used the crown2 on my thru hike of the AT last year. the adjustable hip belt is the best feature. especially when you lose 25 pounds on the trail lol

I picked up a Crown2, dropped my back weight by about 1/3, LOVE it!

One thing you forgot to mention is that sometimes you can find gently used gear for much less than the price of brand new.

I purchased the Crown 2 60 off Backcountry about a month ago. It’s the exact model Dan has, but it was on sale for $139. So far, I love it! I plan on taking it for a weeklong backpacking trip to Yosemite in the Fall. Would definitely recommend! 🤩😁

Just getting into back packing and overnighting. Great videos👍🏼👍🏼

Dan, this is a great video on both backpacks. I constantly refer other backpackers to your sight when they ask for help with packs/ gear. Some of the some of the packers I refer come from Appalachian Trail Section Hikers. Looking for new gear.. Etc. Thx for the video. They just keep getting better. You are now on par with Dixie, of Homemade Wanderlust fame. Continue on, Sir.

Thanks for the review of the XC 60. Got mine on drop to use this season as I used the Osprey Stratos 50. It helped me drop around 2 pounds from base weight. Instead of pack cover also purchased a nylofume bag to line inside. Only negative is reaching water bottles while on trail. I love the HMG gear but not pulling trigger on that purchase yet. I am also eyeing the new(ish) Dan Durston Backpack. Cheers Dan!

The Exos 58 looks like a nice pack for the weight and great starter backpack.

I know the vids about packs, but I would have advised buying your shoes first. Then your shelter, then your sleep system, cook system, food bag, and just about anything else, and buy the pack last. A pack cover is useful if you're hiking in a desert area, or where there's a lot of blowing dust. Helps keep it out of the pack. For rain, though...no.

What a superb video. Thank you for all your efforts...and enthusiasm. I was struggling to choose between the osprey 48 and 58 but I might just go with the granite gear. Not quite ready for the expensive one yet :(

Started with a atmos 65 then to a levity 45 and now a 2400 southwest ,, got my gear pretty light weight ,, I love that pack

Awesome video Dan! Looking at the Exos 48 now as a replacement for my 11 yr old Gregory 70 L.

I have the Granite Gear 38 L and it was super cheap online. I paid about 135.00 and it been a great pack. I could easily go for a week with it. I recently upgraded to the Zpacks Arc Blast 55 mainly because I am older and want my pack weight as low as possible and the money was not an issue. With the additional upgrades the Arc Blast cost almost 400.00. You certainly don't need to spend that kind of money and I agree the 62 would be a great pack. The truth is when I am out on the trail, I don't really think about gear at all. On my last trip I ran into a couple of hikers who owned that pack, and they removed the brain and the plastic frame sheet dropping the pack weight to about 1.6lbs. There is a lot of very good light weight gear that is not super expensive. Backpacking once you have the gear is a very cheap adventure. I hike the Whites all the time and spend very little money, maybe 50.00 bucks over three days. Thanks, Dan, for your efforts.

My Granite Gear Lutsen 35 is one of my favorite packs. Very comfortable.

There is a pack out there for $23 dollars (Amazon), I own one, made by MODASE. Its a foldable travel pack and one owner took it on the AT for 1500 miles. 40-Liters. Cheap zippers but if not overloaded, they last. Been using mine all summet/fall. Highly recommended. If packed correctly and you keep the weight under 20 lbs, works very very well. Not kidding. Everyone I know that has bought one has been surprised. Really is a hidden gem. Comes in black, dk blue, pea green, and purple, when in stock. 18 oz.

The Crown2 is definitely good pack. When I bought mine I didn't really like it because it was the first lightweight pack I ever owned and I was used to big, heavy packs with thick straps and a rigid frame. The Crown 2 is all thin and flimsy, the straps are skinny and the buckles are small. Took me several trips to learn to love it, but love it I do. The two problems I have with it are the top strap over the main body is poorly designed (They've changed it for the Crown3) and while it might have a 35lb max capacity, 25lbs is about all it can carry comfortably. After that it ranges from uncomfortable to painful depending on how far over 25lbs you load it. But that's fine. I bought it for those light loads and it performs well with them. If I'm going to carry more than that it's substantially more and I choose a different pack to carry it.

You are absolutely the BEST gear reviewer in this genre! I have watched LOTS of your videos and you give great advice. Thanks for all you do.

Thanks Dan don’t know how I missed this one.

Would be good to get a review on max weight that a backpack can hold comfortably before it begins to strain the material etc. Litres don't really mean anything to those of us who pack according to pounds or kgs.

I almost went with the Crown 2, but opted for the Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor. Its awesome 👌 and currently on sale for $140ish

Thank you for the review, great channel!

This helps. I probably need to look at a t0 and not a 50. Will have many 4-5 days b4 re supplying.

