[A self-paying comparison review without any consideration] Which style will you go to stay in a long-term tent this season? A showdown between the latest models of the three leading American backpack specialty brands.
Written by Yasushi Hisatomi
Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, I was unable to venture out into the mountains last year, and my gear had been piling up before I could review it. However, this season I was finally able to return to the mountains as normal, and finally got to fully utilize two years' worth of new backpacks (large-capacity models for long-term mountain climbing). First of all, I'd like to say that they were all as impressive as I expected. And I was deeply pleased to see that the evolution of backpacks continues unabated
This time, I would like to review three backpacks that particularly caught my eye, focusing on their individual characteristics
table of contents
- OSPREY Ether Plus 60: A practical solution for all seasons, activities, and body types
- Detailed review of the OSPREY Ether Plus 60
- Flawless frame structure and back panel
- This is the first time I've ever seen such precise size adjustment. There's no way it wouldn't be comfortable!
- Plenty of convenient storage
- Detachable top lid converts it into the ultimate daypack
- Impressions of carrying it on my back
- GREGORY Katmai 65: With a superb, snug fit and excellent breathability and cushioning, you'll feel stress-free on any trail
- GRANITE GEAR BLAZE 60: While pursuing lightness to the fullest extent, it does not compromise on comfort and ease of use
- Detailed review of the GRANITE GEAR BLAZE 60
- As a large capacity backpack, it is a different light weight
- Not only is it extremely stable even under heavy loads, but it can also be adjusted to suit your body type
- A variety of attachments with plenty of room to carry a variety of luggage
- Remove the top lid and change it to a front pack or waist bag
- Impressions of carrying it on my back
- Main Specifications and ratings
- summary
OSPREY Ether Plus 60: A practical solution for all seasons, activities, and body types
Recommended for:
- This is recommended for people who want to use it all year round for hard activities, including hiking and traverses, as well as in streams and snowy mountains (not recommended for people who prioritize lightness and comfort)
Recommended points
- The "Custom Fit on the Fly" mechanism ensures a perfect fit not only to the back length but also to the finer details of your body shape
- Remove the top lid and it quickly transforms into a lightweight daypack, eliminating the need for an attack pack
- It provides a comfortable carrying experience, combining breathability, cushioning, and a stable center of gravity
- Pockets and attachments that are convenient and durable enough for not only hiking but also snowy mountains
- Thick and strong enough for reliable durability
Interesting points
- weight
- The top lid is difficult to attach and remove
Detailed review of the OSPREY Ether Plus 60
Of the many backpack manufacturers in the world, Osprey is one of the brands I trust the most, and is led by the genius backpack designer Mike Pfotenhauer, who can even be said to have laid the foundation for the current structure of outdoor backpacks
The latest backpack is the Ether Plus 60, the flagship, high-performance model in the large-capacity Ether (Aeriel for women) series
Flawless frame structure and back panel
The most important thing about a large-capacity backpack is that it is designed so that the weight (load) of the luggage is properly distributed across the waist, preventing unnecessary damage and fatigue from building up in weaker parts of the body such as the shoulders
In contrast, the Aether Plus has a frame structure that transfers the load to the harness most efficiently, as the Lightwire Peripheral Frame, which supports the load, is directly connected and integrated with the hip belt that transfers the load to the waist. Personally, I wish all packs were like this, but when it comes to designing a pack within various structural constraints and conditions, it seems that not all packs are like this. In any case, this model is ideal in that sense and more than meets the standards
The waist area, which bears a lot of weight, is padded with thick cushioning and anti-slip material, and the back area, where sweat tends to build up, is padded with a ventilated, wavy foam panel and mesh fabric for excellent cushioning and breathability. It has all the elements you need for a comfortable carrying experience
Personally, I think it's a nice touch that the shoulder straps are not overly breathable, but are made of memory foam that absorbs shock easily
This is the first time I've ever seen such precise size adjustment. There's no way it wouldn't be comfortable!
Another great feature is that you can finely adjust the size not only for the back length, but also for the length of the waist and shoulder harness pads. Although this has become more common recently, I have rarely seen a model that is this adjustable. As a skinny guy, when I adjust a Western backpack to fit my height, the hip belt is often too long... It would be nice if I could change the parts, but there aren't many manufacturers that are willing to help me out that much, so this is really appreciated
Plenty of convenient storage
Practical and versatile storage is a given for an Osprey!
