Big GG fan. I have the Massdrop Crown 60 and have been wanting the 38 as the 60 leaves me a ton of extra room when packed for 4 days. Amazon recently dropped the price 25% on the 38 so I ordered. Should be here Saturday and I will take it out for 2 nights in 3 weeks. Think it should do fine with my 12lb base weight.
My son carries the 60 and loves it. I carry the 38, has lots of room and is comfortable. Usable storage is into the 40's. I keep weight below 25 lbs as I am older. Hiked the PCT for a few days and it worked very well. With all those little straps it compresses very well.
My wife and I are looking at this bag for our overnights. I'm going to be carrying the bulk of the gear so I have a 55-liter bag, and since I'll be carrying most of the gear she only needs to carry her shelter (we're hammock campers) and clothes. But I'll be carrying the kitchen, and most of the food, the medic bag, you know, as well as when my 5 year old comes along I'll be carrying his back up gear too. Excellent review, the gear you packed in there is more than I even carry so this will be ample room for my wife.
I think it will work perfect. And that's awesome that you bring your 5 year old along. I remember hiking with my young ones. They do awesome, just needed to take a few more rest breaks.
When the weather is nice I got him up to doing 4 miles when he was 4 years old, that was pushing it, and it took us all day. But he's learned to enjoy hiking. Maybe not LOVE it like I do yet, but he's young. I'm just glad I'm getitng him out to experience it while he's young.
Hiker J, you should mentioned the compression straps on the side pockets can be thread behind the pockets making it easier to get your water bottle in & out. I have a Lutsen 45L & carry the same base weight as you. All with 4 days of food & dog food I'm @ #27. Very comfortable pack with that weight.
Granite Gear has these on sale right now for $99. I just ordered the 60L over at Moosejaw....now I am torn, haha. The 60L would cover more than just a weekend....but would work for weekends too....but cutting weight is pretty high priority to me right now after my last hilly trip, haha.
Thanks for the review. I saw this crown2 60l at rei and I like it, but the top edge of the plastic support was touching the back of my neck. Did you notice that? Also Have you tried using a bear canisters on the 60? Thanks again for you review, I learn a lot.
@@1averageamerican Thanks for the reply, Its was my first time finding this pack at REI. I didn't even know that the frame is removable and didn't try to make the adjustment. But by watching all the review by Hiker J now I'm debating between GG crown 2 or Osprey Exos 58.
Thanks for the video. I am bit concerned about the durability of these 3 stretchy pockets, especially while walking through woods. They seem like it's not very difficult to make a hole in one. Can you please comment on this issue? Also is the frame removable? How about water resistance? Thanks
I've had a Nimbus Trace for many years, same material for pockets. After many miles no holes yet. Also have the Crown 60 and yes frame sheet is removable. I remove frame sheet and lid. Pack rides great packed for 3-5 days at 20-25 lbs.
I am close to deciding on the Crown 2 60. Like you, I have my base weight right around 18 pounds depending on the trip. My question is considering all your gear just fit inside the 38, how does the 60 pack feel on your back with the same gear? Is it loose? Does it feel sloppy? I’m curious because the main reason I am consider the 60 is because occasionally my wife and or kids go on a trip with me and I end up carrying some of their gear. Not often though. So when I am on my own I’m wondering how it (the 60 liter) will feel on my back with only an 18 pound load out???
Honestly, the 60 is perfect for 18lbs. or a full load at like 28lbs. It has really good compression straps so you can bring it in tight to your body, and summer I dont take the lid/brain because I just dont need the room but its nice to have for winter camping.
Hiker J ok. I’ll stick with the 60. It’s just appealing to go with a smaller pack. Thanks a lot for your videos. It really helped seal the deal towards Granite Gear.
Hey there, what is the height of the backpack? Can it work as a carry-on bag with the lid removed? Do you think it needs an extra raincover? (assuming it doesnt have one) And honestly, do you find it comfortable on your back + shoulders with 25LB compared to other backpacks? Thanks !
That one or Virga 2.... Or that Sierra Design Flex Capacitor... That's the question... (for me anyway ^^) Would this pack here good for a Week trip with food ? Very good job about this review btw ! Very nicely done ! And finaly some vidéos with materials inside the packs, to really show us what you can put in those ! It's so rare and specially for the tents reviews where we never saw the inside with materials ! ^^ Keep up the good work ! Cheers from Belgium !
