When you think of Granite Gear backpacks, you get the impression that they are highly functional and have features that you can't see anywhere else. The design also has a unique atmosphere and makes you want to try it out. So what about when you actually try it? Personally, I was quite curious about it, but I haven't seen much of the actual product, including those who use it, so I've delved into it thoroughly this time.
table of contents
General features
Granite Gear has been creating a number of gears that combine innovative designs and functions with the concept of creating innovative gear. The brand has a very high reputation for gear, from backpacks to staff bags.
The expected range of Nimbus Trace Access 60 this time is to stay in a tent for around 2-3 nights and trails. Although it is not particularly lightweight among Granite gears, the backpack itself is made with the light weight in mind, and the unique back system and waist belt allow you to hold the weight of your luggage accurately, making it comfortable to carry, and at the same time it has excellent packing performance. She has a great track record as a model that won the prestigious OUTSIDE magazine "GEAR OF THE YEAR" in 2014.
Recommended points
- It combines lightweight and easy to carry. It's very good for active activities that require long-term activity and lighter loads.
- The wide range of buckles and zippers make it suitable for a wide range of packing styles.
- The lid (rain pig) can be removed to make it lighter, and the removed lid can be used as a waist bag.
- It is purely a backpack with the size of the opening and the front zipper to access the contents, making it very easy to use.
Points that interest me
- There are many zippers and buckles, so operation can be a bit of a hassle and can be troublesome or complicated for some people.
- The small straps and buckles are thin and can be a disadvantage in some situations.
- There are many hollows on the back, so be careful when using it.
- Although it is an excellent lightweight backpack that is firm and comfortable to carry, if it becomes too heavy, it will undermine the appeal of this backpack.
Detailed review
Item appearance
GRANITE GEAR NIMBUS TRACE ACCESS 60 / Model for women: NIMBUS TRACE ACCESS 60 KI
Front
Back
side
Main Specifications and ratings
| item | Specifications and ratings |
|---|---|
| material | 100D & 210D Sill Hybrid Nylon Codura |
| color |
|
| Size/Length of the back | 46-56cm |
| capacity | 60 liters |
| weight | 1,900g |
| Optimal load | 27kg |
| Waist belt | Nimbus EXO |
| Rear system | Topoflex + Advection Panel (Maple Composite) |
| Hydration compatible | ◯ |
| Rain cover | × |
| function |
|
| Comfort | ★★★★☆ |
| weight | ★★★★☆ |
| Stability | ★★★☆☆ |
| Ease of use | ★★★★☆ |
| Storage and functionality | ★★★★★ |
| Versatility | ★★★★☆ |
| Durability | ★★★☆☆ |
| Overall score | ★★★★☆ |
Detailed review of each part
Rear system
First, let's take a look at the shoulder pads and waist belts. This is about half the thickness of a robust traverse model, but it feels firm to the touch. The hip belt is a slightly larger size. There are many loops, so it seems like it's easy to attach small items externally using a carabiner or something.
The rear system is distinctive and quite interesting to operate. Topoflex , a lightweight composite material based on maple, so it feels firm and firm when carried on your back, making it easy to carry.
The structure is designed to allow efficient air circulation on the plate. " Advection Back Panel " and is designed to allow air circulation to prevent heat from building up in the back. There is nothing particularly striking about the feeling of carrying it on your back, and there is nothing particularly bothering you. However, as is the case with all backpacks, which have a lot of space on the back for air circulation, in winter activities where powdery snow falls, snow will likely get clogged in this gap.
The back adjustment is also an unusual design that is secured with screws.
This mechanism is to remove this screw and adjust it with a tool. (It's a little stiff, so be careful not to crush the screw threads when adjusting it.) This system cannot be easily adjusted on the spot, so it is a hassle, but it is possible to secure it firmly. When you think about it, once you decide on the size, you hardly move it anymore. It also has a wooden look, so I personally like it.
How does it actually feel to carry it? ~I tried walking with a load of 15kg and 25kg
When it was light, I was able to walk comfortably without any worries, but the pad part, which I pointed out earlier, was thin, combined with the functions of the back system, is given stable weight without any problems, making it cool to the back and feel comfortable to carry.
I was able to predict the thickness of the pads when it was heavy, but the belts on my shoulders and waist felt a little tighter and tighter. After gradually reducing my luggage to about 20kg, I returned to the point where I didn't notice that. I think the limit is around 27kg, but the weight that is actually comfortable to use is probably just over 20kg.
As a large backpack, it is a lightweight, so as the theory suggests, it is best to use it to bring out the appeal of this backpack in a way that will not make it heavy.
Buckle Strap
The buckle is small, but it is easy to use in warm weather like the present. However, if it is this small, it would be difficult to operate it with thick winter gloves on. Based on the gap on the back and this, spring to autumn is the best way to use it, and if you are using it during a snowy season, I think it is most comfortable to use in mountains during the warm, remaining snowy season.
The straps are also thin, so when attaching them externally, you should avoid wearing too much heavy objects. Lighter mattresses, etc., would be better.
Storage
The opening is large and it is comfortable to take things in and out.
It also allows you to approach the inside directly through the front zipper, making it convenient to easily reveal the contents.
If you look closely, you will see that the buckle inside plays a role in preventing luggage from falling off and compressing it.
The stretch mesh pockets also do not interfere with insertion and removal, making them ideal for storing maps and small items.
It is designed to be able to be set up with a hydration system.
There are a variety of zippers and pockets, and the more you tinker with them, the more you tweak them, it's interesting that they bring out a variety of functions.
The only thing that bothered me was the small side zippers on the top of both sides.
Will the movement of the zipper interfere with the strap? That's what I felt. Should I put something that I don't take out and put in this zipper?
It's also a simple and convenient way to remove the lid (rain pig) and use it as a hip bag.
It's enough capacity to carry valuables, rain gear, water, and food when you're depotting your luggage and going out for a while. If you don't want to remove anything, such as a key, there is a pocket inside, so just put it there.
If removed, the opening can be stopped using a roll-up method and a cross buckle from above, so it can be used as is. It can be further lightweight.
Summary: What kind of activities do you recommend?
This is definitely recommended for UL hiking and long trail hikers who want to keep their luggage lighter and stay overnight, and for those who want to walk comfortably on short-term traverse climbs.
It is also convenient to remove the lid and can be lightweight and controlled in size, making it a great companion for backpackers. Also, it was lighter to lighten the main unit and also good for activities where you don't have a very long walk, and it was also good to use it as an approach backpack for day climbing, for example. I tried it out and it was very convenient because it allowed me to put in and take out the gears in and out.
On the other hand, if you prefer a simple backpack, you may find it a hassle because there are so many parts. Also, although it is quite well-built, it is a backpack that is designed to be lightweight, so if you are in the middle of a long period of traversing or continuous climbing, it is likely that a more robust model would be better. However, it is lightweight, comfortable to carry, and has many functions, so if you use it in a way that suits your characteristics, it is extremely easy to use.
If it were me, what would I use it for? What kind of partner should I make? Depending on the person who uses it, you can see different faces. I think this is an attractive backpack that expands the possibilities.
GRANITE GEAR NIMBUS TRACE ACCESS 60
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