Customer Reviews

Granite Gear Vapor Trail 3600

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I am an avid backpacker that has begun to lighten his load for more enjoyable outings (easier on the knees and back). I have cut my pack weight [inclusive of food, water (3L bladder) and fuel] to just under 30 lbs. I used the Vapor Trail several weeks ago on a 3-day hike on the Foothills Trail in South Carolina (winter hiking with lows at 20 degrees)....very pleasant experience. Before going on the Trail, I had contacted Dana at Granite Gear in order to substitute the Ultralightweight belt, which came with the pack, for the Lightwelt belt, which is 5 oz heavier, but, for me, worth the extra weight for greater support in transferring the weight of the load to the hips. What a joy it was to work with her and the folks at Granite Gear. They exchanged the belt for a nominal amount ($6.00), and were very user friendly. The pack is very sturdy, and extremely comfortable to carry loads in the 30 - 35 pound range. I was so impressed with the pack, that I have now purchased a second Vapor Trail for my adult son who is beginning to backpack with me. I would very much recommend this pack to anyone who is committed to a lighter load, without sacrificing comfort in a backpack.

I recently purchased this item a month ago and have used it minimally on 8 mile treks to break it and myself in for an upcoming backpacking trip through the Black Hills. I'm 5'11" 170lbs and with a 18" torso length the regular torso was perfect. I was looking for something lighter weight than my Mountainsmith Cross Country which is close to 6 lbs. It's made to carry heavier loads and a lot more but this time around I thought I would give it a whirl with ultralight packing. I was debating between the Vapor Trail and the Blaze (which has a slightly larger capacity and top-rated by Backpacker Magazine this year). I chose the Vapor Trail to see if I could get my pack weight down to 30-35 lbs and it really was no problem. Below are some pros and cons I have already experienced and will update them after my Black Hills trip.

Pros:

Lightweight (under 2lbs)
Very comfortable
Nice weight distribution
Packs nicely and straps compress well
Exterior waterproofing adequate
Hydration compatible, I use a 100oz bladder
I like that the fit isn't adjustable, it fits the body better


Cons:
Not much of a con but it's a top-loader just so you know
No spot for a sleeping pad, though I suppose you could use the gear loops at the bottom of the pack

So far that's all I've got for Pro's & Con's, I'll post more as I use it more often.

I bought this pack because of the light weight and comfort and the price that I could not turn down.The pack only weights 2 pounds and has good padding for your back and around your hips. I highly recommend this pack.