If you have some UL gear such as a UL tent and down sleeping bag/quilt, this pack is more than adequate for thru-hike type supplies. I have carried it with 5 days of food no problem. You have to have a lower base-weight and lower volume type big 3 and clothes, but it works great. My base weight is about 13 lbs and I generally carry more clothes than a lot of people. You can also get creative and strap things such as sleeping pad or tent to the outside temporarily if you need more volume for food. (haven't tried with a bear can though, don't know if that is possible). I had the Blaze AC 60 prior to this and it was just too big, so I picked up the Crown 2 38 for a smaller/lighter option and it has worked great so far. Both packs are very well designed and feel great.
I have a regular size that goes from 18-21, I am a 19 inch torso. They do have a size Long that is supposed to fit a 21-24 inch torso. That might work better for you if your 22 inches.
Thanks for the review! I'm thinking of getting this thing for my semi-UL all around set, and I can't find info on two things: 1) would this be allowed in carry on on a plane? usually they allow 40L but it depends so much on dimensions, and 2) would it be safe to fit a small laptop/tablet in here?
Not totally sure on the carry on, you can roll it down so maybe it would work as a carry on. For the second question I would think you would want to put your laptop in a sleeve as it's not really designed for it. Take a look at some of the Osprey travel packs, heavier but nice designs for airplane travel.
+Arkansas Wes As much as I can tell in the area bottom is around 11.75x7 The thing I was worried about was fitting my sleep system sideways in the bottom. My three season system fit just perfect.
+Arkansas Wes I am tall but its in my legs mostly, my torso is 19. Not sure if they will offer other sizes. It's a hard call with it being a fixed shoulder strap. If you can find a Crown2 60L it's the same system as it pertains to the shoulder and belt.
Why does the material look so cheap and transparent? You can literally see through it and see the stuff inside. There was a review that showed a pic of a big teart in the material 🙄. Would be great if they started making side as many of it's use these for travel
They work great for me, being that its a fixed system they will work differently for different torso lengths.But in general they bring the pack in close and great for stabalizing the pack in scrambling situations.
Thanks. Another question. I usually store my tent poles in the bladder pocket. Is the back of this pack straight or arched? I tried the Osprey exos and wasn't able to do this because of its arched back. Thanks again!
The backplate is straight and flexible. So when you strap it tightly to your back it can curve to your back but that depends how tight you snug it to your back. So its not curved on its own but it can form to your back if you want it to.
Talk to me about how much you feel you lost of your internal space going from 60 to 38. don't tell me 22L... I want to know how it feels. does it feel like you lost much? I'm also a sub 20lb base..but I often hike with my 11year old & carry his food too... Want to stay small for my own adventures...
They both have the same frame system. The difference is in how narrow they are. With the 38l you can tell how it feels different because the load does not stick out as much. That's why I think the 38l is better for scrambling type hikes (rocky, rooty, Holly trails). You have a better center of gravity.
He packed really quick. Could pack a lot tighter and there was still room for a few days food and still get 1 or 2 rolls of the top. Also, lid was empty.
This packs MUCH bigger than 38L. The roll top makes the actual volume capable of being much bigger and the hip/side pockets aren't counted at all in the volume.
I like the smaller 38L. My base weight is 10-12#. Good job your reviews are top notch!
Big GG fan. I have the Massdrop Crown 60 and have been wanting the 38 as the 60 leaves me a ton of extra room when packed for 4 days. Amazon recently dropped the price 25% on the 38 so I ordered. Should be here Saturday and I will take it out for 2 nights in 3 weeks. Think it should do fine with my 12lb base weight.
My son carries the 60 and loves it. I carry the 38, has lots of room and is comfortable. Usable storage is into the 40's. I keep weight below 25 lbs as I am older. Hiked the PCT for a few days and it worked very well. With all those little straps it compresses very well.
Also, at $150 for the 60 and $100 for the 38, probably the best value for lightweight packs you will find, if they work for you. So far, very happy.
My wife and I are looking at this bag for our overnights. I'm going to be carrying the bulk of the gear so I have a 55-liter bag, and since I'll be carrying most of the gear she only needs to carry her shelter (we're hammock campers) and clothes. But I'll be carrying the kitchen, and most of the food, the medic bag, you know, as well as when my 5 year old comes along I'll be carrying his back up gear too. Excellent review, the gear you packed in there is more than I even carry so this will be ample room for my wife.
