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UOG TOP PICK - Granite Gear Crown 3 60 rucksack - fully featured harness which transfers the load to the hips well on a rucksack with backpacker friendly features at a really light weight.
Granite Gear says:
Granite Gear Crown 3 60 is an ultralight yet ultra-comfortable multi-day pack. Building off the successes of the Crown2, the Crown3 60 boasts our fully adjustable Re-Fit hip belt, our new and innovative Vapor Current Mark 3 compression molded PE frame sheet with molded foam back panel, and removable lid (which converts into a chest pack or lumbar pack in conjunction with the hip belt), all while weighing in at 2.4lbs (regular torso without lid). For ultralight loads, the frame sheet can be removed lowering the weight to 2lbs. The Crown3 60L has a fixed, non-adjustable torso length that is offered in 3 torso sizes.
V.C. MARK 3 FRAME SYSTEM, RE-FIT HIP BELT, ADD-ON STAY
The Vapor Current Mark 3 compression molded polyethylene frame sheet has molded reinforcement channels and die-cut holes to minimize weight without sacrificing structural integrity. The frame works in combination with the molded foam back panel with ventilation channels to support an efficient load transfer of 35lbs comfortably. The frame sheet is fully removable for weight savings when the base weight of the pack doesn't call it.
*Detail images are of the Women's Crown3 60 model.
Our Verdict
Granite Gear's Crown Rucksacks have been a staple for multi-day backpackers for a number of years and they continue to get amazing reviews from the trail. Granite Gear have introduced the latest model, the Crown 3 60. The updates are fairly cosmetic, although there is the addition of an optional aluminium frame stiffener for the Crown 3 that increases the maximum recommended load from 15 kg (33lbs) to 18.5Kg (40lbs).
It's easy to see why the Crown 3 is so good. The back panel has decent stiffness so that the load transfers well to the hip belt (which is adjustable for girth) and the comfortable foam backpanel has raised padding which affords some degree of ventilation although not much.
There's a large mesh pocket on the outside of the main compartment which is ideal for wet gear and a further two side pockets made from fabric to improve durability. Compression straps can be threaded through these side pockets so they don't interfere with access.
There are two zipped pockets on the hip belt wings and a large pocket on the removable lid. We quote the weight of the pack with this lid included but by removing it the weight of the Regular pack reduces to 1100 grams. The original Crown packs only had the lid as an optional extra, and I've often used one without the lid, but I guess it's a personal choice.
Durability of packs is important and while the Crown 3 still retains mesh on the front pocket the majority of the pack is made from tough materials suited to long distance routes.
The other classic rucksack from Granite Gear is the Blaze 60 and most people looking at the Crown will probably look at the Blaze as well. The headline difference is that the Blaze is designed to carry heavier loads than the Crown so it has a stiffer and more padded harness, the weight penalty for this extra facility is around 230g, so not insignificant. For a full look at the differences between these packs follow this link.
- Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear
In-depth Reviews:
Features
- V.C. (Vapor Current) Mark 3 Frame with 35lb (15 kg) load rating
- Dual density shoulder harness with load-lifter straps and dual removable sternum straps
- RE-FIT fully adjustable dual density hip belt (from 26-42in & from 24-40in on Women’s Fit)
- Dual large hip belt pockets with DWR treated zippers
- Roll-top main compartment opening with top compression strap for quick access and easy compression
- Hydration port & internal hydration sleeve
- Side and front compression straps
- Robic® High-tenacity nylon (100D and 210D) with Barrier DWR
- Removable lid has a compartment with DWR treated zipper, with mesh divider pocket on interior
- Lid converts to a lumbar pack with hip belt removed
- Lid converts to chest pack for weight distribution and access
- Large side fabric pockets with cinch closure
- Stretch mesh front pocket with wider top opening
- 3M Reflective logo for visibility
- Bottom gear loops for cord customization
- Pair of elastic bottle holders on both shoulder straps
Specifications
Short
- Weight: 1105g (without lid), 1204g (with the lid)
- Torso length: 38-46cm
- Litres: 60
- 15kg load rating
Regular
- Weight: 1156g (without lid), 1254g (with the lid)
- Torso length: 46-53.5cm
- Litres: 60
- 15 kg load rating
Long
- Weight: 1224g (without lid), 1323g (with the lid)
- Torso length: 53.5-61cm
- Litres: 60
- 15 kg load rating
