Granite Gear Crown V.C. 60

Overall, this bag was an excellent fit for me — a lightweight bag which still has a large capacity and excellent suspension. Additionally, the exterior pockets are more than sufficient and come in very handy, and the compression system is effective, as well as being useful for attaching extra gear. All in all, I have no complaints with this bag, and expect it to continue to be my go-to bag for years to come, based on its light weight, versatility and its build quality

I am 6'4", 200 lbs with about a 19 inch torso, and the regular size fits me very well. I was lucky, in that the bag's sizing is not adjustable, but the bag still fits me like a glove.

The suspension system is very comfortable and effective, I have had no irritated spots and the load carries very well and transfers effectively to the hips. The volume is excellent for a bag in this weight class, and the roll top closure makes this a versatile bag, it can be used for lightweight summer trips when compressed, and can be used for winter trips as well with its tall collar. Additionally, this helps reduce empty space in the bag as a trip goes on, and food is consumed.  

However, if you're looking for a big with tons of organization features, this isn't it — it's basically a large sack with 3 pockets on the side. But, for my needs, this is sufficient. An added bonus to the design of this bag is that it is water resistant, and can be easily made effectively waterproof by taping the seams. This is due to the roll top closure, and the pack body being made from silicone impregnated nylon.  

This far, I have had 0 problems with durability, the bag looks brand new after many miles and some less than gentle handling. I have used this bag in fairly moderate conditions so far, with a few instances in rain.

Very nice lightweight pack with plenty of room, at a reasonable price.

I had been wanting to shed some weight from my pack for some time, and previous attempts involved carrying a smaller capacity pack, which isn't always practical. When I had the opportunity to acquire a like-new used Granite Gear Crown VC 60, I grabbed it. I'm glad I did.

At 34 oz (29 oz without the internal frame), it's about 2 lbs lighter than my other similarly-sized pack. The VC 60 may not be able to handle as much weight as the other pack, but I'm trying to reduce my pack weight anyway, and I've carried up to 35 lbs in the VC 60 without any problem.

The VC (Vapor Channel) padding on the back appears to work well. On a recent trip, the front of my shirt was saturated from sweat (it was 91 degrees F), and my back never felt excessively hot (as with other packs I've used).

I have missed hip belt pockets though, and I haven't figured out what I can put in the very small stretchy pockets on the straps.

I like the roll-top closure, which offers a ton of space if you need it, but compacts down when you don't. The compression and lashing straps are minimal, but sufficient.

On this trip, I fit my NEMO Switchback pad AND a BearVault 450 INSIDE the pack. I was concerned about the BearVault, and the effect it would have on my comfort, but it carried very well.

I've had it out for two separate three-day backpacking trips in the Pisgah National Forest, covering about 40 miles. It's not very water-resistant, but I always use an internal pack liner of some sort with any pack I've ever used.

I feel like I do have to be careful about what I place in the side pockets, since the material is very thin, and anything with any kind of edge on it seems likely to cause a tear or hole.

Background

I've been backpacking for about 15 years, and I've tried a variety of internal-frame backpacks, varying in capacity, over that time.

I have done about 40 miles with this pack, in both fair and inclement weather, with loads between 26 and 35 lbs. It hasn't disappointed me in any respect, and I don't expect it will any time soon, except possibly the side pockets if I'm not careful.

The pack has a nice feature set, but the framesheet suspension system does not live up to the advertised weight of 35 lbs. Even worse, packed without the framesheet, the back begins to buckle at only 15 lbs. Hikers would be better off going with either a true frame or frameless. This one splits the middle and falls short.

Overall, this pack has a nice set of features. The compression system is very effective and it gives several options for carrying gear on the outside of the pack. Its best feature is easily the hipbelt which quickly molds to the shape of your hips, increasing both load transfer and comfort over time.

However, the suspension system is rather poor, and the framesheet doesn't live up to its billing.  I used the pack over six months, in a variety of configurations both framed and frameless. Without the frame, the molded backpanel creates weak spots that cause the pack to buckle even with very light loads (less than 15 lbs.), and the more often this happens, the quicker the frame collapses each time.  With the frame, the pack is good to 25 lbs., but the framesheet is generally frustrating. It keeps the back of the pack from adapting to the shape of your back and becomes uncomfortable over time.  Even more, it is too flexible to provide strong load transfer above 20-25 lbs.

The Crown tries to be a pack of all trades—switching between framed and frameless modes easily. But in the end, the poor suspension keeps it from doing either of them well.

This is a great lightweight multi-day back pack coupled with Airbeam for the frame for 15 to 30 lb loads.

Bought this for a 28lb load for a two-week backpacking trip.

This is a very comfortable bag and has impeccable quality for the sticking and design.

You have to remember to pack your load correctly and tightened the pack string system so all the contents in the pack are close to the back and not shifting.

The hip belt is a little light which causes the pack to be a little uncomfortable after a few hours on the trail.

I have used this on three backpacking trips in preparation for my two week trip and so far it holds up great.

Super great product. Both lightweight and durable. I hiked the Appalachian Trail with this pack and it stood up for the whole thing. I'm still using the same pack. It also has an innerchangeable back brace. Great pack!

It stood up to all of my hiking. The only cons were that the side pockets tended to get a little holy with all the throwing around. But other then that it is super durable and lightweight.  

I fell in love iwth this pack after my first use and will always use Granite Gear for my packs from here on out. It is the lightest I could go and the best, most comfortable packs.