Granite Gear Crown2 60 Backpack Review

When it comes to engineering packs Granite Gear gets it. Their latest pack the Crown2 60 isn’t just another pack, it’s the pack to own, and it’s one built with the ultimate hiker in mind.

If you spend a decent amount of time on any trail these days you’re bound to see one brand of backpacks, in particular, popping up over and over again.

I’ll give you a hint: It’s Granite Gear. But why?

Well, just explore this Crown2 60 pack with me below and you’ll know the answer.

At an affordable price tag, you’ll be amazed at what comes packed in this pack.

Quick Highlights

– Vapor Current Mark 2 Compression Molded Polypropylene Frame (35lb load rating)
– Fully adjustable Re-Fit Hip Belt (Dual density)
– Fully removable zippered lid with compartment and DWR treated zipper. (2.8oz / 5 liters)
– Dual density shoulder harness with load-lifter straps and removable sternum strap
– Dual large hip belt pockets with DWR treated zippers
– Roll-top main compartment opening with centered dual strap and singular buckle.
– Hydration port and internal hydration sleeve
– Large stretch woven side pockets (easily fits a 32oz Nalgene water bottle)
– Giant stretch mesh front pocket
– 210D / 100D High-tenacity nylon with NeverWet liquid repelling treatment.
– Lightweight construction at 2.2lbs. 1.7lbs with frame sheet removed
– Available in 3 torso sizes: Short, regular and long.
– Available in 2 color choices: Fatigue/Dried Sage and Highland Peat/Black.
– Front and side compression straps. (Side strap pass through)
– Removable frame can be used in emergencies for shoveling snow/etc.

Let’s talk weight. At just 2.2lbs the Granite Gear Crown2 60 is extremely lightweight. Years ago, it used to be the heavier the back, the more durable it was but those days are gone. Even with significant weight savings, you can set this pack down anywhere your heart desires and/or sit on it without having to worry about damage.

For the ultra-lightweight folks who want to shave off every gram they can, you’ll be happy to know the removable frame sheet drops the weight down even lower to 1.7lbs. Of course, the zippered lid can also be removed to cut out another 2.8oz.

Weight aside, perhaps the second best feature of the Granite Gear Crown2 60 is its compression ability. On the front, you’ll find two compression straps covering the large mesh pocket. You’ll also find two more compression straps per side on the sides of the pack.

To keep your gear nice and dry, each Crown2 60 pack features a NeverWet liquid-repelling treatment. In addition, you’ll also find their signature Barrier technology for a full 360 degrees of water-repellency coverage. This technology includes things like repelaweave, repelagrid fabrics, and water-repellent zippers. When it’s all combined, these packs don’t get saturated with water, nor do they soak up the additional weight along with it.

Vapor Current Mark2Compression Molded Polypropylene Frame

In terms of comfort, the Crown2 60 feels sent straight from heaven as a gift to hikers. Needless to say, it feels wonderful. While comfort is important, so is breathability. What I really have come to like is the deep padded grooves and mesh construction which allow plenty of airflow.

At the heart of this pack, you’ll find the “Vapor Current Mark2Compression Molded Polypropylene Frame”. It’s easily removable and in the event of an emergency can be used to shovel snow/etc. When the pack is fully loaded it features a max 35lb load rating.

Front Mesh Pocket

Unbuckle the four front compression straps and you’ll gain access to the massive front mesh pocket.

This thing is incredibly stretchy yet, I still felt confident about how well it would secure my items. For accessing things like rain gear as fast as possible, this pocket is a wonderful addition to the pack.

Side Pockets

These stretchy side pockets easily fit a 32oz Nalgene water bottle with room to spare.

Best of all, you don’t have to run the compression strap over the exterior. Granite Gear’s ingenious engineering team added a pass through that goes behind your gear in the side pocket.

Main Compartment

Bring on the interior space! With the lid already removed (2 buckles), gaining access to the main compartment of this pack is as simple as removing 2 separate buckles. It really doesn’t get any easier than that.

Inside you will find a hydration hanger hook, alongside a zippered pocket that holds the frame. The frame is in there securely, but if needed it can easily slide right on out in a few seconds or less.

Lid

If you can spare 5 liters of space you can save 2.8oz off your total pack weight.

Four buckles are all it takes to remove the lid completely. Personally, I love the lid so it will stay with the pack whenever I roam outdoors.

Belt Hip Pockets

These belt hip pockets are a real treat to have. Load them up with snacks for fuel or small misc. items and anything you need is within arm’s reach at a moment’s notice. Even though these two pockets are located on the belt hip I was rather surprised but just how much space they had to offer.

When you’re moving solo, you might find yourself coming to love these pockets more and more.

Re-Fit System

The engineering behind the Re-fit system is just beautiful. The ingenious folks over at Granite Gear must have realized how difficult it is to get enough calories in while hiking. Let’s face it, over a few months of being outdoors you’re going to lose a lot of weight. For most bags, the answer is to tighten the belt to its full max, but even then it’s really not solving the problem at hand.

Luckily, the Granite Gear Crown2 60 features a dual-density, fully-adjustable re-fit hip belt. In a nutshell, there’s Velcro on the hip belt, and you can expand or shrink the belt to correspond with your waist size. It’s incredible for getting that perfect, custom, body-hugging fit. Best of all, Granite Gear has added markings so you know where to position the Velcro whenever you adjust it.

Load Lifters And Pull Handle

On the top rear of the back, you’ll find load lifters alongside an easy to grab pull handle.

Granite Gear Product Collection

While the Granite Gear Crown2 60 is light, dry, accessible, etc. it’s not the only top-notch pack Granite Gear makes. Outside of multi-day packs, they also produce tactical/military packs, technical daypacks, travel luggage, and everyday carry bags.

Of course, Granite Gear also has a handful of really nice accessories like their hiker wallet, shoulder strap pocket, dry sacks and beyond.

If you’re an avid outdoorsman, hiker, travel enthusiast, tactical gentleman or perhaps simply someone who needs an everyday bag that can keep up their busy lifestyle, a Granite Gear pack is your answer.