When searching for a pack in a good price bracket without going the DCF route you need to find a backpack that is light, durable and can hold its own in liters and pounds.
Granite Gear hit on all of the above with their Crown 2 which is a 60L pack with the ability to easily hold 35+ pounds very comfortably.
Granite Gear Crown 2 60 Backpack
Amazing Framed Backpack for Long Hikes
- Dual density shoulder harness with load-lifter straps and removable sternum strap
- Re-Fit fully adjustable (from 28 – 40in), dual density hip belt
- Dual large hip belt pockets with DWR treated zippers
- Roll-top main compartment opening with centered dual strap and singular buckle for quick access and easy compression
- Removable lid has a compartment with DWR treated zipper
* As an Amazon affiliate we earn from qualifying purchases, thanks for reading our review!
Here’s a rundown of what we’ll provide in this Granite Gear Crown 2 review:
- First we’ll share the features and benefits that you’ll find useful
- Next, we’ll take a look at the drawbacks you might need to know about
- Then, we’ll tell you a bit about the Granite Gear company
- And finally we’ll provide a sampling of actual customer and Independent reviews to give you better insight into the product.
Sound good? Let’s get started!
Features and Benefits of the Granite Gear Crown 2
- V.C. (Vapor Current) mark 2 Frame with 35lb (15kg) load rating
- Dual density shoulder harness with load-lifter straps and removable sternum strap.
- Re-Fit fully adjustable (from 26 – 42in), dual density hip belt
- Dual large hip belt pockets with DWR treated zippers
- Roll-top main compartment opening with centered dual strap and singular buckle for quick access and easy compression
- Removable lid has a compartment with DWR treated zipper
- Hydration port & internal hydration sleeve
- Large side stretch woven pockets
- Stretch mesh front pocket
- Side and front compression straps
- 100D High-tenacity nylon with NeverWet liquid repelling treatment
- 210D High-tenacity ripstop nylon with NeverWet liquid repelling treatment
Special Features (Pros) of the Granite Gear Crown 2
Removable Lid with Treated Zipper – One of the features that separate the Crown 2 from its predecessor is the newly designed top lid compartment with a DWR treated zipper. This new lid is perfect for quick access for smaller items you may need to carry on the trail and access on short notice.
V.C. Mark 2 Frame with 35lb (15kg) Load Rating – The new Vapor Current Mark 2 frame is a molded frame sheet with die cut holes to minimize pack weight without compromising the design. For longer outings the Mark 2 frame is fully removable to reduce the overall weight. The Crown 2 suspension system offers a molded foam back panel with mesh ventilation channels which work together to allow breathability and reduces moisture for more comfort.
RE-FIT adjustable/removable hip belt – Similar to Granite Gears Lutsen pack series, the Crown 2 has adopted a Re-Fit hip belt. This easily adjustable belt allows a fit customization to all body types.
Drawbacks (Cons) for the Granite Gear Crown 2
Lack Of Outside Straps & Side Pockets – Many people thought that the lack of straps and bigger, more numerous outside pockets was a downer. This will very much depend on you as to your style of pack, I prefer everything inside.
Video: Granite Gear Crown 2
Video Credit: TheOutdoorGearReview – Click Here to watch directly on YouTube
About the Granite Gear Company
Granite Gear, born in the Boundary Waters and tougher than granite. Granite Gear was born among the placid network of wild waterways etched through the boreal forest that make up the Boundary Waters between Minnesota and Ontario.
uring a paddling trip through Quetico Provincial Park in 1986 Jeff Knight and Dan Cruikshank realized there was a need for better outdoor gear, planting the kernel that became Granite Gear.
Granite Gear Crown 2 Reviews
Looking at the features and benefits is great, but taking a look at what real-and-actual customers have to say about a product offers a deeper dive of insight.
Here we’ve curated reviews that reflect the Granite Gear Crown 2, providing feedback from product users and reviewers on independent review sites as well as on Amazon.
Independent Reviews and Recommendations for the Granite Gear Crown 2
OutdoorGearLab
Everything about the Granite Gear Crown2 60 is designed with the minimalist hiker in mind. It’s super lightweight and does away with any unnecessary features, keeping only the pockets and straps that most folks would use on any pack.
Read More…
Granite Gear Customer Review (AT Thru-Hike Approved)
I bought this pack as a last minute way to cut some weight before starting my Appalachian Trail thru hike shortly after this pack came out. The pack literally arrived as I was leaving to start my hike, so the first time that I actually put in on was for my first steps on the trail. I was immediately satisfied with the fit and comfort.
As my hike went on, the pack got to show what it was really made of. It stood up to 2200 miles of rugged trail, boulders, and rain, and still has plenty of life left in it. I think that this pack is right on the line of ultra light and super durable; much lighter and it probably would only hold up for one thru hike, any more weight would be unnecessary with no added durability or comfort.
AT Tested and Approved Review by Engineer
What Amazon Customers Have to Say About the Granite Gear Crown 2
The side pockets can comfortably hold two 1L water bottles (life water or smart water bottle sized). The lid is pretty awesome, nice gear loops at each corner so you can clip stuff to them, and you can weave some shock cord through them, or use whatever cordage you have so you can strap something on top like a jacket
Currently preparing to hike the PCT in 2018. Needed to find a pack that could carry the things I wanted, do so comfortably and at the same time reduce weight. My current pack weighed in at just over 5 pounds. This pack tips the scales 2 pounds 3 ounces.
This is one of 2 packs that I own and this one is a great summer pack. Very light as claimed… about 2.5 lbs. My only reservations is no outside side pockets, no bottom straps to tie on a sleeping pad and the horizontal straps across the back are a bit short…
I’ve been out of hiking for years and decided I wanted to begin again and try to do some AT sectionals. After a lot of research I settled on the Granite Gear Crown 2 60, and it seems perfect for my needs. I was amazed upon receiving the package at how light this pack really is; for someone who has been away for some time
Final Thoughts on the Granite Gear Crown 2 60L Backpack
When trying to find a backpack which will last a long time while also being close to the ultralight range in weight there aren’t many other choices in this price range. The only way to get significantly lighter is to move into Dyneema based backpacks which also will double your costs.
This will definitely make you a fan of Granite Gear as their packs have maintained solid performance while maintaining the ability to be under 3 pounds while handling 35 pounds of gear inside. Take the plunge for your next week or longer hike and tell me all about it in the comments below!
Compare to Similar Backpacks
| Image | Title | Price | Prime | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Granite Gear Crown 2 60 Backpack - Men's Highland Peat/Black Long | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
Top | Osprey Packs Exos 58 Backpacking Pack, Tunnel Green, Large | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | Osprey Aether AG 60 Men's Backpacking Backpack | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | Osprey Rook 65 Men's Backpacking Backpack , Mallard Green | PrimeEligible | Buy Now |
