Reader Reviews

Rating: 5 / 5

the suspension system is just outrageously comfortable. the thing weighs 3 lbs but carries 35 lbs (and more) so well you forget your wearing it. with a new baby i had to start packing for the three of us. great compression strap options.

i attached a dana designs dry rib to the front. (the ozone has two small outer pockets unreachable while wearing the pack) GG should move the lower compression strap too. negligable shortcomings though as i sail along the trail without pain.

Edited by harry@dodgekahn.com on 08/03/2005 21:03:49 MDT.

Rating: 4 / 5

It is my choice when I'm over 30lbs. I seldom use it now.

I have used the following packs: GossamerGear Mariposa, GoLite Speed, GoLite Dawn, Osprey Aether 45, Golite Infinity, Golite Continuum, Granite Gear Vapor Trail. It is extremely comfortable. Granite Gear has a large variety of hip and shoulder belts that you can exchange for free (just shipping) to get just the right fit. The straps are adjustable on the frame sheet to improve the fit.

I hike off trail travel a lot. I've hiked at least 100 days with this pack in 2005 in the sandstone desert near my home. The pack only shows modest wear.

I edited this review on 6/12/2007 because it was rather outdated. I only use this pack with loads over 30lbs (which is now very rare - even carrying up to 5-6 liters of water). I like the pack, but I haven't used it in quite a while. The Granite Gear Vapor Trail replaced the Ozone as my most used pack. It is as durable for offtrail travel and although the internal frame isn't as comfortable, it is plenty sufficient for the weights I normally carry.

Edited by craig_shelley on 06/12/2007 19:52:01 MDT.

Rating: 5 / 5

Had my over 2 years now. Over 750 miles on my back and nothing but kudos to the granite gear folks. Have carried it in the desert, Glacier, the Long trail, the PCT and the CDT. Works well with loads up to 35/40 pounds but excells at around 25/30. Best suspension for any of the lightweight packs I've carried.

Rating: 4 / 5

I've used this pack for 4 AT section hikes in Virginia and New Hampshire. This is a very comfortable pack at 25-30 pounds, with the ability to carry 35-40 if you really, really need to.

I'm fine with the stretchy side pockets, which I use for water bottles, pack cover, footcare ditty, and Aqua Mira. It would make more sense to have the compression straps threaded *through* the pockets than on top of the pockets though.

I added The Lid (2 oz) just to get a more secure, easily accessible pocket for car keys, wallet, trail guide.

I've considered adding a Vapor Trail for summer hikes when I need fewer clothes, but this is a great all-around pack for 10-15 pound base weights.

Rating: 5 / 5

Bought mine in 2003 and it's still my favorite pack. Unfortunately, this was before the internal hydration sleeve was standard, so I've been using the stretchy side pockets until I get one sewn in.

Best features for me:
-- stiff frame, but not made of metal
-- women-specific hip belt and shoulder straps that have good padding
-- ability to carry 35-40 lbs comfortably (most of my trips are 6+ days)
-- wide enough to internally carry a Garcia bear canister
-- side pockets that I can access while the pack is on and are actually big enough to hold something larger than chapstick
-- thicker material on the bottom

I bought the "Lid" a couple of years later, but didn't like it, so I don't use it.

Rating: 5 / 5

I've had a Nimbus Ozone for three or four years now. I think I may have become intrigued with the pack here.

I downloaded and printed the Topoflex manual from Granite Gear first, and ordered the right size pack (regular torso) with wide shoulder straps and the XL belt from the Light pack range. I wanted the beefier belt for those trips when I carry heavier loads (family backpacking and snow camping).

Three or four years and many many trips later, I still love this pack. I've never owned one that carried better, and that includes a custom fitted pack I got from the Schoenhoffen shop in seattle back in the '80s. With the belt from the Light series, it carries heavy loads really well for its weight. It carries lighter loads even better. I liked the Lite belt so much I bought another one in Large when I lost weight.

The materials are not heavy, but the only damage to mine is a small hole left by an anonymous rodent. It was "temporarily" patched with duct tape a couple years ago.

Great pack. I give it a 5.

Rating: 5 / 5

A bit heavy by my current standards, but plenty comfortable. I still pull it out when called on to haul a heavier load, or possibly for winter trips this season.
Purchased on sale in mid 2009. In a few hundred miles of use, I managed to put only two small holes in it (one in one of the water bottle pockets from an unguarded trekking pole tip and oddly enough one in the cordura bottom, not the silnylon body, presumably from a rock or stick). Neither hole has grown since first observed, and I have done nothing to patch them.

My biggest complaint is that the hydration tube ports are ridiculously small. No chance my mouthpiece fits through.

I also wish it had an outside stretchy vertical pocket (like ULA packs, for example), but I also love the pair of compression strags back there. Great for attaching snowshoes, etc.

The compression straps over the waterbottle pockets have annoyed many, but were fine for me (not carrying bottles), and served as extra insurance that items in the side pockets don't fall out.

The pack as a "fat at the bottom"/"wide hips" shape to it, getting narrower and rounder towards the top.

Sometimes the plastic frame squeaks against fabric a bit.

Pack body is reasonably water resistant.

The nice thick back padding can sometimes soak up a good bit of sweat, but when dry, servers as a great part of a sleeping pad system (e.g., under the legs).