I use a compactor bag with all my backpacks and have for years with no issues. Thanks to Granite Gear for providing a sample for my testing and review. The Crown2 60 Backpack was a little heavier than other backpacks I have hiked with, but it offered enough flexibility to remove what I did not need. Editor’s Note: This pack was provided by Drop as a sample for review purposes. | Average Hiker, ULA Ohm 2.0 Review – Light, Quality Backpack!…, Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 Review – The Little…, Zpacks Altaplex Review – Great Roomy Shelter!…, Crown2 60 Backpack Review – Quick Specifications, Crown2 60 Backpack Review – Carrying Capacity, Crown2 60 Backpack Review – Additional Components, Crown2 60 Backpack Review – Final Thoughts, Zpack Arc Haul Review – Ultralight Backpack | Average Hiker, Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Review | Average Hiker. The roll top in particular works well to adjust the size of your pack. Yeah, I can take it! © 2021 Backpackers.com All Rights Reserved. The durability of what is considered a lightweight backpack was apparent as I pulled the pack out of its box. It has 3 torso size options, ranging between 2.26 lbs. I use my top straps to cinch down my packs, but I also use them for my bear canisters in those areas that require them. The thick, red GRANITE GEAR lettering on the surface adds to the pack’s robust appearance. However, these opinions remain my own and are honest. Check great and honest reviews! There was also plenty of padding in the shoulder straps, adding to it being comfortable under heavy loads. The belt also has one strap and belt, which I prefer. I would have to say I love this pack more now than when I first saw it at the show. It would also make it easier to hold larger Dyneema tarp-tent shelters. Follow his adventures and stories at betterhiker.com and on Instagram. When superior storage isn’t needed, the design enables that extra fabric to roll down tight for day hikes like a tube of half empty toothpaste. The inside seams are not taped on this backpack, but the manufacturer states that the fabric is treated with “Neverwet” Liquid Repellant. Due to the above improvements, we have named the Granite Gear Crown 2 60 our Budget Pick for Ultralight Backpackers. The Sheet can be removed from the backpack to reduce the pack’s weight, and the Sheet has strategically placed holes to reduce the weight even further. The Crown2 is a bit leess expensive. Our trip was going to be rife with scenic waterfalls and crystal clear topaz pools, which demanded our time and attention. If you want to store small items or snacks that you can quickly get, then a lid is pretty convenient. To learn more about. The load adjuster straps are attached to reinforced strips on the back of the backpack and very durable. The lid has a DWR treated zipper and is excellent for added capacity if carrying a large load. Burly materials include excellent mesh on the front and side pockets, which are usually prone to ripping. This new and improved successor to the classic Crown V.C. It’s also available in a women’s specific model, the Crown VC 60 Ki. Granite Gear pulled inspiration from the Crown VC60 for this model. The Granite Gear has a nice big sleeve, which allows it to expand well also if needed. The removable top lid and hip belt are equipped with adequate pockets of their own, and the bag is hydration-ready. There are no buckles down on the front side of the pack to snug it down. The lid is 5 liters with a lot of extra room if needed, and only weighs 2.6 ounces. Throughout the trip, though, the molded foam conformed to my back, and the pack fit well. Qualified orders eligible for FREE S&H and FREE RETURNS. The pack offers flexibility to adjust its components for the load size I want. It has all the features needed by every camper and outdoor enthusiast. The large mesh pocket on the backpack’s back needs to be a little larger to allow for more airflow. This wasn’t going to be our typical mile-crushing hike-a-thon. I am looking for a new pack, and see that the Blaze 60 and the Crown2 60 are very similar. while still offering a huge capacity. The included top lid also has a zippered pocket. The Crown2 60 provides plenty of options for consolidating your pack load when hiking, starting with its roll-top closure. A new hipbelt, frame sheet, and detachable lid make this one of the most adaptable packs around. I have dropped my backpacks in rivers, hiked in tropical storm conditions, and never had my gear get wet. You only have the top strap to cinch down the top of the pack. It was as if the Crown 2 60 was a part of me. I had to do a little scrambling throughout the hike, and there was maybe one brushy area. Introducing the all-new Granite Gear Crown2 60 (Women's