Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, last year I was unable to get out into the mountains, and I had a lot of tools before I looked up, but this season I was finally able to enter the mountains in normal mode, and I finally managed to use my two-year new backpack (a model for long-term, large-capacity traverse). First of all, they're all as moving as I'd expect. And as always, I was so happy that the evolution of backpacks has not stopped.
This time, I would like to review the three backpacks that were particularly sticky, focusing on the individuality of each one at once.
table of contents
- OSPREY E-Ser Plus 60: Seasons, activities, and body shape. A mass of practicality that everyone can satisfy
- OSPREY E-Ser Plus 60 detailed review
- No-slip frame structure and rear panel
- This is the first time I've ever had the size adjustments so precisely. There's no way it's not comfortable!
- Lots of convenient storage
- Removable top lid that will become the ultimate daylid daypack
- Impressions of walking with my back
- GREGORY Katomai 65: The ultimate fit that will stick to you, and the high breathability and cushioning make you stress-free on any trail
- Detailed review of GREGORY Katomai 65
- The back has a superb fit that wraps around your back so you don't get tired.
- Suspension and size adjustment function that is comfortable to carry and provides excellent stability
- Convenient pocket attachments that are completely free of any hiking experience
- Impressions of walking with my back
- GRANITE GEAR BLAZE 60: The spirit and goodness of the spirit that pursues lightness and does not compromise on the comfort and ease of use on your back
- Detailed review of 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 walking with my back
- Main Specifications and ratings
- summary
OSPREY E-Ser Plus 60: Seasons, activities, and body shape. A mass of practicality that everyone can satisfy
Recommended for people like this
- Not only are they hiking and traversing, but also for hard activities such as streams and snowy mountains all year round (not recommended for those who prioritize lightness and comfort).
Recommended points
- The "Custom Fit-on-the-Fly" mechanism fits not only the long back, but also the finest features of the body shape.
- Remove the top lid and quickly transform it into a lightweight daypack. Attack backpacks are no longer needed.
- Comfortable carrying comfort, combining breathability, cushioning, and stability in the center of gravity.
- Pockets and attachments are convenient and durable, not only for hiking but also for snowy mountains.
- It's thick and strong enough for reliable durability
Interesting points
- weight
- It's difficult to put on and take off the top lid
OSPREY E-Ser Plus 60 detailed review
Osprey is led by Mike Pfortenhauer, a genius backpack designer who is one of the most trusted brands out of the world's many backpack manufacturers, and is one of the brands I trust most, and is even led by the foundation for the current system of outdoor backpacks.
The latest backpack is the Ether Plus 60, the flagship and high-performance model of the large-capacity "Ether (for women, Eriel)" series.
No-slip frame structure and rear panel
The most important thing about large-capacity backpacks is that the weight (load) of the luggage is firmly on your lower back and does not accumulate unnecessary damage or fatigue in weak areas such as the shoulders.
In this regard, the E-Ser Plus has a frame structure that allows the load to be transmitted to the harness as the light wire peripheral frame, which is the pillar that supports the load, directly bonds to the hip belt that transmits it to the waist, making it a frame structure that allows the load to be transmitted to the harness with the most efficient effect. Personally, I think it would be fine if all the packs were like this, but when you design a pack under various structural constraints and conditions, it seems that everything would not be done. Anyway, this model is ideal in that sense and is too successful.
A thick cushion is applied to the waist area, which is subjected to strong loads, along with anti-slip, and the back area, which is prone to sweat, is made of foam panels with ventilation holes and waves, and mesh fabric, so it is cushioned and breathable. It has all the necessary elements for a comfortable carrying experience.
Personally, I find that the shoulder straps do not pursue excessive breathability, but are made of low-resilience material that easily absorbs impact.
This is the first time I've ever had the size adjustments so precisely. There's no way it's not comfortable!
Another major feature is that not only the length of the back, but also the length of the pads of the waist shoulder harness. Although it has been increasing recently, I have rarely seen any models that can be adjusted to this extent. As a skinny person, when I pair my Western backpack with a height, my hip belt is often too long... It would be great if we could change the parts, but it's not like there are many manufacturers who are so taking the lead, which is really appreciated.