Dan I love your videos please please don’t stop you are awesome

Man I almost pulled the trigger on the southwest 3400.... But since I'm a beginner I ended up going with the crown blaze 60... Because I found 2 long term reviews of the hyperlite gear and they both ended up getting beat up and water leakage just like any pack.... Now if hyperlite had a lifetime warranty like osprey I would have got it because the fantasy of having a dry back pack is very alluring.... Subbed!

Kinda late to the party, but I just got a Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor 40-60. Also a great bang-for-the-buck pack if you want something that can be used for a wide variety of things and you only lose out on some other minor features that can easily be rectified when compared to other packs.

Heyo, La Crosse WI, shoutout! I live here and just ordered the Granite Gear Drop X60 on my quest for a lighter pack weight overall. Awesome videos!

I really like Osprey as a brand, I'll check out what the have

Love your videos, Dan. I use a 3F UL backpack. It weighs under 3lbs. Its probably not the quality of the Hyperlite (for sure) or the Osprey or the Granite Gear but its only $56 and is very comfortable. I realize there are as many opinions as there are backpackers and this is mine. On another note, I was watching "Kylehateshiking" and he did a vid on you and he wondered why you have a lot of haters. I didn't know you did but my guess is its because you do such a good job in your videos and are so enthusiastic that others get a bit jealous. Again, just my opinion. Keep up the good work!

Another great budget backpack is the Gregory stout and amber packs

got it last week, its my first backpack (granite gear crown). going to do my first backpacking trip next week.

Great video! I decided to give the hyperlite a go, and thanks to your code I saved $50!

Your videos are awesome!

I'd love to see a comparison between the Granite Gear and Bergans Helium V5 55.

take a drink every time he says “Back Pack” 😜🤪🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻

I've been looking for a new pack and just purchased the crown 2 thanks to your review, so excited.

Which one would you choose between the Silverback 55L Backpack from Gossamer Gear and the Windrider 2400 55L from Hyperlite Mountain Gear.

I have an osprey backpack. I love mine. It’s a tad heavier but it rides very comfortably. Makes my gear feel like I have nothing on my back, and I have back problems. I am a big girl. Tall and heavy set. However that backpack is a small because I’m short waisted. So I def recommend getting fitted before you buy a pack. REI and other outfitters will let you try them out fully loaded with their pack stuffing with 40-60 lbs. I’m so glad I did it that way.

I have a 5 lbs heavy duty 1000D Cordura backpack and I love it.

You had me in the title saying “backpack” I hope your having a great time out in the woods. Great tips my friend 👍👍

Love hearing the birds chirp in the background

I bought the Crown2 from Backcountry and the REI Flash 55 to compare the two. I really wanted to like the Crown2 based on the features but the inability to reach my smartwater bottles in the side pockets was a deal breaker for me. The Flash 55 on the other hand has a second smaller pocket for water bottles that is super easy to reach but still has the bigger pockets for tent poles, UL chair etc. So far I am very pleased with the Flash55!!! Great video as usual Dan, thank you!

a side question. what is the reason some small (around 15 litres) hiking backpacks are of the reverse triangular shape (bottom is narrower than the top)? thanks

Having purchased my first proper pack, an Osprey Rook 50, I think people starting off should definitely consider sizing up to a 60-70L pack (60 is probably fine). Unless you've got a lot of disposable income, your first gear is likely going to be twice as heavy and 50% more voluminous than most of the stuff talked about by KZfaq hikers. At least in Australia it's pretty rare to get a good deal on good gear so you really have to splash some cash to get the proper stuff like down sleeping bags and sub 2kg tents (even our own brand Sea2Summit doesn't give us a hometown discount!). Limitation sparks creativity so it isn't necessarily a bad thing to get a small pack but just keep in mind you wont be rocking too many creature comforts with a 45-50L pack and entry level gear.

What do you think of the Gossamer Mariposa 60 backpack? How does it compare to these two?

Picked up the Crown2 a couple of months ago and just starting to break it in. Very happy so far.

Just returned from a short overnight where I carried the Granite Gear Crown2 38. Really enjoy the smaller size compared to the 60. I am more or less dialed in with my loadouts. Although I don't use the smallest and lightest items, I still have enough space even when I bring extra stuff!

Quick question... not quite related (other than I will be using a granite gear crown 2). How do you attach your inreach mini? I have seen it in many of your videos near your shoulder. Are you just using the carabiner to connect? Just got mine and will be using it next week with the crown2 and wanted to make sure that that carabiner on a backpack strap holds securely.