Fit), an ultralight yet ultra-comfortable multi-day pack. Adjust the pack to your body size and start hiking. This weight is usually my target for frameless backpacks. Learn more about, The Crown 2 60 comes in three different torso sizes. It really depends on what you are comfortable with. At just 2.2lbs the Granite Gear Crown2 60 is extremely lightweight. They are also easy to use when wearing the pack if I need to make adjustments. It’s as if it’s shouting, “Throw me at a tree, then drop me into a river! It would also be useful for longer multi-day hikes, as I usually take more “stuff.” I added weight via water and still found the backpack comfortable at around 30 pounds. GAIA GPS – up to 40% off Membership for a limited time! I am very happy with the performance of this pack. Connecting with our planet one step at a time. Granite Gear has a track record for improving upon their packs with each new edition, and the Crown 2 60 is no different. On the other hand, I was able to get my silnylon BA UL1 Copper Spur, its poles, and my umbrella in the pocket. Everything about the Crown 2 60 feels high-quality and durable. I have been using the Granite Gear Crown2 60 pack for over a year and have about 250 miles on this pack. If you want a versatile backpack capable of undertaking extended lightweight expeditions or an incredibly capable day hiker, the Crown 2 is the pack for you. In fact, it fit like a glove, and the rest of the pack was plenty roomy enough to nestle in all the gear I needed for a four-month tramp with room to spare for around ten days of food. Despite its decently lightweight build, the Granite Gear Blaze 60 is exceptionally comfortable. After a lot of research I settled on the Granite Gear Crown 2 60, and it seems perfect for my needs. I can continue to reduce the pack’s size as I eat my food and the pack gets smaller. Tie it down, let it loose, or remove them if you don’t need ’em. It has those also. If you have found this review helpful, please consider purchasing through the link above. “Waterproofness” is not that big a deal for me. There is also a huge stretch woven pocket on the pack’s exterior that I can stuff an entire sleeping bag into if I feel so inclined. The lid combined with the large mesh pocket on the back of the pack and the hip belt pockets provides even more capacity. Roll top closures never get old. I also packed a not-so-ultralight NEMO Galaxi 2P tent and the stout (though quite lightweight) REI Magma 10 sleeping bag into the Crown 2 on top of dog supplies and many other knick-knacks. 60, boasts Granite Gear's patent-pending fully adjustable Re-Fit hip belt, Granite Gear's new and innovative Air-Current Mark 2 compression molded PP frame sheet with molded foam back panel, and bonus lid (removable), all while weighing in at 2.2lbs. Your email address will not be published. It’s a utility pocket that I like to use for my smartphone and sunglasses. The model offers regular and long versions that are just between 2.125 and 2.25 lbs. 1.0 ounces. Typically with that low of a baseweight you can get away with the smaller backpack, but if you like bringing bulky food, or are going on extended trips like a thru-hike, sometimes the larger pack size is nice for loading up. The side pockets on this backpack are made from Robic Nylon. Many hikers are going back to using fanny packs, but I prefer having a single unit. The Granite Gear Crown 2 60 backpack is an update to the classic Crown VC 60 and features the new Re-Fit hip belt, an advanced structural frame sheet, and a detachable lid. The main chute doesn’t have a separate opening at the bottom, so get good at organization. For marginally more weight, you get a pack that has nearly the same features, but can comfortably carry up to 50 lbs and is a little more adjustable. I have narrow shoulders, and I found the S shape, close at the top and exaggerated in the middle, very comfortable. | Average Hiker, Challenger ATR 5 vs Speed Goat 4 | Initial…, The Gossamer Gear Thinlight Pad! The Crown2 60 frame is Granite Gear’s Air-Current Mark 2 compression molded polypropylene Sheet. We awarded this pack and reviewed it, but in the end think the updates to the Crown 2 60 make it a better choice for most people, and it’s more widely available these days. Each time I just so happened to think about the pack as I walked, I pursed my lips and nodded my head in silent approval, much like the “Obama not bad face” meme. I was reminded of my appreciation for the Granite Gear Crown 2 multiple times throughout this 26 mile journey along the banks of the McKenzie River. Click it. I’ll start off by admitting that I was initially concerned when I took the Blaze out of its packaging. It is less for me to leave behind when hitching to and from trail towns. The