How to Choose a Backpack

This product is not available.
An ultralight yet ultra-comfortable multiday pack, the men's Granite Gear Crown3 60 has an adjustable hipbelt, an innovative framesheet and a removable lid that converts into a chest or lumbar pack.
Shop similar productsImported.
View all Granite Gear Backpacking PacksBest Use | Backpacking |
---|---|
Frame Type | Internal Frame |
Ultralight | Yes |
Gear Capacity (L) | 60 liters |
Gear Capacity (cu. in.) | 3,660 cubic inches |
Fits Waist/Hips | 26-42 inches |
Material(s) | Robic high-tenacity nylon (100-denier & 210-denier) |
Frame Material | Polyethylene |
Reservoir Compatible | Yes |
Pack Access | Top/panel |
Number of Exterior Pockets | 3 + main compartment |
Raincover Included | No |
Hipbelt Pockets | Yes |
Dimensions | 23.5 x 13 x 8 inches |
Gender | Men's |
Adding a review will require a valid email for verification
Used the new Crown3 Regular Unisex pack this month for 6 days in the Ansel Adams Wilderness. It carried approx. 26-27 total lbs (food, water, BV475 bear canister, clothes, hammock, full underquilt, and top quilt) on my 19” torso. Side pockets were nice, large and easily carried 2 REI carbon trek poles, foldable foam seat pad, umbrella and 2x1-liter water bottles with room to spare. The horizontal strap on the outside pockets could be moved inside. My water filter stuff was stored in the large back stretch pocket. The pack sat comfortably on my hips and I had no pain in the shoulders. Lots of room remained in the interior and was able to store a thin 1/8” long foam pad wrapped around the Bear vault inside. Pack itself weighed approximately 2.5 lbs. Belt pockets held my iPhone 13 Pro (6.33” + case) but a larger phone would be difficult. Note...for day hiking the Top Lid is easily removable and attachable to the also removable hip belt to create a daypack configuration that also has side pockets. What a great feature! I did find the 2 horizontal chest straps odd…lower one worked as expected but the top was too close to my throat so I just connected it loosely. Maybe it was my height of 5’9”. Also, I removed the four front bottle straps since I didn’t need them BUT I reattached them in an X fashion to the top of the LID to hold my sit pad for the day hike configuration…very nice feature. I switch packs often BUT plan on keeping this long term and will be my main pack…love the configurability, size, weight, comfort and quality thus far. Couldn't be happier with the Crown3. For comparison, my recent prior packs were a Gossamer Gear Mariposa (nice but could barely hold a bear vault), REI Flash 55 (excellent, recommended and one of the best packs out but fit problems on my frame), GraniteGear Blaze 60 (fit problems when used). So, highly recommend the Crown3!!!!
just took the Crown 3 (regular size) on a 4 day, 40mile trip into the Weminuche Wilderness with 39lbs (total trail weight). I bought the optional metal stay from Granite Gear and the pack was very comfortable. In fact, I'd say it is the most comfortable pack I've ever used (including Osprey, Gregory, and ULA packs)! All of the features worked well to organize my gear and the only small issue was that I tore out the tab that retains the shock cord on a side pocket by trying to stuff too much in it (still perfectly functional). Also, the bottle holder cords are annoying AF, difficult to use and easy to lose. these will be replaced by bottle pockets. Love the double chest straps! The materials are light but durable and dies not resist water at all (bring a pack cover). Overall, a fantastic lightweight backpack that can haul.
Like someone else said, this pack is so slept on! I hate hipbelts, so I took the hipbelt off and brain off. You can combine the hipbelt and brain to be a hiking belt combo. Along with that, I bought their aluminum stay to carry 30+ lbs for international travel too. The straps and cords on this pack are overly engineered but it tells you how serious sturdy it is. I can achieve sub 10 lb base weight with this if desired. This pack carries loads really well IMO and they made the bottom and certain areas more durable for abrasion. It also already comes with a Y strap to carry big bear cans at the top and has a double chest strap similar to running vests. There's an insane amount of modularity to this pack.
Probably one of the most slept on backpacks available at REI. The main strength of the pack is its simplicity. By not having a bunch of extra zippers and pockets, its saves weight while also not using an expensive fabric to keep costs down. I've used this pack for this season with a variety of configurations. My typical weight with this back is 22 lbs, but I did purchase the frame reinforcement from Granite Gear directly for a trip in Yellow where the required bear canister and group gear brought my weight up to 38 lbs, The Reinforcement did make the backplate stiffer and helped with increased weight! The ability to remove the hipbelt and clip the brain around it to make a Fannie pack is one of my favorite features. Perfect for day hikes after setting up camp! Some features that I would like to see improved but are not turns offs - The pack does not have a internal pocket for a water reservoir, instead, it has a little clip that you can suspend a water reservoir. I'd like that clip to be larger to keep the reservoir clipped in while loading and unloading the main compartment . - Slightly larger hip belt pockets - A car key clip in the brain Overall, this pack is great for anyone who is 1. trying to get into ultralight without breaking the bank 2. Anyone who will back different configurations of gear throughout a season.
I have been looking for a replacement for an old 3lb 6z Deuter ACT Zero with the goal of reducing weight by 1 lb, maintaining a comfortable carry for an initial total weight near 30 lbs and keeping costs reasonable. I have an 18" torso so fall between sizes. The Regular size was originally listed at 2 lb 5 oz at REI but weighed in at 2 lb 13 oz (measured multiple times on an standarized scale). REI found that the weight needed to be updated to 2 lb 9 oz (thanks!) But, mine is still heavier by 4 oz. Since weight is a major factor in selecting a pack for many, it may be worth verifying the claimed weight. The bag was loaded in a balanced manner to a total weight of 25 lbs for trial hikes. It carries well. The belt, back and shoulder straps are comfortable. The load lifters engage at about a 30 degree angle and helped somewhat take load of the shoulders (much better than others I tested). However, the base of the main compartment extends below the hip belt. While that only held my sleeping bag and pad, the full weight of the pack does go below the primary support system of the hip belt. That could be improved. Also note that the base of the pack is only 210D fabric. The ULA Circuit (2 lb 8 oz for Regular) by comparison is 400D. My old Deuter is 510D! Since this is nylon and not Dyneema or Ultra that is a potential weak point for those that hike a lot in areas with sharp granite. That said, the same fabrics were used in the Crown 2 and many PCT hikers found it survived that just fine! The final note, which others have noted, is that the hip belt pockets will have problems with larger smartphones. My Pixel 6 in a lightweight case is 6 1/4" x 3". It barely fits but you are placing a rigid rectangular object (with a glass screen) into a curved pocket. That exerts pressure on the middle of the phone. This is not unique to the Crown 3. All other bags I tested had the same issue. More a problem of large smartphones these days, but something to be aware of. Good pack, reasonable price vs competitors, but disappointed in the extra weight relative to what I'd like to justify the cost. Lots of straps for external attachments and great water pockets. The lid is good, though missing a key clip. The sternum strap is sometimes difficult to unbuckle. But, no pack is perfect and this is well worth looking at to see if it works for you.
light weight, but my hip is narrow, the belt is not tight enough
This is a well made pack. I have very narrow hips and I found the hip belt slides down to my groin area in just few steps, making the pack virtually unusable. I contacted Granite Gear and suggested they use a fabric that does not slide so easily. Never heard a word back. Is this good customer support and relations?