So I am getting ready to get a new backpack. I am eyeing the HLMG 3400 Southwest. Most of my gear is lightweight. I am getting ready to do 4 or 5 days in the Sierra and I will need to carry a bear can. I am currently using the Osprey 58 and I am finding the straps cutting into my shoulders. Do you think the HLMG has comfortable straps? There may be days that I need to carry more than 30 ads due to water or maybe extra food. I want to make sure the backpack can carry extra weight. Thoughts. Love your videos. Love your energy.

I've have been looking at the Crown 2 for some time. Thanks for the video

I live in California and almost all good backpacking sites require bear canisters. This makes it difficult to get by with less than 50 liters.

Dan, you're the Man. Another useful video. I have a macpac, a New Zealand made back pack using cordura. It's a beast weighing about 2.4 kg but it's tough. After 5 years am thinking about an upgrade even though everything I have has got lighter. All except me...

Great information. Thanks for the testing you do, and saving me time and $$.

Do you have an opinion on the Gossamer Gear Mariposa vs. any of the HMG Packs? I need to carry a heavy load (zpacks triplex) and I hear a lot of good thing about the Mariposa pack, but wish it were dyneema.

I got the Crown2 x60 (Drop model) last year on sale for $100. Other than a slightly sweatier back than my other packs cause, I love it. A 60+ liter pack at that price which weighs just over 2 lbs. seemed like exactly what I was looking for when I got it. Take care, Danno!

The roll top bag, what’s the specific name for a bag with the one shared space as the main compartment

You're totally right Dan, that is a great backpack for the price. Over 600km on mine and going strong. You're not afraid to thrash it around because it didn't cost you a fortune and an argument with your wife. I highly recommend the Drop (Massdrop) version. The brain is detachable and turns into lumbar/fanny pack, however; I took the brain off as soon as I got it and never used it. Trim the straps, take out the plastic frame sheet and replace with a foam sit pad or even the airbeam frame (hard to find now) and you've got yourself a 950 gram or less framed backpack. Pretty amazing for $120. Section Hiker gave it a great review.

Been using the crown 2 for about a year now love it so much

Hey Dan, I am looking real hard at the Granite Gear Blaze 60. Have you tried that one out? Thanks.

Hey Dan, do you know any ultralight hiking/backpacking pack (made of xpac, dyneema etc) that has a laptop compartment.. :)

This backpack, this backpack… This backpack, this backpack… This backpack, this backpack… This backpack, this backpack… you’re killing me, smalls! 🤣🤣🤣

Have the GG Crown 2. Lots of week long carries. Lots of PCT miles. Big fan. Carried 7 days of food for two people in it Last year. Advice. When in excess of 30 pounds...the thin & narrow shoulder straps dig in a bit unless the weight is VERY close to your spine. When the food is packed horizontally along your spine...the thin shoulder straps aren’t pulling back as bad. Also, just purchased the shoulder pads from Zpacks...that should help too.

I'm camping with my buddies in Viroqua July 4th weekend. Looking forward to it!

I have the Exos 48 as well and it is a cracking backpack, the most I squeezed in there was about 22 kilos (it was a long section of a thru hike) and it was still comfortable. I have never heard anyone else call the top pouch "the brain" before, that's exactly what I call it myself, usually gets a laugh at camp. I have used on the thru hike of Te Araroa and intend to use it for the PCT as well as my upcoming 3 month hike of my homeland in Scotland. Just to add, the brain section of the Exos I keep detached and inside the bag with various bits and bobs in there, I find it helps stop me filling up the bag with crap I don't need.

Wow beautiful LaCross!! We are from Rice Lake and Cumberland WI. Love this video!!! We now live in Norris Lake, TN. So Dan, REI measured me and I need a xsmall size 16 backpack and maximum I will carry is 25 lbs.. what would you recommend? Thanks!! Nancy

The Crown 2 is $128 on Amazon right now if you’re flexible on color. If you remove the frame and brain, like your Hyperlight, it’s under two pounds as well. GGC2 is an unbelievable value.

Good stuff. I just got home from a backpacking trip to Lassen Volcanic National Park in California. Video on that will be up soon.

I just got my granite gear crown 2 . I feel like I made a good choice. So far, I’m loving it.

I started w an osprey ag atmos 50. it was an Ebay buy, and I did have some 'heavier' gear so I needed a pack to carry that. As my sleep systems and tent improved, I moved to a ULA Circuit. Its less then half the weight, but BOTH have their pros and cons. I like having options.

Wow nice n informative video. I created a video on same topic but differently presented with other necessary information.

I've used my Granite Gear v2 Crown 60 for a yr and a half...love it. Usually leave the brain at home. Sometimes leave the framesheet home also...

I still use my Exos 48. best backpack ever. I also have several ultralight options, and also a heavy fjallraven Keb 52, but the exos48 is still my goto for longer hikes. the pack does it all

The top measurement point is C7.