Blaze is a bit heavier, and has a higher load capacity, and a panel zipper. If you want to start hiking right away, there is not much you need to change with the Crown2 60 Women’s Fit straight out of the box. They are slightly adjustable within those three ranges. Let’s talk weight. I purchased the Granite Gear Crown2 60 because a fellow hiker had one on our recent 100-mile CDT/CT hike. It is a comfortable, well-built backpack that offers a lot of flexibility and multiple features. The Granite Gear Crown2 60 was more backpack than I needed for a trip of this length, and in this season, removing some of these components brought it’s weight and size down to a more manageable size. All of this comes wrapped in a durable 100D high-tenacity nylon across much of the surface, and 210D ripstop nylon where it matters. What is it? It would make it tighter and easier to close. There are straps across the back to compress the sides and even a strap across each side pocket to keep smaller items from tumbling out if you are tumbling around! TheCrown V.C. This backpack, at 60 liters, has plenty of carrying capacity. Two large side pockets, each fitted with a compression strap, are easy to reach while you’re walking and can hold chunky Gatorade-style bottles, or a 12 pound terrier named Buster, without a hitch. Granite Gear’s Crown2 60 fits so well, you forget it’s on your back. It was quite comfortable, though over time, especially with heavier loads. The weight is very similar but I’m afraid This one would be a little too much. It is a very similar pack in build, but with some major upgrades. The HDPE frame is specifically designed to maintain structural integrity without additional load. Mesh Pouch – Having a large mesh pocket on the exterior of my pack is essential. Granite Gear has a limited lifetime warranty, so if any of these parts fail get in touch! I would consider this backpack for a first long-distance hike. There is no lack of straps on the Granite Gear. Talking with other members of the group who favor ultralight setups, I repeatedly heard that the Granite Gear Crown2 60 pack is a good compromise between weight and price, so when I saw them on sale, I ordered one to see for myself. I completed the Crown2 60 Backpack Review on my annual Fall Foliage backpacking trip along the New England Trail. The Granite Gear Crown2 60 Women’s Fit is a good choice at its price point. The Crown2 60 also uses a molded foam back panel with channels to increase airflow and reduce heat build-up. In this instance the back foam cushion was firm enough to retain the bag’s overall shape while allowing for a bit more flexibility, which was appreciated during the short bursts of trail running I was able to muster. The Granite Gear Crown2 60 is a superbly designed ultra light backpack ideal for multi-day backpacking and long distance thru-hiking. The Crown2 strap is not long enough for me to do that. That said, we tested the high range of 35 pounds and it did very well. At base setup, the new Crown 2 60 weighs a mere 2.36 pounds, but Granite Gear’s updated modular design allows you to remove the parts you don’t need in a matter of seconds to further reduce its size and weight. It is durable and should hold up well in even brushier or more challenging conditions. Granite Gear has found a way to put all the bells and whistles typically found in larger framed packs from other manufacturers into a slim fitting backpack. The roll-top needs to have the ability to buckle the ends to the backpack to snug it down. Our previous Budget Pick was the Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor, which remains an incredible pack — one I tested, and have continued to use for many trips. The Flex Capacitor remains much more comfortable, especially for heavier loads, but the Crown 2 60 barely edges it out in most other realms, specifically packability. Thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail was his first backpacking foray, and he hasn't stopped since. The top of the pockets are angled down, and the pockets themselves are large enough to make pulling out the bottles and to put them back quickly. Granted, you could get a pocket similar to this by Granite Gear with a purchase, or buy a separate pocket altogether and put it on, but including it would be nice. 60 is designed for extended backcountry expeditions and gracefully balances storage and comfort. In an attempt to lighten the… Granite Gear Crown2 backpack review I was carrying an Osprey Aether 60, but the Crown2 was almost 2 pounds lighter and had (for me) better features such as hip belt pockets. From the leather-like edging on the roll down top to the burly bottom ripstop nylon, this backpack wants you to know that it’s ready to rumble. TheCrown2 60is also incredibly light, but a few ounces heavier compared to the Crown 60. Trimmed down for lightweight trekking, without brain lid or backboard, it … “Olive Oyl” – my Granite Gear Crown2 60 pack (full review and specs) – easily held my mini computer. I prefer the roll-top backpacks. Colorado Trail – 2019 Denver To Leadville, Crown2 60 Backpack Review – A Comfortable Backpack! 