About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the backpack, which I purchased with my own money in September of 2021.

My take

The Granite Gear Crown2 60 pack is well suited for both beginners and experts who need a large capacity pack for multi-day trips and are on a budget.

About the gear

• Model: 2021 Granite Gear Crown2 60
• Gender: Men’s
• Size: Medium
• Pack capacity: 60 Liters

About me

• Height: 5’10”
• Weight: 150lbs
• Experience: 13 years of hiking/backpacking

Test conditions

• When I bought it: September 2021
• Length of trips: 2-4 days
• What I carried:
  • Sleeping pad: 2020 Nemo Tensor Insulated
  • Sleeping bag: 2020 Thermarest Hyperion 20
  • Tent: 2021 Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Platinum
  • Other: Fishing gear, pillow, first aid kit, food, water, etc.
• Total pack weight: 25lbs
• Used for: Backpacking
• Where I’ve used it : Cache County, UT, and Wind Rivers, WY
• Terrain: Forested Areas
• Seasons I’ve used it in: Spring, Summer, and Fall

How it performs

What I was looking for

I was looking for a backpack that was inexpensive and also had a large capacity. I wanted it to fit all the gear I would bring on trips when I wanted some extra luxuries.

Why I chose this gear

The price point of this backpack was a huge factor in why I decided to go with this one. A lot of the other options I was looking at at the time were very expensive. One option I was looking at was the Osprey Atmos 65, which is more than twice the price of this one. Osprey also makes great packs, but they can’t beat the price point of the Granite Gear Crown2.

What I love about it

• Durability: This pack is made with 100D and 210D High-Tenacity Nylon which makes it very durable. Part of the reason I recommend this one so much to beginners is because it will last them a long time. I haven’t had any issues with the durability of this pack.
• Weight: This is a very lightweight backpack for the size, weighing in at just 2.2lbs for the medium torso size. It has a very simple design that helps keep the weight to a minimum.
• Ease of use: Because it’s a simple design, it makes it really easy to use. It has one main compartment for gear, which is really user-friendly. It is not complicated to figure out this backpack.
• Adjustability: I got the medium-size pack, and it fit me just fine. There is no adjustable torso size, but as long as the appropriately sized pack is purchased, to begin with, there shouldn’t be a problem.
• Capacity: As I mentioned before, there is tons of space with this backpack. 60L is a perfect size for beginners and people who like to pack some luxuries. Multi-day trips are mostly what this pack is designed for.
• Features: This pack has a hydration sleeve on the inside, a removable/adjustable hip belt, load lifters, and a bunch of compression straps all around the pack to really make my gear nice and snug.
• Organization and pockets: There is one main compartment where most of my gear will go. On top of this, however, there is also a top lid pocket and an outer mesh pocket to store bulky or wet gear.
• Pack Access: To access the pack, it features a roll top closure that is used, as well as the top lid. The top lid can also be removed if I want to shed a little more weight. Most packs with the top lid usually have a drawstring closure underneath. It seems interesting to me to have a roll top underneath the lid. While this is very minor, accessing the pack can be a little cumbersome.

Issues I’ve encountered

• Suspension and comfort: This is not the most comfortable backpack I have ever used. Granite Gear claims it has a 35lb load rating, but I do not find that to be true. With it being so lightweight, it doesn’t have as much padding on the shoulders as I would like.** **My shoulders ache slightly if I have more than 25lbs in the pack. That being said, I would say it is totally fine for loads up to around 25lbs. With it being a 60L pack, I would expect it could handle more weight when there is so much space for gear.
• Weather Resistance: It is not weather resistant nor waterproof at all, but that is to be expected with a pack like this. This backpack does not come with a rainfly. However, I would recommend purchasing either a pack cover or a pack liner to use in conjunction with this pack.
• Hip belt: The hip belt has two large pockets but is not as padded as I would like. However, it adjusts well, and it is also removable. More padding here and at the shoulders would increase the comfortable carry range.

Favorite moment with this gear

The type of backpacking that this backpack really unlocked for me is short backpacking trips where I take larger, bulkier items. One of my favorite moments with this gear was taking it on a quick overnight trip with my wife and kid in Utah. It had enough space for me to pack gear for both my wife and I.

Value for the money vs. other options

This is by far the best bang for one’s buck on the market, in my opinion. This is the one for those who don’t want to break the bank but still want a pack from a reputable and respected brand. Another comparable pack that I now have and have really enjoyed is the Mystery Ranch Bridger 55. While this has become one of my favorite packs, it is by far more expensive than the Granite Gear Crown2 60, costing around a staggering $359.00.

Final verdict

Overall, the Granite Gear Crown2 60 backpack is the best value on the market. It has plenty of space for large, bulky gear and is a lightweight, durable pack that will last a long time.