overall the new backpack is holding up!

😂 thanks

Agreed!

It’s still gonna take a while. A lot of research is going into that one, and I have 2 more videos on the pipeline that’s before that video! My science videos always take months (or more) to make/produce, so getting theses smaller videos/backpacking vids keeps the channel busy while still staying on brand. Thanks for your patience!

@@TheBackpackingBiologist alrigtht, thanks for your elaborate reply.

The frame initially cracked from picking the pack from the floor to put on my shoulders, just like in the clip I put in, not from wearing it. It most likely had micro cracks before the larger ones eventually showed up. If you can imagine, 45 lbs on a single strap is a lot of stress for the frame.. which is why it is a design flaw. I don't know many people who are able to put on a heavy pack while holding both straps, so most people, like myself, lift the pack one strap at a time. I had my torso measured and I'm a size small, so unless they messed up, it really is the right size for me. I can look into if I'm not putting enough weight on my hips, but I can tell you, I would die if I consistently put all the weight on my shoulders lol, I can assure you that there is plenty of weight on my hips. But I'll look into what you're saying. And also, 50lbs is the comfort rating of the backpack, not its maximal physical load. A school backpack can carry 50lbs, it just wont be comfortable. 50 Lbs should not be able to break a backpacking backpack, period.

@@TheBackpackingBiologist yeah. It's the lightest pack I know of that is rated for 50 lbs comfort. I have this one plus a gregory that is also a similar weight load. But it weighs over 6lbs empty. As with most lighter weight items you do have to baby them a little bit. It's the trade off. Granite gear is known for having phenomenal customer service. It could be you had a defective frame. I bet they will make it good for you. Sorry to hear that it didn't work.

@@ddff5242 It definitely is a nice pack! And so comfy. They actually reached out to me and are sending me a new one. I'm excited to test the new and improved frame on some trips. So far the customer service has been excellent, I don't think this problem will affect the way I think about the brand. Thanks man

@@TheBackpackingBiologist I've been using Granite Gear Packs for 18 years or more I've used them and abused them in very harsh conditions. But I've also used other brands like ULA, Mountain Smith, North Face, Arcteryx etc., they all have issue. Dana Design packs are much more rugged like the Terraplane Backpack I've owned those type of packs too. There are also similar designs that can be customized too your body precisely from other small mfg, but they're not cheap but people swear by them. Most off the shelf packs are going to be inferior to premium bags like Dana Design for long term durability. Most of the Granite Gear bags and light weight stuff is not going to last as long they don't add protection or beef up materials to make them more rugged and durable because most backpackers now days want fast and light packs which I consider disposable packs. Some packs only last one major outing especially if they are Ultra light ones. You should be happy it has lasted as long as it has and is still in pretty good shape considering how long you've had it. The frame sheet attachment is a hoaky idea but that is what happens when mfg want to innovate and keep things light. The Blaze is still a great pack especially compared to the alternatives. Your lucky you have a Granite Gear product they stand behind there stuff, but don't get to attached to this stuff because it's all going to wear out eventually or fail. Granite Gear by far is the best bang for your buck period. There is a long history of testing by hikers who literally put thousands of miles a year hiking with these packs and give the company feed back to help improve on them. However the focus has been more on weight recently because that is what the serious backpacker wants now. So in order for Granite Gear to compete with the Ultra light stuff there has to be a trade off in design function and durability you can't have all these things combined together and still expect it to last a long time too. This is not obvious to most people who buy these packs however they just assume the stuff will last no matter what they throw at it, and don't realize how good Granite Gear products really are compared to the alternatives at a much higher price point. At least if you look else where you now have a bench mark for comparison.

well i m just 6 foot and have this pack in long torso and frame doesnt go above my shoulders. this pack just doesnt have system to distribute weight on hips. marketting gimmick. and the weight limit of 50 pounds is just nonsense. side pockets and belt pockets collect rain water like a saggy tarpaulin.