The front has a zipper pocket and a mesh stretch pocket, and ample pockets are also placed on the canopy and waist harness. Of course, the main compartment can be accessed without opening the canopy, as the front opens wide in an inverted U-shape
The outer straps are sturdy, especially the front strap, which is convenient for attaching not only a mattress but also snowshoes and crampons when on snowy mountains
The mesh pockets on the sides have openings on the sides, so you can take bottles in and out while walking
It also comes with a holder for storing trekking poles, a first for Osprey. A rain cover is also included as standard
Detachable top lid converts it into the ultimate daypack
The detachable top lid can be separated and unzipped to turn it into a convenient daypack. This sub-bag is so well made that you won't be disappointed if you underestimate it as just a decoration
Impressions of carrying it on my back
It's designed to be a perfect backpack for hiking, trekking, and mountain climbing, as it's well-suited to the basics of carrying it on your back. This year, I went on an overnight river trek, climbing waterfalls, and scraping rock walls while carrying my gear. I found the bag to be extremely stable and the fabric very durable. And with a wide range of storage options and attachments, it can be used safely for all mountain activities, from snowy mountains to variation routes
The only drawback is the weight, which comes from its versatility and solid construction. However, for those who are not satisfied with simple hiking and enjoy more strenuous activities, this is not a big drawback. It was the most reliable companion for tackling unknown adventures
GREGORY Katmai 65: With a superb, snug fit and excellent breathability and cushioning, you'll feel stress-free on any trail
Recommended for:
- People who mostly do hiking and trekking in warm seasons, or who want to use it as a backpack when traveling abroad, and for whom comfort is paramount and fatigue, discomfort, and inconvenience are enemies! (Not recommended for people who also want durability and ease of use in snowy mountains and other variations.)
Recommended points
- The back panel fits snugly to the body and is highly breathable
- Suspension and size adjustment function for excellent comfort and stability when carrying
- These convenient pocket attachments are perfect for hiking
- High quality materials and parts
Interesting points
- It is generally well made, but there are some rough edges in the finer details that are not typical of Gregory, as shown below
- The entrance sleeve for the main compartment is short, so there is not enough room when you have more luggage
- The top lid pocket opens wide in a U-shape, which is convenient, but it is not very smooth to open and close
- The mesh bottle pocket on the side is convenient, but the opening is too loose to close
Detailed review of the GREGORY Katmai 65
GREGORY reigns supreme in the backpack world with its exceptional commitment to perfect fit and comfortable carrying
the Katmai (Kalmia for women) as the "next generation backpacking pack." This new lineup of large-capacity backpacks features suspension that firmly supports the load, an excellent, snug fit, a comfortable back that is highly breathable, and a full range of storage and attachments necessary for trekking, all made with high-quality parts.
The perfect fit that wraps around your back means you won't feel tired
The most unique feature of the Katmai that deserves emphasis is that, despite its large capacity of over 60 liters, the back panel is entirely made of mesh and has a trampoline structure with a gap in the back area. A typical backpack, as shown in the photo below, has a flat surface on the side that comes into contact with the body, and typically has some sort of seam around the waist belt (see left and right in the photo below). In contrast, this seamlessly covered back (see center in the photo below) is made of stretchy mesh, which feels incredibly soft and comfortable against your back. It hugs your back snugly, as if wrapping around it
Furthermore, the frame is slightly curved, creating a trampoline structure, which means the pack doesn't stick to your back (allowing for good ventilation). This means heat doesn't build up on your back and it doesn't get stuffy, so it's obviously perfect for midsummer trekking
Comfortable and stable suspension and size adjustment
What's great about this model is that not only the torso length but also the hip belt length can be adjusted. With the Baltro, you could exchange the hip belt for a different size in-store, but it was a bit of a challenge to choose one online, so this feature is a welcome improvement
Convenient pocket attachments that are perfect for hiking
If you're hiking in the snow-free season, this backpack has enough storage space. On the outside, you can attach anything you want to attach to the outside, such as a mattress, poles, bottles, clothes, sunglasses, and other small items
The main compartment still has a pull tab for easy opening and closing. Direct access to the interior is provided by a zipper that opens wide on one side, and the bottom is divided into two compartments with zipper access as well. The foldable side pocket makes it easy to store PET bottles or Nalgene bottles, a Gregory staple, and as always, the thoughtful design is evident
The top lid has two pockets, one large and one small. The larger zipper opens and closes in a U-shape, making it easy to put things in (but it's easy for things to fall out). The waist belt pocket is large enough to easily fit a smartphone. The front zipper pocket is large and seems like it could fit documents or a laptop
