Granite Gear Blaze 60 Backpack – Men’s Review

Let’s Talk About Granite Gear Blaze 60 Backpack – Men’s

The Granite Gear Blaze 60 Backpack – Men’s is Granite Gear’s offering for serious backpackers looking for a comfortable and durable pack that can handle multi-day treks. This pack boasts an adjustable frame, a customizable hip belt, and burly fabrics designed to withstand the rigors of the trail. What sets this pack apart is its focus on a personalized fit and its innovative use of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) in high-wear areas.

I’d been searching for a backpack that could comfortably carry heavier loads during extended backcountry trips without sacrificing durability. My old pack, while reliable, lacked the adjustability needed to evenly distribute weight, leading to shoulder and back pain after just a few miles. I was looking for something that could handle the abuse of off-trail travel and provide a truly customized fit.

Upon unboxing, I was immediately impressed by the Granite Gear Blaze 60 Backpack – Men’s’s robust construction and the feel of the materials. The 210D Robic nylon UHMWPE triple ripstop felt incredibly tough, and the overall design seemed well-thought-out. The adjustable frame was easy to manipulate, and the hip belt felt substantial and supportive.

I considered the Osprey Atmos AG 65 and the Gregory Baltoro 65, both excellent packs. However, the Granite Gear Blaze 60 Backpack – Men’s won me over with its focus on extreme durability and its Re-Fit hip belt, which promised a truly customized fit that the others couldn’t quite match. The price point also played a role, as the Granite Gear offered comparable features at a slightly lower cost.

My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. While the materials and design seemed excellent, the true test would be how the pack performed under load and during extended use. I was excited to hit the trail and see if the Granite Gear Blaze 60 Backpack – Men’s lived up to its promises of comfort and durability.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Granite Gear Blaze 60 Backpack – Men’s to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Granite Gear Blaze 60 Backpack – Men’s on a three-day backpacking trip in the Uinta Mountains of Utah. The trail involved a mix of established paths and off-trail scrambling, with elevations ranging from 8,000 to 11,000 feet. I carried approximately 45 pounds of gear, including a tent, sleeping bag, cooking equipment, and three days’ worth of food and water.

The weather during the trip was varied, ranging from sunny and warm to cold and rainy. The Granite Gear Blaze 60 Backpack – Men’s performed admirably in all conditions. The DWR treated zippers kept the contents of the lid compartment dry during a brief downpour, and the Air Current frame provided excellent ventilation, minimizing sweat buildup on my back.

The pack required some initial adjustments to dial in the fit, but once I found the sweet spot, it carried the weight exceptionally well. The Re-Fit hip belt conformed comfortably to my hips, and the load-lifter straps effectively transferred weight to my hips and legs. Accessing gear on the trail was straightforward thanks to the tall vertical hidden zipper.

One minor issue arose on the first day: the sternum strap came unclipped a couple of times when I was scrambling over rocks. However, this was easily remedied by tightening the strap and ensuring it was properly secured. Overall, my first experience with the Granite Gear Blaze 60 Backpack – Men’s was overwhelmingly positive.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, including multiple backpacking trips and weekend camping excursions, the Granite Gear Blaze 60 Backpack – Men’s has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of significant wear and tear, even in high-stress areas like the bottom panel and shoulder straps. The 210D Robic nylon UHMWPE triple ripstop has proven to be incredibly abrasion-resistant.

The pack has required minimal maintenance. I’ve simply wiped it down with a damp cloth after each trip to remove dirt and grime. The DWR coating on the main body fabric continues to repel water effectively, and the zippers still operate smoothly.

Compared to my previous packs, the Granite Gear Blaze 60 Backpack – Men’s significantly outperforms them in terms of comfort and durability. The adjustable frame and hip belt provide a more customized fit, and the robust construction gives me confidence that it will withstand years of abuse. I am extremely satisfied with its performance.

Breaking Down the Features of Granite Gear Blaze 60 Backpack – Men’s

Specifications

The Granite Gear Blaze 60 Backpack – Men’s boasts several impressive specifications. It has a 60-liter capacity (3660 cubic inches), making it suitable for multi-day backpacking trips. It’s designed to carry a maximum load of 50 lbs (22.7 kg).

