Granite Gear Blaze AC 60 Internal Frame Backpack

Likes

Adjustability Its ability to carry a decent load while still being under 3 pounds Simplicity Comfort

Dislikes

I wish it had one hip belt pocket.

Likes

Fits really well when using size chart and ordering appropriate belt; Can load my sleeping bag (Hydrogen), Cot One; Inflatable Pad; Trekking Poles; Tent, etc. very efficiently in the single compartment, and a hydration pack in the other. Two liters in the sides, and a ton of small items in the long back compartment. I also purchased the belt compartments accessory where I shore my phone/wallet and the like. Very comfortable pack on the upward trails in Yosemite.

Dislikes

Colors offered; Missing a top cap, had to buy it separately.

Likes

Spent almost a year looking for a all around general purpose backpacking pack and this is it. It handled my 30lbs(including food&water) perfectly over 11 miles in Mohican St Forest. The simplicity of the pack and comfortable hip belt made for a comfortable hike up and down the trails. The molle webbing makes it very customizable to fit your needs for hip pouches vs some other packs that don't offer them or are sewn into the belt.

Dislikes

None so far, it packs well for both my tent and hammock loadout since using it.

Likes

The pack rides beautifully. The hip belt is wide and feels good. The pack material looks strong and looks like it will take a lot of punishment. The front part tapers making the bag wider at the bottom where I keep my sleeping bag, allowing more room for it to keep it's loft. I figure I'm paying 1.5 pounds for the more comfortable ride. Time and trail will tell if it's worth the extra weight. Great pack if you can fit gear and food. (More than a weeks worth might be difficult).

Dislikes

Not as advertised. It's 3.01 pounds on postage scale. Seems small. Body: 1875 cu in. (Front tapers wider at the bottom. Back is uniformly 9.5". Collar holds about 850 cu in.) Front pocket (actually sleeve) is 6.5" inches wide at the top and tapers to 7" at the bottom. I'd like to see them stuff in a wet rain fly. I'll have to sew my own front pocket that will add to the weight. Backpackers Cache bear won't go horizontally below the extension collar except at the pack's very bottom. Hydration sleeve has a zipper?

Likes

I own lots of backpacks, Eberlestock, Camelback, Mystery Ranch, Kifaru and Hill People gear, 10 packs in total. This back pack is great and one of the best for so many reasons and now my go to pack. I love the lightweight, the ability to attach lots of items, the stretchy material you can stuff with lots of goodies, durability, comfort. I am becoming a very big fan of Granite gear. Bottom line - if you are on the fence with this pack just buy it, you won't be disappointed.

Dislikes

The colours are a bit hideous but there is nothing I don't like about this pack.

Likes

light durable comfortable

Dislikes

No good way to seal top of bag. No bottom access

Likes

As I began to transition to ultralight gear, I purchased this pack with the intention of making it my go-to for backpacking. You have to pack efficiently, but are able to fit all the necessities. This has been the most comfortable pack I've owned - great padding in the shoulder straps and I love that you can select a hip belt appropriate to your size. It's even lighter than my small daypack, which now is collecting dust in the closest as a result.

Dislikes

The compartment for the water bladder is a tight squeeze -- wish it was more flexible and had elastic at the top vs a zipper.

Likes

-Hip pads and shoulder straps are very comfortable. -Simple design, you just have to pack smart. It's great for my 1-3 night excursions. -Light weight but comfortable. -Added the hip pocket, which is great for the little things needed on the trail.

Dislikes

-I wish the top lid was included instead of an add on. I guess that's how they can say the pack is so light. -I'm about a 32 waist size, but I'm really cinching down to the limits of the medium belt. I'm considering swapping it out for the small belt size.

Likes

Decent Rugged looking pack Large stretch mesh pockets Adjustable torso length with sizing options to fit most Thick padding on straps, belt and nice channel vented back pad Excellent weight distribution. Tested ~28# and it felt nice. Very comfortable to wear: I bought the small I am 5'8" 160# with a 31-32" waist. Daisy chain options on the belts/straps. Overall quality materials.

Dislikes

60L?? almost 1/2 capacity is in the collar extension. The actual pack body is very small. Hope you pack small. Organization options very scarce. No belt pockets. Zipper on the h2o bladder pocket? Why? unnecessary weight. Optional lid. Should come with pack. Just a way to milk more money from you. Noisy pack! It's like wearing corduroy pants.

Likes

A nice pack I use for 1-3 day excursions. Have enough room for all the necessities and not much else. I like the use of cord for cinching things down so you can replace it if needed or use paracord. The waistbelt and straps are very comfortable and I find I almost like them better than my Osprey packs.

Dislikes

I'd say the biggest drawback for this style of pack is the lack of a top compartment and having the addon being a bit pricey. It is also a pain to figure out how to install the top cover if you do purchase it. I know packs are all top access but I really wish I could get into the bottom of the pack without dumping everything out. Not a dealbreaker however.

Likes

I love the frame and hipbelt, plus the rucksack design. I added the top lid because I like the extra space, as I carry some of my daughter's gear too. BV500 fits inside, just not horizontally.

Dislikes

I read that a BV500 would fit horizontally, but it doesn't. It's okay though... I just had to rethink my packing a little and it worked just fine.

Likes

The backpack seems to be well made with tough fabrics. The hipbelt was very comforable. The front 'stretch mesh' pocket opening was smaller than I expected.

Dislikes

You have to purchase the top cap separately which adds to the weight.