Hi all. I do most of my hiking when I travel overseas (I live in Australia). I've recently been trying to cut down the weight I'm carrying and was horrified to discover that my backpack clocks in at over 6 pounds! Ouch.

So I'm after a replacement. Something I can use whilst hiking overseas, but something which is not too inconvenient for other travel use.

The kind of specs I'm after are:
* weight around 3lb (max 4lb)
* load carrying 20-30lb for hiking/camping
* can carry up to 40lb over shorter distances (not hiking) for general travel
* durable
* capacity around 3800 cu in (60L)
* gear accessible from the front or bottom (ie. not just the top)
* comfortable taking most of the load on the hips (good padding)

Any suggestions? Is the Granite Gear Nimbus Meridian a reasonable way to go? I would really like something that feels really comfortable for loads up to 30lb. Anything beyond that I won't be hauling very far.

Thanks for your help... =-)

For carrying just 20-30 lbs load, why not get the GG Latitude Vapor -- which shares the same frame and suspension as the famously comfortable GG Vapor Trail -- and save almost a pound in weight?

Edited by ben2world on 05/15/2008 23:25:34 MDT.

Thanks for the suggestion Ben. I don't think the Latitude Vapor has a front zipper though does it? I'd ideally like a pack that allows me to access the contents through the side, front or bottom (like the nimbus meridian).

The Latitude Vapor has two parallel zippers at the front -- running the full length of the pack from top to bottom. Once unzipped, the entire black middle flap opens up -- giving you direct access to anything and everything inside.

The pack also features three internal straps to secure things within.

Wow, ok. Now you've got me interested. Their website doesn't appear to talk about the access panel, but I've found a description elsewhere.

I take it there's a bit of a trade off here... I guess the weight saving compared to the nimbus meridian means sacrificing a bit of comfort/durability?

Yes, the Nimbus is beefier and has a more robust frame. However, as you know, more is not always better. The trick is to match the pack with the carrying load -- so you have the comfort you need without the pack being unnecessarily heavy. The Vapor frame and harness will carry 30 lbs. like a dream -- and there are huge legions of fans who will attest to that.

But there is one thing I DON'T like about Granite Gear packs in general (this may or may not be an issue to you, but I'll mention it anyway). For those who use water bottles, the Granite Gear side pockets are poorly designed. The height/angle of the pockets themselves plus the side compression straps that run over them both make it difficult to retrieve a water bottle and downright impossible to put back! OTOH, if you use hydration tubing, than you can work around that.

Thanks for your thoughts on the GG packs. It's really valuable to hear what people dislike the most, because chances are they will be the main annoyances for someone else too. I can work around the waterbottle issue but it's good to know.

If the meridian is more durable I might be swayed in that direction because I would really like this pack to last (my current pack, though heavy, has lasted 8 years and shows no sign of anything coming apart). From the sounds of it though they should both be pretty durable.

Oh, one other quick question... is either one more "adjustable" for comfort fit than the other one? Since I won't be able to try it on in-store, the more customizable one would be an advantage.

ps. Thank you!!

Ashley:

You are welcome!

Actually, I don't see a difference in durability between these two packs -- the Nimbus has a more robust frame for load transfer purpose; but otherwise, both packs use the same fabrics and materials! The fabrics should be more than robust enough for travel and hiking use.

I believe Granite Gear's website has a chart on pack and hip belt sizes. It's very important that you measure and match your torso length to the appropriate size pack.

Thanks Ben. Will do. You've been exceptionally helpful... plenty of good karma heading your way =-)

The three primary areas where the Meridian's suspension is different from that of the packs with the Vapour Trail suspension:

a.) the ability to handle heavier loads.

b.) a pivoting shoulder harness and hip belt. Both 'move' with you.

c.) fully adjustable shoulder harness to meet differences in torso length. Interchangeable shoulder harness depending on requirements (see the GG site for more information).

None of the above is possible with packs with the Vapour Trail suspension. Personally I have never been able to get comfortable with the VT because of my body shape. You may be different but I suggest you have a look at both. Also note that the Meridian has a removable top pocket which can be used as a fanny pack - great for travelling.

Ashley:

Take a look at the brand new TRAVELER from Six Moon Designs. http://www.sixmoondesigns.com/shop/shopexd.asp?id=59.

The Traveler pack is sized to easily fit into overhead compartments on planes, yet is large enough to hold a bear cannister if needed.

