Granite Gear Crown3 60 Review: Ultralight backpack
The Granite Gear Crown3 60 backpack has three main compartments and is made to carry a lot of gear. It is a roll-top backpack, which means that the main compartment is closed by rolling the top down and then securing it with a strap.
The backcountry hiking Granite Gear Crown3 60 pack Review
The backpack also has side and front compression straps to help keep everything in place. There are also two large pockets on the hip belt, which can be used to hold things like a water bottle or snacks. The waterproof hiking backpack is made from high-tenacity nylon, which is a strong and durable material, and comes in either black or green.
The Frame sheet transfers the load to your hips, and the 60-liter size (61 liters with the spindrift collar fully extended) is just big enough to comfortably fit all the gear you need at the weekend in the backcountry.
The feature set is the other thing I like about the Granite Gear Crown3 60. For an ultralight design pack, it has a ton of features that are really well thought out.
Backpack Storage and Organization
First, the side water bottle pockets. I was a little skeptical of these at first, but they work great. They’re the perfect size for a Nalgene bottle or a Lifestraw water filter. And they cinch down nice and tight, so your water bottles aren’t going anywhere.
Second, the lid. The Granite Gear Crown3 60 has a removable lid, which is great. I’ve found that most ultralight packs don’t have a very functional lid, so it’s nice to see one on this pack.
The lid has two zippered pockets, perfect for storing small items like a map, compass, headlamp, etc. And it also has a webbing loop on the top, which is great for attaching a bear horn or other piece of gear.
Shoulder Straps
Third, the side compression straps. These are really well-designed and work great. They’re easy to adjust on the go and cinch the pack down nicely and tight.
Fourth, the hip belt pockets. These are awesome. They’re the perfect size for storing snacks, a phone, a small camera, etc. And they’re easy to access on the go.
Finally, the Granite Gear Crown3 60 has a nice daisy chain on the front of the pack. This is great for attaching gear like a bear can, snowshoes, or crampons.
So, those are some of the things I really like about the Granite Gear Crown3 60. But there are a few things I don’t like as well.
Granite Gear Crown3 60 ($249)
First, the price. At $249, this pack is not cheap. But I think it’s worth the money.
Second, the Granite Gear Crown3 60 only comes in one color — green. I would prefer to see a few more color options.
Third, the shoulder straps could be a little more comfortable. They’re not bad, but they could be better.
Fourth, I wish the hip belt pockets were a little larger. They’re fine for snacks and a phone, but I’d like to be able to fit a small camera in them as well.
Finally, I wish the daisy chain was a little longer. It’s fine to attach a bear can or snowshoes, but I’d like to be able to attach crampons as well.
Granite Gear Crown3 60 Specs
Dual density shoulder harness with load-lifter straps and dual removable sternum strap
Our Verdict:
Overall, I really liked the Crown3 60. It’s a well-thought-out design that hits the sweet spot for many users. It’s not the lightest pack on the market, but it’s not far off, and the weight is offset by the many features and well-executed design. At $219, it’s not cheap. But I think it’s worth the money.
Where can I buy the backpack?