Lots of convenient storage
A variety of storage spaces that are practically practical are a given for Osprey! ?
The front has a zipper pocket and mesh stretch pocket, and pockets that are large enough for the canopy and waist harness. Of course, even if you don't open the canopy, the front opens wide in an inverted U-shape.
The outer strap is also sturdy. The strap on the front in particular is convenient not only for mattresses but also for attaching snowshoes and clamps in snowy mountains.
The mesh pocket on the side has an entrance that can be placed sideways so you can put and take out bottles while walking. thank you.
It also comes with a holder that Osprey has used for the first time, allowing you to store trekking poles while carrying them on your back. Incidentally, rain covers are also standard equipment.
Removable top lid that will become the ultimate daylid daypack
The removable top lid separates and releases the zipper for a convenient daypack. This sub-bag is well made so well that it can be worn as a decoration and when licked, it will hurt.
Impressions of walking with my back
The basics of "walking while carrying" are well-established, so it's certainly not a problem for hiking, trekking, or traverse. This year, I also experienced climbing a river climb and unloading a cargo while rubbing a rock wall while climbing overnight, so it is very difficult to shake and the durability of the fabric is very good. Also, taking into consideration the variety of storage and attachments, you can use it with confidence in any mountain activity, from snowy mountains to variations.
The drawback is that its versatility and solid construction make its weight. Well, it's not a big drawback for people who are not satisfied with just hiking and are engaging in harder activities. He was an even more reliable partner for taking on an unknown adventure.
GREGORY Katomai 65: The ultimate fit that will stick to you, and the high breathability and cushioning make you stress-free on any trail
Recommended for people like this
- Most of the time you hike or trekke in the warm season, or use it as a backpack when traveling abroad, and most importantly, comfort is justice! Tiredness, discomfort and inconvenience are the enemy! I don't recommend this to people who are looking for sturdy and usability in snowy mountains and variations.
Recommended points
- The back panel fits tightly to your body and is extremely breathable.
- The suspension and size adjustment function provide excellent comfort and stability when carrying it on your back.
- Convenient pocket attachments that are completely free of any hiking experience.
- High quality materials and parts.
Interesting points
- It is basically well-made, but the details are notable for the roughness of the Gregory-like ones shown below.
- The main storage entrance sleeve is short, so there is no room for when there is more luggage.
- The top lid pocket is convenient as it opens wide in a U-shaped shape, but it does not open or close slightly smoothly.
- The mesh bottle pockets on the sides are convenient, but the mouth is loose so it doesn't close.
Detailed review of GREGORY Katomai 65
GREGORY reigns at the pinnacle of the backpack world with its exquisite fit and exceptional commitment to comfortable carrying.
The Katumai (for women's Calmia) series , the new lineup that Gregory has launched as the "next-generation backpacking pack," is a new lineup of large-capacity backpacks, featuring a suspension that firmly holds loads, a superb fit that sticks to it, and a comfortable back that combines high-quality breathability, and includes a comfortable back that combines the storage and attachments needed for trekking with high quality parts.
The back has a superb fit that wraps around your back so you don't get tired.
The most unique feature of Katomai is that it has a large capacity of over 60 liters, yet has a mesh back panel, and a trampoline structure with a gap in the back. As shown in the photo below, regular backpacks are made of flat fabric, and generally have some kind of seam around the waist belt, etc. (left and right of the photo below). In contrast, this elastic mesh, the seamlessly covered type of back (in the photo below) can be more soft and comfortable to touch the back. It sticks tightly as if wrapping around your back.
Furthermore, the frame is slightly curved and has a trampoline structure, making it difficult for the back and pack to be intimate (well-ventilated). It is clear that it is perfect for midsummer trekking as it does not build up heat on your back and does not get stuffy.
Suspension and size adjustment function that is comfortable to carry and provides excellent stability
What's great about this model is that the length of the hip belt is adjustable as well as the length of the back. In the case of Bartolo, different hip belt sizes could be exchanged at stores, but there was a bit of a hurdle, such as not being able to choose online, so this specification is nice.
