If your company just passed the three decade mark, was internationally respected, and had a somewhat cult following among backpackers, would you rest on your duff? Neither would Granite Gear! At this year’s Outdoor Retailer Winter Market, the pack company was excited to introduce a completely revamped backpack series, as well as bring some new flavor to their Campus series.
Granite Gear had through hikers in mind when they revamped their Crown series of backpacks. The new packs have been upgraded to the Refit Adjustable torso and waist belt system. I was able to test the Refit system last summer as part of our review of the Lutsen series, and have to say it worked quite well, and translates to a more custom fit and feel while hiking.
The Crown is also a lightweight, in the best sense of the term: the small size of the packs come in at 2 lbs! And believe it or not, that’s in the 60L size of backpack. Additionally, the Crown series features the same DWR finish that is found in the rest of the Granite Gear trail packs, which means you can probably leave your duck cover at home and save a few ounces…maybe that means another nip of whiskey for that Uinta trip!
Granite Gear has also stepped their game up when it comes to their Campus lineup. This series has been around for some time, but was in need of an upgrade. I was quite impressed by the new offerings; a very fashion forward design coupled with Granite Gear’s usual bomber materials has yielded a group of packs that look sleek but aren’t afraid of the grit and grime of urban commuting. Roll tops, velcro enclosures, and sternum straps for when you’re biking or going off piste (off boulevard, perhaps?) complete the upgrades.
Look for the new packs to hit stores later this year, just in time for your next thru hike, or the new semester at school.