60 backpack. My pack for the past few years has been the Osprey Aura 65, and I'm used to its heavily cushioned and supremely comfortable feel. for ultralight loads, the frame sheet can be removed lowering the weight to 1.7lbs. It’s also offered in a Long and Short torso, which corresponds to how long your spine is (not how tall you are!). The Best Backpacks for Backpacking and Hiking, backpack hip belts and how to measure in our Guide, backpack torso measurement and adjustable torsos see our Guide. You can find further affiliate details on the Affiliates Page. I easily stored any size water bottle in the deep, wide pockets without worrying about the bottles falling out if I was scrambling or going off-trail. The top strap itself is a double strap, which I like, but it is not long enough. The Granite Gear Crown2 60-liter women's backpack is an ultralight, weather-worthy, multiday backpack. Granite Gear states the Crown2 60 has a hydration sleeve, but unless I want to remove the frame Sheet and use that sleeve, I could not find one. Already a lightweight backpack, the Crown 2 60 can go ultralight with exactly the features you want, or don’t want. At $200, we think there is great value in this pack. Arthur loves to walk. Granite Gear really outdid themselves with the Crown 2 60. Waterproof Backpacks – Do I Need One for Backpacking? It incorporates their Vapor Current Mark 2 Frame with a 35 lbs load rating. ORSS 19 – Granite Gear Crown2 60 Thursday, January 31st, 2019. The top lid on the Crown2 60 floats, so you can raise or lower it as needed. The best part of the side pockets was quickly retrieving water bottles while wearing the backpack. Robic Nylon is not a material I commonly see on backpack pockets, but I liked these pockets. I used the Crown2 60 Women’s Fit and was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable I found this pack while hiking over the first five days of the trip. Dyneema is not nearly as flexible as silnylon, but more hikers are using Dyneema tarp-tents and shelters. A drainage hole on the side of the side pocket is also nice to have if carrying any wet clothing, etc., that needs to dry out. Required fields are marked *. While the frame and fabric mat… Unless I had it lined up correctly, the clip was difficult to attach. Years ago, it used to be the heavier the back, the more durable it was but those days are gone. There is even a small strap and buckle to snug up the pockets if needed. The Crown 2 60 features a handy roll-top design that, when fully unleashed, doubles the storage of the pack. I was quite impressed with the bag’s overall carry feel. 60, boasts our patent-pending fully adjustable Re-Fit hip belt, our new and innovative Air-Current Mark 2 compression molded PP frame sheet with molded foam back panel, and bonus lid (removable), all while weighing in at 2.2lbs. Roll-top straps attached on the sides would be a nice, easy change for Granite Gear to make on this backpack. Its thinner, lightweight fabric requires a little more care than the traditional pack, but for the right user, it could be a nice carrying companion at a reasonable price. The shoulder straps are what I appreciated the most about the Women’s Fit. Outdoor Research is providing 50% OFF regularly priced items, for HEALTH CARE WORKERS! The Crown2 60 is an upgrade to the Crown V.C. The top lid (pictured here) comes off, as does the internal frame sheet, straps, the hip belt (if you for some reason wanted it to), and plenty of straps. When you purchase through links on this website, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Given the amount of food and crew gear you will carry on your trek, the 35 lb capacity of the Crown will not cut it. Also, personally, I tend to prefer a slightly larger pack for random extras, like a partner who doesn’t want to carry something, a dog that needs something special, or trying out a new type of gear. (regular torso without lid). That’s a minor gripe in the grand scheme of things because the Granite Gear Crown 2 60 is a fantastic backpack. The main body of the Crown2 60 uses 100D High-tenacity nylon. The Sternum strap is hard to clip closed. There appeared to be a few more “pieces” than I expected, but as I began to move around the healthy number of straps, I realized that they had not skimped on the material. Plenty comfortable when kept below the max limit. The one thing I’ll mention concerning the shoulder straps