UOG TOP PICK - Granite Gear Crown 2 Pack - A superb backpacking rucksack at an extremely low weight - We've singled out Granite Gear's Crown 2 pack as one of our top recommendations for backpacking - a comfortable pack for loads up to 30-35lbs with a range of features that backpackers love.

Granite Gear says:

Introducing the all-new Granite Gear Crown2 60, an ultralight yet ultra-comfortable multi-day pack. This new and improved successor to the classic Crown V.C. 60, boasts our petent-pending full adjustable, Re-Fit hip belt, our new innovative Vapour Current Mark 2 compression molded PP frame sheet with molded foam back panel, and bonus lid (removable), all while weighing in at 2lbs 2oz (regular torso without lid).

For ultralight loads, the frame sheet can be removed lowering the weight to 1lbs 11oz. The Crown2 has a fixed, non-adjustable torso length that is offered in 3 torso sizes.

VC Mark 2 Frame System, RE-FIT hip belt and removable lid: The Vapor Current Mark 2 compression molded polypropelene frame sheet has molded reinforcement channels and die-cut holes to minimise weight without sacrificing structural integrity. The frame works in combination with the molded foam back panel with ventilation channels and durable laminated mesh to assist in the ventilation of heat and mositure, without shifting the packs center of gravity away from your back. The patent-[ending, fully adjustable RE-FIT hip belt makes achieving a custom fit easy. For added volume and organisation, the Crown2 60 comes with a fully removable zippered lid designed specifically for use on this pack.

Granite Gear's Crown 2 60 Litre Rucksack has been eagerly awaited because its successor is one of our all time favourite packs (the Crown VC 60), despite being very light it provides a comfortable carry up to around 30lbs and has a range of features designed by backpackers, that work.

The Crown 2 keeps all the good points of the Crown VC and adds several improvements, adding around two ounces to the overall weight. One stand out improvement is the addition of two hip belt pockets which are so useful on any pack that the lack of them makes me think again when selecting a rucksack for backpacking.

The frame has been redesigned as well - it follows the same principle as before - a stiff framesheet transfers the load to the hips and a padded, ridged, backpanel adds a degree of comfort. In the new pack the back panel has deeper ridges and is held in place by a tough mesh - this will offer more ventilation than the old pack even though its designed to sit close to your centre of gravity.

The top opening has also been improved, it now operates like a drybag with the rolled ends buckles to each other rather than down each side of the pack - if you are not carrying the lid this will ensure rain doesn't infiltrate the top.

Adding the lid/pocket adds a further two ounces (78grams) to the overall weight of the pack but for in a Regular this still only brings it to 1142grams, in my view this is a small penalty for the extra organisation it offers.

Roundabout the pack you have a large stretcfh mesh pocket on the main bag with two smaller mesh pockets on the side - all three are perfect for cramming wet gear , water bottles etc.. I particularly like the large outer pocket for storing my tent when the rucksack is full - lets say you're carrying ten days food your pack will be crammed at the beginning of the trek so the tent goes in the outer stretch pocket - after 4 days you can transfer it to the inside.

The pack is also bladder compatible.

The Crown has been a Top Pick of ours ever since Mark carried one on a long trek, we can only see improvements in the the Crown 2 so we're treating it in the same way.

- Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear

Read reviews here:

Help and advice:

V.C (Vapor Current) Mark 2 Frame with 35lb (15kg) load rating
Dual density shoulder harness with load-lifter straps and removable sternum strap
RE-FIT fully adjustable dual density hip belt (from 28-40in)
Dual large hip belt pockets with DWR treated zippers
Roll-top main compartment opening with centered dual strap and singular buckle for quick access and easy compression
Removable lid has a compartment with DWR treated zipper
Hydration port and internal hydration sleeve
Large side stretch woven pockets
Stretch mesh front pocket
Side and front compression straps
100D High-tenacity nylon
210D High-tenasity ripstop nylon

Short

Weight: 1009g (without lid), 1087g (with the lid)
Torso length: 38-46cm
Litres: 60
15kg load rating

Regular

Weight: 1064g (without lid), 1142g (with the lid)
Torso length: 46-53.5cm
Litres: 60
15kg load rating

Long

Weight: 1094g (without lid), 1172g (with the lid)
Torso length: 53.5-61cm
Litres: 60
15kg load rating

Showing our 2 Granite Gear Crown 2 60 Litre Rucksack reviews with an average rating of Excellent. Would you like to write a review?

Review Summary - 5 out of 5 based on 2 ratings.

September 28, 2018 | Ben Patient

Excellent backpack

Wow. Have always bought my backpacks from travel outfitters and have found them so heavy. The difference in quality with this is amazing: it fits well, is high quality, not too feature-heavy, and is light as a feather. It's almost a shame to put anything into it - you just want to appreciate the lightness! Have tested it out on a camping trip and it performs really well. Good solid support, comfortable to wear. Definitely recommend it. If you can't get hold of this model, do what I did and ask the team at Ultralight Outdoor Gear for recommendations. They know their stuff.

September 10, 2018 | Woody

Still going strong

One of the first things I ordered from UOG, and I'm still using it. I've walked over 3000 miles with this pack and still love it. Extremely durable material, shoulder straps haven't worn, no rips, only thing that's not stood test of time is mesh pockets which now have holes and are stretched. I think the latest model has the extra hip pockets included, I added them anyway. Carries 60L and up to 15kg, don't go over! Pack can easily reduce down to 40 litres with the roll top, anything less and it gets a bit floppy. Offers a decent degree of water resistance, will withstand a shower without letting water in. I use a 60ltr pack liner to keep kit 100% dry. There are lighter packs now available, but they'll cost a lot more, so bang for buck this is a great option, I'll probably replace like for like when the time comes.