Impressions of carrying it on my back
My impression after wearing it is that, although there are subtle differences, it feels like a more luxuriously cushioned version of the company's "Zuul/Jade" series. On the other hand, in terms of functionality, such as back adjustment and storage, it tends to closely resemble the company's flagship "Baltoro/Diva" models. In short, the Katmai series is a backpack that combines the comfort and freshness of the Zuul series with a fully-fledged backpack for long routes spanning several days, and is finely tuned accordingly. It seems like the perfect model for long-term travel or long hikes on relatively well-maintained trails in warm seasons
In any case, the difference between this model and the Osprey Aether Plus above is that it is optimized for hiking and trekking in the snow-free season, so it is not suited to hard mountain climbing. If you are a specialist in mountain hiking, I can recommend it without a doubt, but if you want to experience a wider variety of mountains over time, you may find it lacking in functionality. If you choose it with that in mind, there is no doubt that it will be your best companion
Finally, the bag's exquisite ease of use, in the sense that it is neither simply a large-capacity, luxurious version of the Zul nor a lightweight version of the Baltro, is as always a hallmark of Gregory's excellence.However, there were some points that seemed to have been overlooked in balancing the ease of use, which was a bit disappointing for someone who knows how great Gregory is (for example, the length of the entrance sleeve to the main storage compartment is short, the zipper on the canopy pocket needs both hands to open smoothly, and the opening of the mesh bottle pocket on the side is loose, making it impossible to pull out the drawstring, etc.)
GRANITE GEAR BLAZE 60: While pursuing lightness to the fullest extent, it does not compromise on comfort and ease of use
Recommended for:
- People who dislike heavy loads on long hikes and want to walk as lightly, easily, and quickly as possible (not recommended for people who prioritize durability, convenience, or versatility for uses outside of hiking)
Recommended points
- As a large capacity backpack, it is a different light weight
- Not only is it extremely stable even under heavy loads, but it can also be adjusted to suit your body type
- A variety of attachments with plenty of room to carry a variety of luggage
- Remove the top lid and change it to a front pack or waist bag
Interesting points
- The fabric is relatively thin, the straps are thin, and the parts are fragile. Be careful of strong friction and pulling
- The comfort and convenience of carrying it are average, so don't expect premium performance just because it's a large-capacity backpack
Detailed review of the GRANITE GEAR BLAZE 60
If you're thinking, "Ultralight or lightweight backpacks for mountain climbing are hard to carry and the fabric tears easily, right?", then wait a moment. Are you saying that after knowing about GRANITE GEAR
Granite Gear was founded in 1986, making it a long-established manufacturer in the ultralight category. In fact, it wasn't even launched as an ultralight brand in the first place, but its delicate positioning—it's either "UL or not" and "it's either a mass-produced brand or not"—and its unwavering commitment to practical manufacturing have led to the creation of many unique products that only this manufacturer could make
The Blaze 60 is a dream backpack that fulfills all of the user's wishes: surprisingly light for a large-capacity backpack, yet with a sturdy frame that provides a stable carrying experience and adjustable features that allow it to fit the user's body shape. It is a highly complete model that can be recommended to anyone as an introductory lightweight mountaineering bag
As a large capacity backpack, it is a different light weight
It weighs approximately 1,300g, half the weight of the Aether Plus and 1kg lighter than the Katmai. It's roughly the same weight as a typical 30-liter backpack, so you can see how impressive it is. Despite this, the proprietary fabric is 210D Robic nylon triple ripstop, making it the most durable in the company's history. It's used in areas that are subject to the most impacts and wear. It's certainly thinner and less reliable than the two models above, but after using it for a while, I didn't feel too worried about it breaking down anytime soon
Not only is it extremely stable even under heavy loads, but it can also be adjusted to suit your body type
The back is not frameless like most lightweight backpacks, but has a lightweight polycarbonate panel inserted as a frame. It is very rigid and stable, and does not bend under the weight of the load. However, it is important to note that the manufacturer's recommended maximum load capacity is approximately 1.5 kg, which is slightly less than the two models above
The part that touches your back has ventilation grooves, and mesh-covered foam is placed all the way up to the back of your waist, so although it's not luxurious, it does provide adequate cushioning and breathability
Even with all this weight savings, the Blaze 60 features a torso length adjustment system and an adjustable hip belt. This hip belt length adjustment is probably the first mechanism Granite Gear has implemented (and as expected, a patent is pending). Until recently, this adjustment system was rare, but it's now becoming standard for large-capacity backpacks; it's scary how quickly this system has evolved.