was the sternum strap. Hi Michael – a great review, very thorough. Fatigue Dried Sage Men’s Granite Gear Crown2 60 Pack Review. The roll top is executed perfectly, and I really appreciate the way its secured closing straps form a useful carry handle. The Granite Gear Crown 2 60 fully packed. The 2019 Granite Gear Crown2 60 is a roll-top backpack with an optional top lid pocket, giving you the best of both worlds in terms of backpack configuration. This backpack should work fine for just about any body. Gear Review of the Granite Gear Crown 2 60 Origins: Easing You In Though the Granite Gear Crown 2 60 is an ultralight pack, I filled its innards with a hefty pile of … The back panel on the Crown 2 60, called the Mark 2 Frame, was impressive. The backpack carries comfortably without the frame sheet, but not at the stated load capacity of 35 pounds. Using two new backpacks were included in the NET Planning for this hike, and the Crown2 was the first one I used. From multiple compartments and storage pockets to keep organizing all your camping essentials a breeze of fresh air. The only issue with the roll-top straps is that you can only buckle each side together at the top. Wow…. The hip belt is well padded and easily allows me to adjust for whatever width I need. Now you know the face I’m talking about. I can’t fit my tarp-tent in it, and it allows for minimal airflow if I want to dry out anything like socks, shirts, etc. Overview of the Granite Gear Crown 60 Backpack. The material is snug and durable and does not lose its elasticity. The Crown 2 60 has both a roll top lid, which is classic for Granite Gear, and a removable top lid. for ultralight loads, the frame sheet can be removed lowering the weight to … Bu… These components included the hip belt, removable lid, and polypropylene Frame sheet. My wife and I, and our little doggie-tornado named Buster, ventured out on an overnight backpacking trip down the McKenzie River Trail with leisure and relaxation set as our top priorities. The shoulder straps are shaped well for my more narrow shoulders. An internal hydration sleeve allows you to carry a bladder. Gear Review: Granite Gear, Crown2 60 ($200) Full disclosure: This backpack was provided to me free of charge in exchange for performance feedback. If you want to shave more weight the Granite Gear Crown2 38 comes with a removable hood which brings the weight down to 2lbs. The coolest (airflow) backpack I’ve used is still the Zpacks Arc Haul with its mesh panel. Don’t forget the standard loops at the bottom of the backpack. I’ve yet to have an instance where I have needed to adjust a hip belt with two straps and clips/belts. The adaptability is enhanced by the removable top lid, hip belt, sternum strap, and interior framesheet, all of which are updated from the previous Granite Gear Crown VC 60 . This trusty structure prevented painful pressure points and strap slippage from occurring. At a cost of $199.95 for a 2.5 lb 60-liter backpack, you can't go wrong. Go for it, if that’s your jam.). A decent amount of space, especially for a truly ultralight setup. Read our About page for more information, and check out our gear reviews and outdoor guides. Average Hiker purchased this backpack and does not write sponsored posts or receive compensation for reviews. Weighing at its max at only 37.76 oz. The hip belt on the Crown2 60 is what Granite Gear refers to as their “patent-pending, fully adjustable RE-FIT hip belt.” It is probably patent pending because it is such a simple idea that other backpack manufacturers should consider. EMS – Save up to 75% on equipment and clothing sitewide! Reaching a water bottle with your pack on is a great feat. It’s a good face. I … The load lifters work great, and the adjustable Re-Fit hip belt is intended to fit all body types. The Crown 2 60 has the Re-Fit hipbelt, which is highly adjustable and excellently made. There are two large water bottle side mesh pockets, two zippered hip belt pockets, and a large stretch mesh pocket on the back of the pack. The Crown2 remains a top-loader pack with three spacious external mesh storage pockets surrounding the pack. An excellent internal frame that’s both removable and surprisingly supportive for the ultralight setup. The Granite Gear Crown2 (60 Backpack-Men) has been making a buzz since it was first released. I really liked the way you have given everything in detail. to 2.46 lbs. Our mission is to empower all walks of life to be ambassadors of the outdoors. It’s a 60 liter pack with an updated Black and Red color combination and upgraded side pockets. The pack is configured in the ultralight-style, with two side pockets and a long front stretch mesh pocket. There were periods of rain that were consistent and not very heavy, and the pack stayed relatively dry. Somehow it doesn’t feel that heavy! Without overdoing it, they’ve added convenient pockets and practical straps everywhere this backpack needed it. That rules. The pocket on the Crown2 60 is too tight. Even though the main pack itself is one large open sack, there are plenty of smaller pockets to separate your gear. Arguably, their best design is the Crown2, which balances impressive cushioning, thoughtful features, and a weight of just over 2 pounds. Bigly. My food, electronics, toiletries, etc., are all kept in two other waterproof stuff sacks. 