I think it will work perfect. And that's awesome that you bring your 5 year old along. I remember hiking with my young ones. They do awesome, just needed to take a few more rest breaks.
When the weather is nice I got him up to doing 4 miles when he was 4 years old, that was pushing it, and it took us all day. But he's learned to enjoy hiking. Maybe not LOVE it like I do yet, but he's young. I'm just glad I'm getitng him out to experience it while he's young.
Hiker J, you should mentioned the compression straps on the side pockets can be thread behind the pockets making it easier to get your water bottle in & out. I have a Lutsen 45L & carry the same base weight as you. All with 4 days of food & dog food I'm @ #27. Very comfortable pack with that weight.
jerry d For sure that is a great option.
Big fan of these GG bags. Still have to refine my bulky kit before I downsize to a 38L lol. Good review!
Granite Gear has these on sale right now for $99. I just ordered the 60L over at Moosejaw....now I am torn, haha. The 60L would cover more than just a weekend....but would work for weekends too....but cutting weight is pretty high priority to me right now after my last hilly trip, haha.
I love my 2 60......now I want the 2 38 for sure!
Nice review. Going lighter is not really an option between age and injuries it's a must. Again thanks
Can a bear canister fit inside the 38L
This is an excellent review. I'm thinking of this pack for overnights and hut to hut hiking. (Have only done day hikes.)
Something like Hut to Hut could work because you would not have to have a tent, so you would have extra room.
Where is your sleeping pad? In the same stuffsack as the sleeping bag?
Seems like a really great pack thanks for the review.
Great video ! I do however have a question.....Loaded as you did for the video, what are its dimensions ?
hi Uncle Jason!!!!
Just got my 38 and love it. Now I'm considering buying the 60 to go with it for winter trips. Also sick gear room!
I totally understand, they are both worth having. The 60 has worked well for me on Winter Backpacking.
Thanks for the review. I saw this crown2 60l at rei and I like it, but the top edge of the plastic support was touching the back of my neck. Did you notice that? Also Have you tried using a bear canisters on the 60? Thanks again for you review, I learn a lot.
If the frame sheet was touching your neck it wasn't installed correctly. Just about any bear can will fit in the 60 with lots of room to spare.
@@1averageamerican Thanks for the reply, Its was my first time finding this pack at REI. I didn't even know that the frame is removable and didn't try to make the adjustment. But by watching all the review by Hiker J now I'm debating between GG crown 2 or Osprey Exos 58.
@Hiker J are you planning of doing a comparison of GG crown 2 60L vs Osprey Exos 58 since their in the same category.
Thanks for the video. I am bit concerned about the durability of these 3 stretchy pockets, especially while walking through woods. They seem like it's not very difficult to make a hole in one. Can you please comment on this issue? Also is the frame removable? How about water resistance? Thanks
I've had a Nimbus Trace for many years, same material for pockets. After many miles no holes yet. Also have the Crown 60 and yes frame sheet is removable. I remove frame sheet and lid. Pack rides great packed for 3-5 days at 20-25 lbs.
I am close to deciding on the Crown 2 60. Like you, I have my base weight right around 18 pounds depending on the trip. My question is considering all your gear just fit inside the 38, how does the 60 pack feel on your back with the same gear? Is it loose? Does it feel sloppy? I’m curious because the main reason I am consider the 60 is because occasionally my wife and or kids go on a trip with me and I end up carrying some of their gear. Not often though. So when I am on my own I’m wondering how it (the 60 liter) will feel on my back with only an 18 pound load out???
Honestly, the 60 is perfect for 18lbs. or a full load at like 28lbs. It has really good compression straps so you can bring it in tight to your body, and summer I dont take the lid/brain because I just dont need the room but its nice to have for winter camping.
Hiker J ok. I’ll stick with the 60. It’s just appealing to go with a smaller pack. Thanks a lot for your videos. It really helped seal the deal towards Granite Gear.
Hey there, what is the height of the backpack? Can it work as a carry-on bag with the lid removed? Do you think it needs an extra raincover? (assuming it doesnt have one) And honestly, do you find it comfortable on your back + shoulders with 25LB compared to other backpacks? Thanks !
That one or Virga 2.... Or that Sierra Design Flex Capacitor... That's the question... (for me anyway ^^)
Would this pack here good for a Week trip with food ?
Very good job about this review btw ! Very nicely done !