The pack features Granite Gear’s All New A.C. (Air Current) Frame which is designed for optimal weight distribution and ventilation. It has Specific Adjustment points that allow users to customize their torso size. The adjustable hip belt fits waists from 26 – 42 inches.

The shoulder harness is dual density with load-lifter straps and a removable sternum strap. The whistle buckle for safety is a thoughtful addition. The Re-Fit fully adjustable dual density hip belt ensures a snug and comfortable fit.

The pack is constructed with a combination of materials including 100D Robic High-tenacity nylon with Barrier DWR main body and Exclusive 210 D Robic nylon UHMWPE triple ripstop. This combination provides a balance of lightweight performance and durability. The weight of the pack varies based on torso length: Short Torso (15-18 inches) – 2.9lbs / 1.31 kg, Regular Torso (18-21 inches) – 3lbs / 1.36 kg, Long Torso (21-24 inches) – 3.1lbs/ 1.41 kg.

These specifications are critical for ensuring the pack’s performance and user experience. The high load rating allows for carrying essential gear without compromising comfort. The adjustable frame and hip belt enable a customized fit, preventing strain and fatigue. The durable materials ensure that the pack can withstand the rigors of the trail, providing long-lasting reliability.

Performance & Functionality

The Granite Gear Blaze 60 Backpack – Men’s excels in its primary function: carrying heavy loads comfortably and efficiently. The adjustable frame and hip belt work together to distribute weight evenly, reducing strain on the shoulders and back. The load-lifter straps effectively transfer weight to the hips, allowing for a more upright posture and improved balance.

One of the strengths of the pack is its accessibility. The tall vertical hidden zipper provides quick access to the main compartment, eliminating the need to unpack everything to reach items at the bottom. The large fabric side pockets and tall stretch woven front pocket offer ample storage for water bottles, snacks, and other essentials.

A potential weakness is the complexity of the adjustment system. It may take some time and experimentation to dial in the perfect fit. Also, while the removable lid compartment is a nice feature, converting it to a chest pack can be a bit cumbersome.

Overall, the Granite Gear Blaze 60 Backpack – Men’s meets and exceeds expectations in terms of performance and functionality. It provides a comfortable and efficient way to carry heavy loads during multi-day backpacking trips. Its strengths outweigh its weaknesses.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Granite Gear Blaze 60 Backpack – Men’s is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The use of high-quality materials and robust construction give it a premium feel. The weight is reasonable for a pack of its size and load capacity.

The pack’s ergonomics are well-considered. The adjustable frame and hip belt allow for a customized fit, and the contoured shoulder straps provide excellent comfort. The Air Current frame promotes ventilation, minimizing sweat buildup.

There is a slight learning curve involved in adjusting the frame and hip belt to achieve the optimal fit. However, the included instructions are clear and easy to follow. Once dialed in, the pack is remarkably comfortable to wear, even for extended periods.

Durability & Maintenance

The Granite Gear Blaze 60 Backpack – Men’s is built to last. The use of 210D Robic nylon UHMWPE triple ripstop in high-wear areas ensures exceptional abrasion resistance. The reinforced bottom panel and durable zippers further contribute to its longevity.

Maintenance is relatively simple. Wiping down the pack with a damp cloth after each trip is usually sufficient to remove dirt and grime. The DWR coating can be replenished with a suitable fabric protectant as needed.

With proper care, the Granite Gear Blaze 60 Backpack – Men’s should provide many years of reliable service. Its robust construction and durable materials make it a worthwhile investment for serious backpackers.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Granite Gear Blaze 60 Backpack – Men’s comes with a removable lid compartment that can be converted to an optional chest pack. This provides additional storage and accessibility for small items.

The pack is compatible with most standard hydration reservoirs. An internal hydration sleeve and hydration port are included for convenient hydration on the trail.

While there are no specific customization options offered by Granite Gear, the pack is compatible with many aftermarket accessories. Users can add external pockets, gear attachments, and other accessories to personalize their setup. The three-tier side and front compression straps system allows for secure attachment of bulky items.

Pros and Cons of Granite Gear Blaze 60 Backpack – Men’s