Thanks D I’m a big fan off your channel I’ve been hiking/camping a lot lately Wanted to get a custom altra light pack, but didn’t have the patience to wait 8 weeks to get it So I got the Opsrey Exco 58 Fully loaded I’m surprised how light weight & how the weight is evenly distributed to make the pack feel light In the past I had a Teton 3700 ultra light But it wasn’t so light weight & brutal a on a 2 day 14m hike I gotta day the Exco 58 is awesome Not to say that I’ll keep upgrading Thanks D

If you want a 60L version (which easily compresses to sub-20L), the Massdrop x Granite Gear Crown X60 has the best feature set and is about the same price. It's on Drop.com often, request it if it's out!

I got the Crown x60 from Massdrop last year. LOVE it. At the time I picked it up for $120 (less $20 first time customer discount.) Did a 4 day trip 2 weeks ago and it carried great with 30lbs with food and water (2L). Going to use it for a 6 day 60 mile trip this summer (should be 35lbs).

I got the crown 2 about 6 months ago for $120 on a sale, and while I am yet to use it for backpacking, I have taken it on a car camping trip with a friend and managed to fit all of the stuff I brought in it, so it is a big win for me.

Great information! Thank you 🙏🏻

I totally agree where you recommend spending your money on. Makes for a better trip overall.

I love my Crown2, cant say enough good things about it! great video

Dan, how do you carry your camera gear in bags like these? Do you use a camera cube insert? If so, any recommendations?

That’s so cool that your in Wisconsin!!

I went to La Crosse for college, beautiful city with great hiking. What is your favorite spot in Wisconsin to backpack? I am thinking of going to the national forest up north!

I have the Crown 2 backpack lol. I love it. I got the short and it's just right.

Most of my backpacks are Osprey, but for a budget UL I went with the 3FUL 40+16. I filled it with UL budget gear and came up with a setup weighing 14.7 lbs for $500, including clothes.

I think it's a mistake to start with a large backpack. It's the same mistake most of us make, because we will very likely bring tons more. I think 45L is the best volume to start and get discipline in from the get go. I recommend 3FUL gear (from China, if you don't already hate them) which is frameless and relatively budget depending on the model you fancy, and Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor which is framed, can carry from 40-60L, and very budget. I own the cheapest 3FUL backpack (under USD100), and would buy the Flex Capacitor if my size was in stock and shipping didn't cost more than half the price of the backpack itself LOL.

I purchased a GG Crown2 this year and really like it!

I just purchased the crown 2 last week. My 3FUL frameless was killing my shoulders whenever I had to pack a lot of water. Doesn't help when my shoulders were higher than the load lifters.

The coupon code doesn't seem to work... maybe I waited too long to use it?

What about zpacks 38l

Good to great backpacks that are comparitively cheap... military surplus. They tend to be heavy, but they tend to be bombproof. They are also full of PALS, ALiCE, and/MOLLE webbing for add on gear/space/organization.

Hey Dan, the smaller GraniteGear Crown2 38 is now only $99.95 at Granite Gear, also there is 30% off site wide.Great packs,you also didn’t mention that the lid,frame and hip belt are removable, to be able to make an ultralight frameless.Thanks for the vids!

Great video, great drinking game lol, 1 shot every time you hear Dan say backpack lol, keep your awesome videos coming.

I use the Massdrop exclusive, the granite gear Crown x, it's awesome!

I have 3 big backpacks, first an osprey 130L second backpack is a Karrimor SF 155L and just purchased a Kelty Eagle 128l backpack as I'm a big lad 6'2 and I just like having everything in my pack to hand and for me it's worth the extra effort to carry all my gear

Wiiiild how expensive that granite bag is here in the UK

So you do a lot of backpacking but you barely hike?

Excellent an informative Dan. I have a ULA OHM 2. but I'm here to tell you one of the best little backpacks that I still use for a weekender is the Walmart brand 47 liter El cheapo pack coming in at $35.99 HOT DAMN!! My dear is all dialed down pretty tight. And I can pack that baby at seventeen or eighteen pounds for 3 night trip. I agree the more pockets you have the more crap you take along. I agree definitely get that sleep system before the pack. ✌️💜

Hi there! I LOVE your videos! The review you did about the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 was extremely helpful for me while I was shopping for tents. After receiving the tent, I noticed it is too long to fit into my bag sideways (I didnt know about the "buy your sleep system and tent before your backpack" advice until this video)... do you separate the poles from the tent bag when you pack up your tent?

0:59 As a beginner, novice Hiker I have REPEATEDLY heard, "Buy the pack last," but never really understood why until this video. And inasmuch as I want to eventually get a HMG bag, I know it makes more sense to start with a cheaper, budget option then eventually upgrade later as I become more experienced & dial in my gear.

I love my GG Crown2 60!