60. Good for lightweight beginners who haven’t reduced the size (and weight) of every item yet, and great for longer treks. I stuff my Down sleeping bag/quilt and clothes into the compactor bag in the bottom of the pack and roll the compactor bag closed. The polypropylene frame sheet combined with the backpacks molded back foam panel and well-padded Re-Fit adjustable hip belt provided structure and comfort in this lightweight backpack. 60, boasts our patent-pending fully adjustable Re-Fit hip belt, our new and innovative Air-Current Mark 2 compression molded PP frame sheet with molded foam back panel, and bonus lid (removable), all while weighing in at 2.2lbs. Granite Gear Crown2 38 Weight. I would like to see a slightly larger mesh pocket on the back of the pack. Learn more about. The Granite Gear Crown 2 60 is a refreshing update to a classic lightweight backpack. I’m between this one and the 38L. The materials on this pack are robust, and somehow lightweight. Straight from the retail shelf, this backpack can haul 35 pounds within its 60 liter capacity, but that capacity doesn’t leave you with a bulky mass of fabric when your load is light like in other styles of bags. Right? For me, this pack would be a good winter pack for large loads. 60is as light as you could go for a heavy-duty pack. I carry my tarp-tent in this pocket and also use it to hold wet gear. The hip belt is very comfortable and has plenty of padding for heavy loads. The Crown 2 was so popular in the spring that it sold out and only became available again in August. The foam was relatively rigid. The Granite Gear Crown V.C. On a separate lightweight day hike I opted to remove that plastic frame because I didn’t require its support. This multi-day pack is as capable as it is versatile, as ultralight as it is ultra-comfortable, and it can be stripped down to its skivvies like a hiker at an alpine lake on a hot day — that’s to say it has a number of conveniently removable parts. It is a comfortable, well built backpack that offers a lot of flexibility and multiple features. See the Women's Granite Gear Crown2 60 See the Men's GG Crown2 60 Granite Gear is a market leader in ultralight packs, with a strong following among thru-hikers and other minimalist backpackers. The side pockets are some of the better side pockets I have used. Thank you, Backcountry – Save up to 45% off Hike and Camp. I found it hard to clip. (Not to knock tearing it up. I found the belt easy to change, and once I attached the Velcro to both the belt and backpack, there were no issues with either coming loss. Whether it be in the mountains, on the beach, or along the city streets -- he believes walking is the best way to experience the world. You just have to learn how to pack well! (regular torso without lid). Hi, Do you think is too much for a base weight of 12lb? In approaching the upper 35 pound weight limit, I had a sense that the pack’s structure would start to buckle if I had packed in a few more pounds. Without the sheet, I keep the load at 20 pounds or less. I found that the interior plastic frame sheet did well to keep this pack’s structure intact while it was fully loaded. There’s no denying that the Crown 2 60 is an ultralight backpack designed to carry lightweight loads. Though the Granite Gear Crown 2 60 is an ultralight pack, I filled its innards with a hefty pile of gear for my most recent foray into the wilderness. Part of what makes the Granite Gear Crown 2 60 feel so natural is its adaptability. I was a little hesitant when I first tried on the backpack, and its foam back pad seemed too hard. This approach led to a heavier pack, which better tested the Crown 2 60’s load capacity. I barely noticed it at all. It's as simple as that. Versatile and modular, this pack excels for picky ultralighters. Additionally, the exterior compression straps compact your load even further for a tight, orderly pack. The Crown2 60 by Granite Gear is a backpack, plain and simple. With all these pit stops in mind I opted to carry an exorbitant amount of home-cooked food and bottled drinks, basically turning every trailside break into a wine-and-dine picnic that even Gordon Ramsey would have to admit was spot on.