Panel loader
62 liters (3800 cubic inches)
26 ounces frameless or 31 ounces with two removeable stays
35 pound capacity and can take more
Can hold a bear canister

The shoulder harness height is fully adjustable so it fits a wide range of torso lengths. Bought one for my wife (14.5 inches) and it fit her with plenty of adjustment range left. You can order two different lengths on the sdhoulder straps; three on the hip belt.

Highly recommended.

Edited by wandering_bob on 05/16/2008 07:58:06 MDT.

David makes a good point. While many, many people (including myself) find the Vapor exceedingly comfortable -- indeed the most comfortable pack in the 30 pound load range for me -- no pack is perfect for everyone.

Shipping and handling cost for two packs won't be that much more than shipping for one. If in doubt, I would highly recommend getting both so you can see for yourself firsthand. Return postage should be pretty minimal as well -- especially compared to the cost of the pack and how critical it is to get a pack that fits well.

I wouldn't be lured into the "oh heck just get the better one" mentality. So long as the pack fits well, the pivoting stuff is simply not needed for a 30-pound load. So why carry a pound extra if you don't need to?

Edited by ben2world on 05/16/2008 10:30:12 MDT.

Thanks for the additional suggestions guys. I'll consider ordering both so I can compare them myself. I see the Latitude Vapor is on closeout at REI for $130 (2007 model)... only thing is, it costs $60 to ship it here! Some of the other retailers (campsaver, moosejaw) have more reasonable postage charges. REI is a bit over the top.

> Take a look at the brand new TRAVELER from Six Moon Designs. > http://www.sixmoondesigns.com/shop/shopexd.asp?id=59

Thanks for the suggestion, I'll check it out.

If anyone is still reading this thread, I've got one more question! =-)

Someone commented in a review that the panel loading GG packs such as the nimbus meridian have a rather strange feature... there is no zipped or sealed closure across the bottom of the zippable section of fabric. Although things don't fall out easily, it's rather bizarre that this is even a possibility isn't it? As I mentioned in my original post, I'm hoping to use this pack for both hiking and travel, so I really don't like the idea that someone could literally reach into the pack without even undoing the zipper!!

I can't find any really good pics of how this zipper section works on the web, so I may have got the wrong end of the stick. Should I be concerned about this, or is it a non-issue or something they have fixed? Or is there some way of fixing it up yourself?

If anyone is still reading this thread, I've got one more question! =-)

Someone commented in a review that the panel loading GG packs such as the nimbus meridian have a rather strange feature... there is no zipped or sealed closure across the bottom of the zippable section of fabric. Although things don't fall out easily, it's rather bizarre that this is even a possibility isn't it? As I mentioned in my original post, I'm hoping to use this pack for both hiking and travel, so I really don't like the idea that someone could literally reach into the pack without even undoing the zipper!!

I can't find any really good pics of how this zipper section works on the web, so I may have got the wrong end of the stick. Should I be concerned about this, or is it a non-issue or something they have fixed? Or is there some way of fixing it up yourself?

If anyone is still reading this thread, I've got one more question! =-)

Someone commented in a review that the panel loading GG packs such as the nimbus meridian have a rather strange feature... there is no zipped or sealed closure across the bottom of the zippable section of fabric. Although things don't fall out easily, it's rather bizarre that this is even a possibility isn't it? As I mentioned in my original post, I'm hoping to use this pack for both hiking and travel, so I really don't like the idea that someone could literally reach into the pack without even undoing the zipper!!

I can't find any really good pics of how this zipper section works on the web, so I may have got the wrong end of the stick. Should I be concerned about this, or is it a non-issue or something they have fixed? Or is there some way of fixing it up yourself?

I think it's a non-issue, Ashley.

I have the Nimbus Meridian and really like it. The bottom of the pack seals well and doesn't require a zipper. There's a large amount of overlapping fabric that creates a seal when the side zipper is zipped up.

I've tried hard to actually force something to fall out of the pack. Short of standing on my head with the pack only half full of really small items, there's no risk of losing anything.

Of all the packs mentioned in this thread the Nimbus Meridian would be my first choice for a hiking/travel bacpack. I think you'll be well pleased with it.

David - curious, how much of a load (total pack weight) do you normally carry with your Nimbus?

Hi Ben,

The Nimbus Meridian is mostly for when I'm hiking with my girlfriend and carrying extra weight as a result. I still try to keep it light, but I use it for loads of 30 to 35 pounds. I might try it on some winter backpacks this year if I can find a way to strap snowshoes and crampons to it without risking damage to the pack.

When I go lighter on my own, I use the Granite Gear Virga.

Both bags are pretty new and haven't seen tons of use, but so far I'm surprised by how much I like them and how well they're working out for me.

Dave