And finaly some vidéos with materials inside the packs, to really show us what you can put in those !
It's so rare and specially for the tents reviews where we never saw the inside with materials ! ^^
Keep up the good work !
Cheers from Belgium !
For sure for a weekend style trip, this is perfect for that lengthy of trip
If you have some UL gear such as a UL tent and down sleeping bag/quilt, this pack is more than adequate for thru-hike type supplies. I have carried it with 5 days of food no problem. You have to have a lower base-weight and lower volume type big 3 and clothes, but it works great. My base weight is about 13 lbs and I generally carry more clothes than a lot of people.
You can also get creative and strap things such as sleeping pad or tent to the outside temporarily if you need more volume for food. (haven't tried with a bear can though, don't know if that is possible).
I had the Blaze AC 60 prior to this and it was just too big, so I picked up the Crown 2 38 for a smaller/lighter option and it has worked great so far. Both packs are very well designed and feel great.
Can it fit a bear canister?
Had the same ? Might stick to the 60
Hi, Great review! Do you think that this will fit a 22-inch torso length?
I have a regular size that goes from 18-21, I am a 19 inch torso. They do have a size Long that is supposed to fit a 21-24 inch torso. That might work better for you if your 22 inches.
Thanks for the review! I'm thinking of getting this thing for my semi-UL all around set, and I can't find info on two things: 1) would this be allowed in carry on on a plane? usually they allow 40L but it depends so much on dimensions, and 2) would it be safe to fit a small laptop/tablet in here?
Not totally sure on the carry on, you can roll it down so maybe it would work as a carry on. For the second question I would think you would want to put your laptop in a sleeve as it's not really designed for it. Take a look at some of the Osprey travel packs, heavier but nice designs for airplane travel.
Thanks!
J What are the bottom dimensions of the 38L. I know the 60L is 13 wide x 8 deep x 23.5 tall
+Arkansas Wes As much as I can tell in the area bottom is around 11.75x7 The thing I was worried about was fitting my sleep system sideways in the bottom. My three season system fit just perfect.
Yeah that was my concern to. Did the torso work out good for you I am a 21" -- right on the line.
+Arkansas Wes I am tall but its in my legs mostly, my torso is 19. Not sure if they will offer other sizes. It's a hard call with it being a fixed shoulder strap. If you can find a Crown2 60L it's the same system as it pertains to the shoulder and belt.
Why does the material look so cheap and transparent? You can literally see through it and see the stuff inside. There was a review that showed a pic of a big teart in the material 🙄. Would be great if they started making side as many of it's use these for travel
How effective are the load lifters on this pack? Thanks
They work great for me, being that its a fixed system they will work differently for different torso lengths.But in general they bring the pack in close and great for stabalizing the pack in scrambling situations.
Thanks. Another question. I usually store my tent poles in the bladder pocket. Is the back of this pack straight or arched? I tried the Osprey exos and wasn't able to do this because of its arched back. Thanks again!
The backplate is straight and flexible. So when you strap it tightly to your back it can curve to your back but that depends how tight you snug it to your back. So its not curved on its own but it can form to your back if you want it to.
this is Will.
Talk to me about how much you feel you lost of your internal space going from 60 to 38. don't tell me 22L... I want to know how it feels. does it feel like you lost much? I'm also a sub 20lb base..but I often hike with my 11year old & carry his food too... Want to stay small for my own adventures...
They both have the same frame system. The difference is in how narrow they are. With the 38l you can tell how it feels different because the load does not stick out as much. That's why I think the 38l is better for scrambling type hikes (rocky, rooty, Holly trails). You have a better center of gravity.
While stuffing your gear in...does it feel like you lost a lot of space?
Not with my three season gear setup. The 38l is totally fine. I go to my 60l for winter because I carry extra warm gear for that.
If you had to carry a bear canister, could you still fit your gear?
that's my uncle!!!!
I like the pack, but 38l seems too small. You don t even have room for food. Good review, but not honest. IMO
He packed really quick. Could pack a lot tighter and there was still room for a few days food and still get 1 or 2 rolls of the top. Also, lid was empty.
This packs MUCH bigger than 38L. The roll top makes the actual volume capable of being much bigger and the hip/side pockets aren't counted at all in the volume.
These bags have so much room it’s not even funny. I can fit as much in mine as I can in my Osprey Atmos 50 AG.
Base weight of 17.5 lbs...yikes.