Seeking input on Granite Gear and REI backpacks, et al.

michaelporourke

Member

Time of past OR future Camino

Camino Primitivo

• Nov 22, 2021

• #1

I am hiking the Camino Primitivo in September/October 2022 and seeking a backpack with the following features:

1. measurements suitable for carry-on for American and Iberian (22” x 15.75” x 9.84”)

2. light or ultralight (between 2-3.5 lbs)

3. practical features/organization (nothing too complicated), and in the 35-60 L range.

Next week I am going to my local REI to try and test backpacks. I have my eye on the following packs and was curious if anyone had strong opinions on them (excellent Camino backpack, overkill for Camino, etc.), mostly by Granite Gear and one REI:

- Granite Gear Crown2 60 Pack
2 lbs 4.7 oz

- Granite Gear Crown2 38 Pack
2 lbs 1.5 oz

- Granite Gear Perimeter 50 Pack
3 lbs

- Granite Gear Blaze 60 Pack
3 lbs 1.6 oz

- REI Co-op Flash 45 Pack
2 lbs 8.5 oz


Thanks for you input!

Mike

 

Last edited: Nov 23, 2021

linkster

¡Nunca dejes de creer!

Time of past OR future Camino

2022

• Nov 22, 2021

• #2

I have a Blaze and it is a great pack, but I think it is overkill for a Camino. I have hiked the last couple Caminos with my Gossamer Gear Gorilla 40, but I think it has been replaced with a Gorilla 50. You may take a look at the G4-20 Ultralight 42 Backpack @ 25 oz. It is on sale now for $135.00.

 

trecile

Moderator

Staff member

Donating Member

Time of past OR future Camino

Francés, Norte, Salvador, Primitivo, Portuguese

• Nov 23, 2021

• #3

The 38 liter bag should be plenty big.

 

henrythedog

Veteran Member

Donating Member

Time of past OR future Camino

Annually - often more - from 2014

• Nov 23, 2021

• #4

Mike

With those dimensions the permitted volume is 56litres. Knock off the structure of the rucksack, hip belt and so-on and allow for the fact that your sack will not end up with straight sides and right-angles and I think you’re looking at well under 50 litres nominal capacity. I use an Osprey kestrel 38 and if I crammed it to capacity I doubt it would be certain to pass as hand luggage on a budget carrier.

 

Anhalter

Veteran Member

Time of past OR future Camino

2019 CF, 2022 CF

• Nov 23, 2021

• #5

@linkster already mentioned Gossamer Gear, and they have a nice sale (for you folks in america). I throw in the Kumo pack. About 600g, large enough (and some) for a late summer camino, well made, kinda waterproof, lots of bells and whistles. I am aware its the second time i recommend it today, so just to be clear, i am not sponsored or anyhow affiliated to/by Gossammer ;-)

 

rorerich

CaminoLifer

Time of past OR future Camino

2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, (2019)

• Nov 23, 2021

• #6

You might also look online at Decathalon's Quechua MH500 pack. I just used it on a short 2 week Camino and found it to be very comfortable to wear and the features were convenient without being fussy. I pack extremely light and the 30L (2.6#) had all the room I needed. A 40L (2.8#) is also available. I initially shopped for an ultra light pack, but the extra ounces were not noticeable. I also appreciated the ability to access the pack from the front or the top.

​

 

SeñorJacques

Active Member

Donating Member

Time of past OR future Camino

CF Spring 2022
CP Spring 2024

• Nov 23, 2021

• #7

After researching many, many options for my Camino backpack - using pretty much the same criteria you listed (size, weight, and simplicity) - I eventually settled on the REI Trail 40 (at 3 lb.) and have been very happy with its performance on multiday hikes in advance of its debut on my own Camino next spring. (There are also good reviews on REI.com and in these forums from folks who have already used it on their own Caminos.)

I scored mine at a clearance sale price when the newer (current) model was released, but at $129 it's still a good deal, especially since a raincover is included. And if you can wait until the next REI 20% sale (the latest one ended today, as it happens) it's an even better deal.

 

darealdeal77

Member Since 2018

Time of past OR future Camino

2014 Camino Frances

• Nov 23, 2021

• #8

I love my Osprey 38L, I think is plenty for Camino. Never had Gossamer gear, REI makes great equipment, but they are a little heavier on the packs! I think comfort is number one! My choice is Osprey, I own 3 different sizes from 38-65, and from the Appalachian Trail to Camino De Santiago, and using different sizes, at different hikes, never had an issue! Hope you pick what is best for you! They will help you at REI, BUEN CAMINO!

 

Kitsambler

Jakobsweg Junkie

Time of past OR future Camino

SJPP 2023

• Nov 23, 2021

• #9

Ten years into this project and four packs later, I have settled on the Osprey Exos 38. I really need a trampoline frame to keep the darned thing off my sweaty back, which the frameless packs do not offer. REI carries it. (Womens' model is called Eja.)
https://www.osprey.com/us/en/product/exos-38-EXOS38S18_569.html

 

Daniel H

Member

Time of past OR future Camino

2021

• Nov 27, 2021

• #10

I just used the Arcteryx Aeros 30 L and I really loved the running vest style shoulder straps. Well made, has a structured back panel, lightweight, and very comfortable. If you need more room, there is a larger version as well, but I’d really encourage you to carry the absolute minimum. The less you have, the happier you will be.

 

AlwynWellington

Veteran Member

Donating Member

Time of past OR future Camino

please see signature

• Nov 28, 2021

• #11

michaelporourke said:

suitable for carry-on

Click to expand...

This seems to be the most critical (and limiting) specification for your pack.
I noted dimensions of 22” x 15.75” x 9.84"

My pack suggestion does not meet that aspect but is well within your weight specification.

I use some zPacks.com gear.

Relevant here is my pack first used in 2015 and has been thrice around the world and has a few more years of service left.

The latest version is an Arc Blast 55l backpack with posted dimensions of 7" x 13" x 30", a weight of 20.3 oz and has a frame. Posted price is USD 349. So, too long for you.

I also notice zPacks have a frameless pack: Nero 38 L backpack. Dimensions are said to be 5.5" x 12" x 23" with a posted weight of 10.9 oz. While 1" longer it is well under on the other two. Posted price is USD 199.

From zPacks I purchased a bag liner complete with a soft carry handle. For transport I put the bag liner OVER the pack, so covering all the awkward corners etc. As I use trekking poles, I check in my pack etc.

I wish you well with your search.

Kia kaha (take care, be strong, get going when you can)

 

Malachiuri

CaminoTranquilo

Donating Member

Time of past OR future Camino

2021

• Jan 1, 2022

• #12

SenorJacques said:

After researching many, many options for my Camino backpack - using pretty much the same criteria you listed (size, weight, and simplicity) - I eventually settled on the REI Trail 40 (at 3 lb.) and have been very happy with its performance on multiday hikes in advance of its debut on my own Camino next spring. (There are also good reviews on REI.com and in these forums from folks who have already used it on their own Caminos.)

I scored mine at a clearance sale price when the newer (current) model was released, but at $129 it's still a good deal, especially since a raincover is included. And if you can wait until the next REI 20% sale (the latest one ended today, as it happens) it's an even better deal.

Click to expand...

The REI Trail 40 is my preferred pack for Camino hiking. Works for carry on and most importantly fopr me has TONS of organization options. Pockets and pouches inside and out.

I really wish they made a 50L version!