Granite Gear Vapor Trail

I used this pack for over 500 miles on the AT in 2007 & 2008. I love the fit and carry. I don't know if they have resolved this issue, but in 2007 there were a number of hikers on the AT that had the long seams on the front of the pack fail. I watched mine closely, and when I began to see signs of stress contacted GG. They were quick to get another pack out to me and I've had no further issues. I have no desire to use another pack, and if something happened to this one I would replace it with another GG VT. I have the optional lid: it did not work for me, it was bothersome and prevented me from compressing the load the way I like (I like my pack cinched down TIGHT). What I ended up wit in stead was a rectangluar piece of a foam cut from a discarded ridgerest pad. I would place items I may need to get at during the day in a small stuff sack on top, followed by my folded rain jacket, then the piece of foam (which was used as a sit-upon), the extension collar was then tightened around the edges of the foam pad, and the compression straps cinched to hold it all in place. It made rest stops a breeze. I also used the optional hip pockets, and 1 strap pocket. The hip pockets tended to get in my way (I'm short, 5'2"), but the strap pocket was great. I kept my camera and an energy bar there. I guess if you were using the side pockets for water bottles they wouldn't work well, but I used a hydration bladder, and it worked out great. I also developed a system for loading my gear (which I think any long distance hiker would do), and really liked the stretchy side pockets. I carried my tent poles in 1 side, under the compression strap, and my small fuel bottle on the other side (it fit entirely inside the pocket).

After hanging out on the AT for several weeks last year, I kept seeing this Granite Gear Vapor Trail Backpack. It seemed to be the most popular pack out there for thru-hikers, and as an AT enthusiast, I had to see what made this pack so special.

Having now bought and tested it, the pack rides like a champ. It's great because you benefit from the fact that the back has a frame, but it is also extremely light at 2lbs 5oz. That said, it is THE most comfortable back I have owned (I have a lot of backpacks, from 15oz Gossamer Gear packs to 7lb Gregory packs).

The straps on the pack make it easy to find the right settings for the most comfortable ride, but at the same time there isn't an over-excessive amount of straps like some packs. The waist belt isn't removable, but it is extremely comfortable. Assuming you are looking at this pack because you are leaning towards the genre of an ultra-light backpacker, I probably wouldn't recommend putting more than 30 - 35 lbs in this pack. That said, I haven't had more than 25 lbs in this pack.

The simple-yet-effective design of this pack makes it one of the best in the industry. You got to try it to believe it... I'd recommend this pack to anyone who enjoys light-weight backpacking.

This pack has won a slew of awards and for good reason. It carries loads up to 30 pounds well, and you can stretch it to 35 if your gear is dense. The bottom bellows out at the bottom allowing you to put a cold weather bag in there sideways if you use a compression sack. The hipbelt and back panel are padded like a pack with twice its volume, and the belt molds well to one's hips. The pack comes in three torso lengths and three sizes of hipbelt, and the hipbelt is removable and replaceable if you kill it or need to go up a size. Also, the bottom is made of a durable Cordura nylon to boost durability for every time you take your pack off. All in all, a great pack.

There are a few nitpick issues with the pack. The straps are too long on the top closure, the side compression straps, hipbelt and load lifter straps. The bottom set of compression straps on the sides are poorly placed and if used, eliminate the side pockets of all use. Those straps should be eliminated. Finally, the hydration port is slightly too small - a hiker needs to remove the nipple of their hose to pull it through.

Believe the hype...this is an awesome lightweight backpack. If you want a pack loaded with compartments and durable enough to launch off the crag, this is not it. But, if you want something durable enough to hold up to a typical backcountry through-hike and light enough to let you enjoy it, this is the pack.

I was able get my base pack weight (before food and water) down to 13 lbs and this pack feels soooo light and comfortable when loaded up for a weekend trip. The backpanel has great padding and the hipbelt is the most comfortable I've ever used. I'm 6'3" and the long version of this pack adjusts to me perfectly with adjustment room to spare.

I do have just a couple of complaints. The water bottle compartments on the outside are a pain with the compression straps running on the outside of them. The "sleeve" at the top is ridiculously long and just creates an additional hassle when trying to get something out of this toploader.

Lastly, the pack is so roomy that it often tempts me to overload it. But, in the end, I can't see myself ever buying a different backcountry pack.

I bought mine in April '06. I have used it on several 3-day trips, and it has worked very well. It is large enough to hold my gear internally except for my 3lb tent. Normally I carried 22-25lbs. and it felt very comfortable. Once I had to pack an additional 3 quarts of water hanging off the back to a dry camp, and I estimated the weight to be near 30lbs. It handled the extra weight fine. This pack is rated at 30lbs, and I don't think the suspension could handle carrying any more then that for any length of time. My only complaints are the water hose opening was too small for my Big Bite Cammel Back tube to go through, and the extension collar is too tall. It just gets in the way of putting stuff into the pack. You would never be able to carry enough gear in this pack to have the collar fully extended as it wouldn't carry well. Overall, it's nice lightweight pack.

I'll try to make it short and sweet. I'm new to backcountry backpaking/camping. I bought this because of the reviews. I have taken 2 hikes so far with this pack totalling 16 miles. This is one amazingly comfortable backpack. I carried 25lb. for 6 miles the first time and 10 miles the second. I had my tent with footprint and fly, foor in a bear boxer, clothes, stove, fuel, water, medkit, etc. The only thing that hurt were my feet.

The thick padded hip belt when pulled snug puts almost all the weight on your hips. Very easy to handle there. The straps keep the pack pulled tight to your back and takes any weight off your shoulders. I have had other packs that hurt as soon as I put them on. This one is frankly amazing. The only complaint I have is that no one told me about this earlier.

Thanks Granite Gear!

I have a 7 day pack that is about 25lb. My Gregory pack was looking a little flat and empty! This pack holds all my stuff and weighs a few pounds less!

I liked: The suspension system which was very comfortable and easily good to 30lb and I liked the compression setup.

I disliked: It is hard to load as the extension gets in the way. The solution is to fold it over the pack inside-out. The pack lacks pockets but the external pockets work well. I use an MSR bladder in the pack’s hydration pouch and don’t put 1l bottles in side pockets. I ordered the Granite Gear “top” for the pack after my last trip.

Yes, I would easily buy this pack again given the chance. It may just be the pack made for me!

This is the only backpack I would consider ultralight, that can hold loads for weeklong hikes. It weighs in at 2 pounds exactly. At first it looks like a small pack, but you can topload an extra 600 or so cubic inches. The vapor trail hugs you back well even though it isn't suited with the standard suspension systems, and fits on your hip very comfortably. This pack has no zippers, just alot of adjustable straps. Their is enough room in the middle to stick an ultralight tent in, but if you were to put a larger 6 pound tent it will pull you back a little uncomfortably. Their is a slot for your hydration pack in-between the pack and back padding. Remember don't put more than 30 pounds in, other then that it will stay a good comfortable pack.

I've used this pack now for 3 seasons of use. Has worked without a hitch for me! My only gripe is no hood on the pack, I like the hood simply for my packing method, I like to have easy access to my hammock on either the top or an outside stow pocket, this has neither. Featureless pack, but that is the point, barebones and still feels good on your back. I've loved this pack, but I am moving up another pound or 2 in weight so I can get some external pockets and organization! oh, this pack has an extremely large chute to make up for the lack of externals, this chute proves annoying when you need to see in your pack. All in all, I recommend this pack.