Let’s Talk About Granite Gear Sawbill 20L Backpack
The Granite Gear Sawbill 20L Backpack is a lightweight, frameless pack designed by Granite Gear for day hikes, travel, and everyday carry. Its cinch closure, internal sleeve, and external mesh pocket offer a good balance of accessibility and organization. This pack aims to be a versatile companion, equally suited for urban environments and light trail adventures.
I was looking for a minimalist backpack that could serve as both a daypack for short hikes and a convenient carry-on for travel. My aging, heavier framed pack was overkill for quick trips, and I wanted something easily packable within a larger duffel when traveling. The Sawbill 20L seemed to fit the bill perfectly with its lightweight design and compact size.
Upon unboxing, the first thing that struck me was how incredibly light the pack is. The 100D nylon feels surprisingly durable despite its thinness, and the overall construction seems solid for a pack in this price range. The cinch closure is simple and effective, and the mesh pocket on the front adds a welcome touch of external storage.
Compared to my older, more structured daypack from Osprey, the Sawbill 20L is far less bulky and much lighter. It’s also more streamlined than my tactical 5.11 Rush 12, sacrificing some organizational pockets for a more packable profile. Ultimately, I chose the Granite Gear Sawbill 20L Backpack for its focus on simplicity, weight savings, and versatility.
My initial impression was one of pleasant surprise. I was excited by the prospect of a pack that could seamlessly transition between hiking and travel, and the Sawbill 20L seemed to deliver on that promise right out of the box.
Real-World Testing: Putting Granite Gear Sawbill 20L Backpack to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Granite Gear Sawbill 20L Backpack on a local 5-mile hike in moderately hilly terrain. I packed it with about 10 pounds of gear, including water, snacks, a light jacket, and a first-aid kit. The Sawbill performed admirably, staying comfortable and secure against my back, even without a frame.
During the hike, the weather shifted from sunny to a light drizzle. The pack’s nylon material offered some water resistance, keeping my gear dry for a short period. The cinch closure was easy to operate, even with gloves on, and the external mesh pocket proved useful for stashing a map and compass for quick access.
The simplicity of the design meant there was little to fiddle with, and the load felt well-distributed, despite the frameless construction. I noticed the sternum strap helped keep the shoulder straps in place, preventing them from digging into my shoulders. After the first use, I was impressed with the pack’s overall comfort and functionality.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Granite Gear Sawbill 20L Backpack continues to impress. I’ve used it for daily commutes, grocery shopping, and several more day hikes. It holds up remarkably well, showing no signs of significant wear and tear.
The 100D nylon has proven to be surprisingly resistant to abrasions, despite brushing against rocks and branches on the trail. I did notice a small amount of pilling on the shoulder straps, but this is purely cosmetic and doesn’t affect the pack’s functionality. Cleaning is a breeze; a quick wipe down with a damp cloth is all it takes to remove dirt and grime.
Compared to my previous, more heavily padded daypack, the Sawbill 20L feels more nimble and less restrictive. While it doesn’t offer the same level of support for heavy loads, it’s perfectly adequate for carrying essential gear on day trips. It has exceeded my expectations for a lightweight, packable backpack.
Breaking Down the Features of Granite Gear Sawbill 20L Backpack
Specifications
The Granite Gear Sawbill 20L Backpack, manufactured by Granite Gear, is a unisex, one-size backpack designed for travel. It weighs a mere 0.38 lbs (0.17 kg), making it incredibly lightweight.
It has a capacity of 20 liters and a carry capacity of 15 lbs. The body is made of durable 100D nylon, and it features breathable mesh shoulder straps.
The pack is hydration compatible, accommodating a 2L bladder, and features a hydration-ready port. It also includes a stretch mesh front pocket for added storage. These specifications highlight the pack’s focus on lightweight design and essential features for day trips.
Other specifications include a cinch closure for quick access, load-stabilizing sternum strap, and webbing attachment points. The pack length is suitable for adults ranging from 18-21 inches in torso length. These design elements contribute to its functionality and adaptability.
These specs are important because they dictate the pack’s intended use. The light weight and packable design make it ideal for travel and day hikes where minimizing weight and bulk is crucial.
Performance & Functionality
The Granite Gear Sawbill 20L Backpack excels at its intended purpose: carrying light loads comfortably and efficiently. The cinch closure allows for quick access to the main compartment, making it easy to grab a snack or an extra layer.
The sternum strap effectively stabilizes the load, preventing the pack from swaying during active movement. The external mesh pocket provides convenient storage for frequently used items, such as water bottles or maps. However, the frameless design means it’s not suitable for carrying heavy or bulky loads.
For its intended purpose, the Sawbill meets and exceeds expectations. It’s a reliable, comfortable, and highly packable daypack.
Design & Ergonomics
The Granite Gear Sawbill 20L Backpack features a minimalist design that prioritizes functionality and weight savings. The 100D nylon feels durable, and the breathable mesh shoulder straps provide decent ventilation.
The cinch closure is easy to operate with one hand, and the webbing attachment points allow for customization with accessories. The pack is relatively comfortable to wear, even with a full load, although the lack of padding on the back panel can be noticeable after several hours. There is virtually no learning curve; its simple design makes it intuitive to use.
Durability & Maintenance
The Granite Gear Sawbill 20L Backpack, while lightweight, appears to be reasonably durable. The 100D nylon is resistant to tears and abrasions, and the reinforced stitching adds to the pack’s overall strength.
With proper care, the Sawbill should last for several years of moderate use. Maintenance is straightforward; simply wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove dirt and grime.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Granite Gear Sawbill 20L Backpack comes with minimal accessories, reflecting its focus on simplicity. The included sternum strap is a welcome addition, providing added stability.
The webbing attachment points allow for customization with third-party accessories, such as carabiners or small pouches. While Granite Gear doesn’t offer specific accessories for this pack, its compatibility with standard webbing systems opens up a wide range of customization possibilities.
Pros and Cons of Granite Gear Sawbill 20L Backpack
Pros
- Extremely lightweight and packable, making it ideal for travel and stashing in larger bags.
- Simple and functional design with a quick-access cinch closure.
- Durable 100D nylon material that resists tears and abrasions.
- Breathable mesh shoulder straps for added comfort.
- Affordable price point, offering excellent value for the money.
Cons
- Lacks a frame, making it unsuitable for heavy or bulky loads.
- Minimal organization, with only one internal sleeve and one external mesh pocket.
Who Should Buy Granite Gear Sawbill 20L Backpack?
The Granite Gear Sawbill 20L Backpack is perfect for day hikers, travelers, students, and anyone who needs a lightweight and packable backpack for everyday use. It’s ideal for carrying essential gear on short hikes or as a carry-on bag for travel.
This product is not suitable for those who need to carry heavy loads or require extensive organization. Individuals who frequently carry more than 15 pounds or prefer a more structured backpack with multiple compartments should consider alternative options.
A must-have accessory is a lightweight hydration bladder to take advantage of the pack’s hydration compatibility. Also, small carabiners can be useful for attaching external gear, such as water bottles or trekking poles.
Conclusion on Granite Gear Sawbill 20L Backpack
The Granite Gear Sawbill 20L Backpack is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a lightweight, packable, and affordable daypack. It’s a simple yet functional design that excels at carrying light loads comfortably and efficiently.
At a price of $49.95, the Sawbill 20L offers outstanding value for the money. Its durability, packability, and ease of use make it a worthwhile investment for day hikers, travelers, and everyday users.
I would highly recommend the Granite Gear Sawbill 20L Backpack to anyone looking for a versatile and lightweight daypack. Go ahead and grab one; you won’t be disappointed!