Reader Reviews

Rating: 4 / 5

This is the more durable version of the Vapor Trail, designed for rockclimbers.
I use it for bushwacking and 2-5day hikes throughout the year.
It uses the same frame and suspension system as the GG Vapor Trail but instead off the thin fabric is uses more durable HT 210 dernier Cordura for the pack itself and HT 420 dernier Cordura for the bottom.
It also has a Hypalon crampon patch on the front of the pack.
The weight is 1191gram for my size L, so not that heavy for the durable fabric.
I realy enjoy using it, it's very comfortable and steady on the back.
Ventilation could be better, but is on par with other "lightweight" packs.
To same weight on the pack you could remoe the standard toolloops on the hipbelt and the Voile-style cinch system for fixing iceaxes on the front of the pack.
The compression system works very good and lets you adapt the pack to the amount of stuff you put in the pack.
For lightweight summer camping it's a bit big for me, but in spring/fall and winter it's OK.

Rating: 4 / 5

This is the rough and tumble brother of the vapor trail. I have used it on multiple climbing outings.
Pro's: It carries all my gear with ease and is very comfortable with up to 30 lb load. It is tough and has survived much bush whaking, chimney climbing and being hauled over rock. The only damage after 2 years is a small abarsion on the side pocket. Compresses well to stabalize any size load and carries axes and crampons well. The gear loops on the hip belt are very convenient.
Cons: I wish it came with a real lid or external compartment to keep small stuff organised. The optional "lid" is useless and inevitably ends up falling to the side.It's a tad heavy there are lighter more durable fabrics out there.
For general hiking it gets a 4 but for the alpine realm I give it a 4.5.

Rating: 5 / 5

I have this pack, great pack, and very comfortable. I was considering getting the optional lid from granite gear. Is the lid really a waste of money? How precisely does it connect, and what makes it fall off?

Edited by boognish on 06/04/2007 13:47:49 MDT.