Convenient pocket attachments that are completely free of any hiking experience
If you're hiking during the snowless season, this backpack doesn't have enough storage. On the outside, anything you would like to wear on the outside, such as mattresses, poles, bottles, clothing, sunglasses and other accessories can be installed.
As usual, the main storage is equipped with a pull handle and is easy to open and close. There is also a zipper that opens open on one side, and the bottom is also divided into two air chambers, with zipper access there as well. The folding side pockets that are easy to put in plastic and Nalgene bottles are also familiar to Gregory, but as usual, they are carefully considered.
The top lid has two pockets in large and small. The larger zipper opens and closes in a U-shaped shape, making it easy to put things in (although it is easy to fall off). The waist belt pocket is large enough to fit a smartphone. The front zipper pocket is large and can hold documents and laptops.
Impressions of walking with my back
Although the impression I had when carrying it on my shoulders is that there were differences in nuance, it has an image of the company's "Zulu/Jade" series being made into a more luxurious cushion. On the other hand, it is also true that in terms of functional construction such as rear adjustment and storage, there is a tendency to follow the company's "Bartoro/Diva" flagship model, and have a detailed lineup. In summary, the Katomai series is the comfort and exhilaration of the Zulu series, and can be said to be a backpack that is tuned and combined with a full-scale backpack for long routes over several days. This model is ideal for long trips or for mountain climbing styles that involve long walking on relatively well-maintained trails during warmer seasons.
In any case, the difference between the Osprey E-Ser Plus is that it is not suitable for hard climbing because it is an model optimized for hiking and trekking during the snowless season.It is a perfect recommendation for mountaineering specialists, but if you want to experience more different mountains over a long period of time, you may feel unsatisfied. If you choose with that in mind, there is no doubt that you will be your best companion.
Finally, the exquisite ease of use in the sense that it is not just a large-capacity deluxe version of Zulu, or a light version of Bartolo, is still Gregory's most impressive, but it is not always the case that it seems to have been overlooked by the balance of usability adjustment, which is a bit disappointing to know how great Gregory is (for example, the length of the main storage entrance sleeve, the zipper on the canopy pocket cannot go smoothly unless you have both hands, the loose opening of the side mesh bottle pocket, and the drawstrings cannot be removed).
GRANITE GEAR BLAZE 60: The spirit and goodness of the spirit that pursues lightness and does not compromise on the comfort and ease of use on your back
Recommended for people like this
- People who don't like heavy hiking on long distances and want to walk as light, easy and fast as possible (I don't recommend this to people who prioritize durability, convenience, and versatility other than 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 easily broken. Care must be taken against intense friction and pulling
- The comfort and convenience of carrying is average, so just because it's a large capacity backpack, you don't expect premium performance.
Detailed review of GRANITE GEAR BLAZE 60
The person around me was waiting for me, "Ultralight or lightweight backpacks for mountain climbing, right? They're hard to carry or the fabric gets ripped quickly, right?" Are you saying that after learning about GRANITE GEAR
Granite Gear was founded in 1986, and is a very old-fashioned manufacturer in the Ultra Light world. In fact, this is not the reason why it was launched as an ultra-light brand in the first place, but its subtle position, such as "UL or not," "mass product brands," and its solid belief in manufacturing that is rooted in practical use, has created many original products that only this manufacturer can create.
The Blaze 60 is a dream-like backpack that has fulfilled all the users' wishes, as it is surprisingly lightweight for a large-capacity backpack, yet has a solid frame that provides a stable carrying feel, and also has an adjustable fit that fits the user's body shape. This highly complete model is recommended for everyone as an introduction to lightweight mountain climbing.
As a large capacity backpack, it is a different light weight
It weighs about 1300g. Half of the E-Ser Plus and 1kg lighter than the Katmai. When you say that it weighs almost the same as a typical 30-liter backpack, you can see how amazing it is. Despite this, the uniquely developed fabric is a 210D lobic nylon triple ripstop, making it the most durable in the company's history. It is used in areas where impact and wear is severe. It's true that it's thinner and more unreliable than the above two models, but even so, I didn't feel much of a concern that it might work out quickly.