A variety of attachments with plenty of room to carry a variety of luggage
Although the straps and buckles are small and I'm a bit concerned about their durability, the construction is impeccable, with plenty of easy-to-use storage and attachments scattered throughout. The side straps are generously spaced at the top, middle, and bottom for easy fastening, and the side pockets are large enough to fit two Nalgene bottles, with elastic and drawcords to keep the tops securely closed
There's a deep, large mesh stretch pocket on the front, and three straps on top of it that can be used to secure a mattress
There's another hidden feature on the front: a vertical zipper that gives direct access to the main compartment, allowing for quick access. This also shows a commitment to ease of use. The canopy and hip belt pockets are generously sized
Remove the top lid and change it to a front pack or waist bag
This removable top lid shows that the backpack is designed to be lightweight and not to be underestimated
First, the canopy can be completely removed for smaller volumes or to reduce weight, but the straps at the top and bottom of the main compartment keep it airtight even without the canopy
And the removed canopy,
- Carry it in front as a chest pack
- Attach it to the removed hip belt and use it as a waist bag
It can be used in two ways
Impressions of carrying it on my back
Using this backpack, I was impressed by how light it was possible to go on a multi-day backpacking trip. Not only was it light, but it was also simply easy to carry, and I didn't feel the handicap of using a lightweight backpack at all, making hiking extremely comfortable even with a heavy load. In terms of capacity, it has the expandability to go from a small size for a one-night stay to one that should be no problem for stays of a week or more, so it seems like it could be enjoyed in a variety of styles, especially when it comes to hiking and trekking
However, due to its light weight, it's important not to be overconfident about its durability. The recommended maximum load capacity is also low. It's unlikely that it would exceed that limit for normal hiking, but if you're hiking for long periods in the cold season, it can easily exceed 15kg. With that in mind, I recommend this bag to people who are confident they can handle any situation. Personally, I find its light weight, convenience, and decent durability intriguing, so I'm thinking of using it for some river climbing soon
Main Specifications and ratings
| Specs | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Item name |  OSPREY Ether Plus 60 |  GREGORY Katmai 65 |  GRANITE GEAR BLAZE 60 |
| External dimensions |
|
| |
| capacity |
|
|
|
| weight |
|
|
|
| Fabric material |
|
|
|
| Models for women | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ |
| Size/Length of the back |
|
|
|
| Hydration sleeve | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ |
| Direct Main Access | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ |
| Rain cover | Included | Included | none |
| Pocket attachment |
|
|
|
| evaluation | |||
| Comfort and carrying comfort | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Fine-grained adjustability | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Storageability | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Functionality and ease of use | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Durability | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Weight (per capacity) | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ |
summary
This comparison review has focused on new models released from last year to this season, so I was a little confused personally as it was not a comparison between serious competing models, especially for Osprey and Gregory, so I would like to supplement it by providing a brief comparison of each model with its main competing models
First of all, the Aether Plus with each brand's flagship model for long-term mountain climbing, in the case of Gregory, its direct competitor the Baltro . Both offer excellent back stability and robustness for carrying heavy loads comfortably, and their main functional features are not that different, but the differences are that the Baltro is slightly lighter, and the Aether Plus has more versatile attachments and can be adjusted to fit different sizes (the Baltro allows you to change the hip belt size when purchasing).
Next up is the Katmai Atmos AG . Both are packs for long-term travel and backpacking, with adjustable back length and a full mesh back, and are roughly the same weight, but the Katmai the Atmos AG has relatively simpler functions but offers better cost performance.
Related reading
[A self-paying comparison review without any consideration] Perfect for those who are about to start mountain climbing. A list of recommended medium-sized backpacks for outdoor use by scene and purpose
Even heavy luggage and long distances are there? 9 recommended models of large backpacks that are perfect for traversing tents
[A self-paying comparison review without consideration] A person who has been involved in the outdoor industry for many years, carrying a popular and popular model of medium-sized backpacks that can be used for staying at a hut or in a tent.
[A self-paying comparison review without any consideration] Backpacks for women. Will a new Cinderella backpack appear for the 100 Famous Mountain Hunter mountains who love Osprey too much?