Granite Gear Stratus Access FZ 5500 Backpack - Short - 2009 Closeout

Comments about Granite Gear Stratus Access FZ 5500 Backpack - Short - 2009 Closeout:

This is an update to review "Woman's hipbelt".

This pack carries weight really well. When loaded light, you can compress to carry everything tight. It is very comfortable. I find granite gear really does a great job in this regard. The frame is great and really moves well with the body.

When I wore a helmet, my helmet, from time to time, did bump the bag a bit if I lifted my head too much. I found that sometimes the bag would shift to the right. No matter what I did, or what load, there was a slight shift. Did not affect the comfort or load.

I used this pack to travel to, and summit, Pico de Orizaba. For the weight of the pack, it was far too heavy for a summit pack but a choice I made. I had telemark skis strapped to each side all the way to the summit. Prior to summit, hiked from 14k-16k to stage skis and gear where the skis were strapped to side along with telemark boots in the bindings. I had water bottle in the side pocket. While not intended for skis, it carried all the weight very well and I was really impressed with how well the pack carried all the weight.

The internal compression straps got in the way to often for mountaineering purposes. One zipper would have a tendency to catch on the fabric but was easily unstuck.

I used the top lid as a day pack to hike from 15-16kft. Only had water and one layer. it was fine.

I was able to get the pack onto the plane but did get a few looks. You ahve to remove the top lid to do this. Since the frame is long, you will be able to compress it further. It would had been easier to get in the overhead compartments if one could remove the waist belt without a screwdriver.

While moving from Mexico City to Puebla, and the Talc, I was able to securely fasten the ski boots to the side with my skis in a ski bag.

For my trip, I was able to load all my gear into the this GG, a Medium size TNF base camp duffel, and a ski bag. I was able to move freely through airport, city, and bus terminal with no assistant needed (duffel was carried on chest).

The outer front straps carried a sleeping mat really well.

Note: I did purchase a replacement hip-belt and the wider harness to carry the extra weight. These were great.

I also purchased the GG harness and hip-belt accessory pockets and were indispensable on the climb during the steeper portion where taking the pack off was not an option. Highly recommend these. They stayed where they were suppose....just a bit of a pain to get on if it is your first time.

I cannot speak to the water repellent of the pack as we had sunny skies each day.

I had crashed twice skiing down Orizaba and had no problems with the pack.

I would not use this pack for summiting but highly recommend for other mountain pursuits with the caveat of not intended for carrying skis. While it can, you need to watch the longterm wear on the straps.

This would bot be my first choice for high altitude mountaineering trips but good for other mtn activities.

I have the Arc'teryx Bora 80, and while I like the features of the Bora over this GG, I think GG carries better on the back.

As for as pack measurements go, a 16-17" is my size and the small was spot on. again, cant say enough about GG suspension. The width of the pack was great. Water bottle holders great.

The access from the front is good but you have to deal with a lot of straps. Wish the interior color was bright and the straps had some form of color coding.

All in all, a fantastic pack.

Comments about Granite Gear Stratus Access FZ 5500 Backpack - Short - 2009 Closeout:

I will provide a follow-up to this review after 1st use, however, since REI will not up date the listing, I want to make sure any potential buyer realizes this backpack comes with a woman's hipbelt. It is standard for the this GG model, in a size small, to have a womans hipbelt.

Backpack appears to be a solid pack. First glance:
Black interior will make it hard to see inside in low-light without light
Lots of buckles to get through just to access the interior. Might be quicker to go through the top.
No owner's manual
Top portion where, where pack expands, typical thin material.
Outside pockets lose when not fully loaded.

Service and delivery comments:

I will provide a follow-up to this review after 1st use, however, since REI will not up date the listing, I want to make sure any potential buyer realizes this backpack comes with a woman's hipbelt. It is standard for the this GG model, in a size small, to have a womans hipbelt. Since it is from the Outlet, the only thing REI outlet is willing to do is to return or to buy the regular, in addition to the small, swap belts and mail the regular pack back. A very, very sad day when REI starts to separate themselves and ID the Outlet, web, and stores as separate entities in-whereas they are unable to swap gear and provide the customer with the top notch service they built their reputation on. Additionally, despite calling in advance to avoid the mix-up, REI failed to deliver on promise. No owners manual.