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, which is common with lightweight backpacks, but a lightweight polycarbonate panel is inserted as a frame. It is very hard and stable, and does not curve due to luggage. However, please be aware that the manufacturer's recommended maximum load capacity is approximately 1.5kg, which is slightly smaller than the two models above.
The area that touches the back is engraved with ventilation grooves, and mesh-covered foam is placed all the way to the back of the waist, so although it is not luxurious, it has a moderate cushioning and breathability.
Despite cutting down on the weight, the Blaze 60 comes with an adjustable length hip belt in addition to the rear length adjustment system. This hip belt length adjustment is probably the first mechanism that Granite Gear has installed (there was a patent pending after all). This adjustment system, which was rare even if it was included a while ago, is now becoming commonplace for large-capacity backpacks, and I'm scared of the rapidity of its evolution.
A variety of attachments with plenty of room to carry a variety of luggage
Each strap and buckle is small and I'm worried about its durability, but when it comes to making it, there are undeniably "easy to use" storage and attachments scattered all over the place, which makes it numb. The side straps are large enough to hold two Nalgene bottles, and the side pockets are large enough to hold two Nalgene bottles, and the elastic and drawcord allow you to close the mouth firmly.
The front has a large, deep mesh stretch pocket, and three straps on top of it, allowing you to secure the mattress.
There is another rigging device on the front, with a hidden vertical zipper that allows direct access to the main storage space, allowing quick access inside. This also has an attitude of not compromising on ease of use. The canopy and hip belt pockets are also spacious.
Remove the top lid and change it to a front pack or waist bag
This removable top lid gives you a sense of determination to not lick it just because it's a lightweight backpack.
First, this canopy is completely removable for small capacity or to reduce weight. In this case, the top and bottom straps on the main storage area maintain the sealing properties even without a canopy.
And the removed canopy
- Carry it in front as a chest pack.
- Attach it to a similarly removed hip belt and use it as a waist bag.
It can be used in two ways. I'm attacking.
Impressions of walking with my back
I'm impressed that using this backpack can make a few days of backpacking trips so easy. Not only is it light, it is simple and easy to carry, and it doesn't feel the handicap of using a lightweight backpack, making it extremely comfortable to climb even with heavy loads. In terms of capacity, it has expandability that would make it easy to stay in a small space for one night to over a week, and if you limit it to hiking and trekking, you can enjoy a variety of styles.
However, due to its light weight, you should never overconfident about its durability. The recommended maximum load capacity is also small. It's unlikely that a normal hike will exceed that and result in a dangerous weight, but if you go traverse for a long time in the cold season, you'll probably end up over 15kg immediately. Based on these factors, this is recommended for those who are confident that they can respond to any event. Personally, its lightness, convenience and reasonable durability are interesting, so I'm planning to use it for climbing streams next time.
Main Specifications and ratings
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| Models for women | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ |
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| Hydration sleeve | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ |
| Direct main access | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ |
| Rain cover | Included | Included | none |
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| evaluation | |||
| Comfort and comfort | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Adjustable fineness | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Storageability | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Functionality and ease of use | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Durability | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Weight (per capacity) | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ |
summary
This comparison review focused on new releases from last year to this season, so I personally found it a bit uneasy to compare Osprey and Gregory, especially when it comes to Osprey and Gregory, which were not a serious competing model, so I would like to add a brief comparison of each of them with the main competing models.
First, if we were to compare E-SerPlus would be Bartolo Both have excellent stability and robustness on the back to carry heavy loads comfortably, and although it can be said that it is not much different in its main functional features, the difference is that the weight of the Bartoro is slightly lighter, the attachments the E-Ser Plus are more versatile, and the size can be adjusted (Bartoro can be changed at the time of purchase).
Next Katomai the Atmos AG which is called Osprey , is a competitive model for serious people. Both are long-term travel and backpacking packs, models with adjustable back length and mesh back surfaces, and are almost the same weight, but the size fittings can be made more fine and the storage space is finer Atmos AG is relatively simple in terms of functionality but has high cost performance .