Granite Gear Virga

This is a great ultralight weight pack for the money. Although it lacks a few features that I would like, it is a great pack for the money.

I have for sometime wanted to try out a frameless pack, so when I found the Virga for a pretty good deal I snatched it up. So far I have been impressed with this pack.

I have used it on a 3-day trip and have to say I am impressed with its performance.  My pack for the 3 day trip weighed in at around 25 lbs, and the Virga carried this load very comfortable. The straps on the pack are very nice and provide a lot of comfort. This pack does not have a padded hip belt and this feature is not missed, I do however with there was some storage pockets on the hip belt.

The Virga has ample storage for a 3-5 day trip. The main body is 50L but the pack also has a very large extension collar that probably adds at least another 10L. The Virga has a great compression system that allows the user to carry all differenct size loads. However I do wish Granite Gear would have added some type of large mesh storage area that is used by many other manufactures.  

These are great!

I like a frameless rucksack (use foam pad for structure).  I consumed several of these packs thru hiking the Pacific Crest Trail and the Appalachian Trail. They performed very well and are washable without any dis-assembly.  

Note to Granite Gear: Your straps are better than most packs I have seen...  I want more padding and width in the straps (just a little). Also, most importantly, please reinforce the upper strap stitching with additional fabric patch and bar tack stitching or some other suitable fix.