If you’re new to hiking and you’re still learning about backpacks, the Granite Gear Blaze 60L might be a good pack for you. With adjustable features (like the frame), this backpack makes sizing easy. And it even received the Editor’s Choice Award from Backpacker Magazine this season. With a weight capacity of 50lbs, you won’t have to worry about damaging your backpack by carrying too much stuff or not having enough internal space. And weighing 3lbs, the Blaze offers reliability without compromising efficiency.
Who is Granite Gear?
As the name suggests, Granite Gear was born with toughness in mind. With roots in the boundary waters, Jeff Knight and Dan Cruikshank came up with the idea of building a company that provides rock-solid gear to equip adventurers for any adventure. And Granite Gear was the result. Granite Gear takes reliability to the next level with it’s emphasis on quality materials.
Backpack Highlights:
Air Current Frame
Removeable Lid
Hydration Port
Lifetime Manufacturer Warranty
Vertical Zipper
Removeable Sternum Strap
MSRP: $269.95
Weight: 3lbs
Capacity: 50lbs
If the reliability of the Blaze 60L isn’t enough for you, consider its versatility; The lid can be converted into a chest pack, the internal compartment can be accessed via a hidden vertical zipper. And the brain is detachable. Having access to these types of features makes this backpack an alluring option.
Backpack Pros:
- It has a breathable frame
- Teal is an awesome pack color
- Detachable brain
- There’s a vertical zipper
Backpack Cons:
- The pack weight is a bit higher than I’d like
- There’s so much webbing
- Plus the hip belts are small
Compare & Contrast
I made the following backpack selections based on capacity, weight, and cost. You’re likely to see these products in similar environments. While there are certainly lighter (or heavier) backpacks on the market, these backpacks are really solid options for someone who doesn’t want to worry about being ultralight just yet. They’d all make great entry packs, ensuring that carrying a bulky or heavy load won’t destroy your backpack.
MSRP: $155
Weight: 3lbs 4.8oz
Deuter Aircontact LIte 45L +10
MSRP: $200
Weight: 3lbs 13oz
MSRP: $269.95
Weight: 3lbs
Compared to the Osprey Renn and Deuter Aircontact Lite, the Blaze 60L is the most lightweight option. While it’s on the expensive side, the added versatility and ounce reduction might make it worth the investment.
Backpack Testing
I had the opportunity to test the Blaze 60L backpack out in Colorado’s backcountry over the course of several months. Initially, the hip belt and back were quite rigid, but they softened with time. I was immediately stricken with how much excess webbing there is on this backpack, wanting to remove pieces or chop it off entirely.
After several backpacking trips with the Blaze 60L backpack, I was overall pleased with it’s performance. It’s really nice to have airflow between you and your back (a feature that most backpacks don’t offer). I was never worried about load capacity with this product, and it’s pretty easy to make it compact while carrying smaller loads due to the compression straps. And the water bottle pockets are giant, which can be really nice.
Final Thoughts About the Blaze 60L Backpack
I love women-specific gear. The outdoor industry has been dominated by men for eons, which makes fitting female bodies extremely difficult. Women’s sense of gravity is typically lower then men’s, and our torsos are generally shorter. These are qualities that impact backpack fit. Luckily, the Granite Gear Blaze 60L Backpack does a great job of incorporating our needs into its design. With incredible versatility, this backpack can be adjusted to fit you. And the torso offers a more realistic fit for ladies.
Additionally, this backpack allows you some wiggle room in the way of capacity. If your system is more dialed and you think you’ll generally be carrying 30lbs or less, there might be a lighter backpack that will fit your needs. But if you’re still learning about your gear setup and you want the convenience of a large, dependable backpack, the Blaze 60L offers a great option. The Blaze 60L is as reliable as it is flashy.
Disclaimer: This backpack was donated for the purpose of this review.
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