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When you think of a pack that can
carry from 3,800 to over 4,500 cubic
inches, and up to 40+ pounds of gear, you
usually don't think about a lightweight
pack. This is because bigger and heavier
loads demand a beefier bag. Right? Think
again. The Nimbus Ozone from Granite
Gear (the same people who make those
great compression stuff sacks), is such
a pack. At only about 3 pounds, the
Ozone can comfortably carry enough gear
for a weeklong outdoor adventure. Here's
what makes this backpack world class:
- Filled to "normal" capacity, the
Ozone holds 3,800 cubic inches of
gear. But if you need more room, the
expandable top sleeve allows you to
stuff an additional 700+ cubic inches
or more, all without causing the pack
to loose its balance on your back.
- How can such a large capacity
backpack weigh in at about about 3
pounds? There are a variety of reasons
why, including: It has few frills
(there are no internal pockets or
hydration pouch, no top lid, no
unnecessary straps); a unique
suspension system that can distribute
weight, while at the same time is
lightweight itself; and it is made
with a tough, but
still relatively lightweight fabric.
- This doesn't means the Ozone
doesn't have enough features. It
includes two outside pockets, two tool
loops, two compression straps on both
sides of the pack, shoulder-strap and
hip-belt adjustments, all the critical
things you need for convenience and
comfort. The two outside pockets are
very deep, and depending on how
tightly the pack is, can be used to
carry water bottles. If the pack if
tightly packed, it will be very
difficult to remove and place water
bottles in these pockets.
- Access to the pack's contents is
done through the top. To reduce wait,
the pack does not have a conventional
top lid. Instead, it works more like a
dry pack in design. Although the Ozone
is not waterproof like a dry pack, it
is water resistant. To close the pack,
you roll the top sleeve closed, and
then apply both vertical and
horizontal straps to secure the top. I
found this type of closure to actually
speed access to the backpack's
contents, as compared to the standard
top lid.
- When ordering your pack, you have
lots of sizing options. You can choose
the framesheet size (either short, for
14" to 18"; or regular, for 18" to
22"), hip belt size (small, medium,
large, x-large, and 2x-large for
either men or women), and shoulder
straps (trim or regular (refers to the
width of the strap), and in multiple
sizes (small, medium, large, and
x-large).
All these options means two things:
first, you will find a combination
that will fit you for the ideal
comfort; and 2) you may want to
purchase this backpack at a dealer
where you can try different size
combinations in order to find out what
works best for you. If you purchase
the Ozone via the Internet or mail
order, you may not be able to get all
of these sizes.
- I want to talk a little more about
comfort, as this is an important issue
for lightweight backpacks that carry
heavy loads. To help overcome this
apparent dilemma (how can a
lightweight backpack carry heavy
loads?), Granite Gear has provided the
Ozone with these features:
- The Ozone uses a single, 3D,
composite T-PEX frame sheet that is
molded to the curvature of the back.
Stays are not needed, or used. This
feature reduces weight of the
suspension, but also allows a heavy
load to be evenly distributed on your
back.
- Shoulder belts and the hip belt
are made out of a dual-density foam
lamination, which helps to reduce bulk
and weight, and boost comfort.
- In addition, the hip belt is
designed to rotate when you rotate,
and the shoulder straps are designed
to automatically cant to match your
shoulder angle. Again, these features
allow a lightweight backpack to carry
heavier loads comfortably.
- Oh, an did I forget to say the bag
only weighs about 3 pounds? The actual
weight depends on the combination of
framesheet, shoulder straps, and hip
belt you order.
The Nimbus Ozone backpack is a
lightweight, durable, few-frills
backpack that will meet the needs of
many hikers, backpackers, and adventure
travelers.
Using the
Granite Gear Nimbus Ozone Backpack in the Real World
The first impression you get when
picking up the Ozone is how light it is,
especially compared to its capacity.
Generally, when picking up a large bag,
you expect to heft a little weight, but
you don't with the Ozone.
One of the easiest things to do with
the Ozone (and something that you will
want to not over do) is to stuff a lot
of gear in the bag. It's huge expandable
collar allows you to pack lots of stuff,
perhaps more than you really need.
Because it is a single compartment
backpack, you will want to pack less
used items at the bottom, and your more
commonly used items toward the top.
I also really like the dry bag style
closure. It is easy to open and close,
even with gloves on. I have often found
convention backpack lids awkward to use
(but that's just probably me.)
Once you have selected the proper
size frame sheet, shoulder straps, and
hip belt, fitting the backpack is a
snap. I found the Ozone very comfortable
under loads of up to about 35-40 pounds
(which is the maximum Granite Gear
recommends). Others I have spoke to, say
they are comfortable up to 45, even 50
pounds, but I think that depends a lot
on the individual.
My only wish for the Ozone is a
better way to carry water, either a
hydration pouch or larger outside
pockets. That might add an ounce or two,
but adding one or the other would be
worth it.
The bag is tough, and can take a lot
of abuse. I imagine it will last for
years.
Recommendation
For 3-season day hikes, the Ozone is
probably overkill for you because of its
capacity. But for winter day hikes, it
will hold everything you need for the
day, and then some. For 3-season
backpackers, the pack should hold about
one week of gear, but for winter
backpackers, it is more appropriate for
1-3 days of outside adventure. Adventure
hikers might want a backpack with more
frills, such as a pack with pockets and
organization sections, but again, that
is more a preference thing anyway. If
you are a no frills kind of adventure
hiker, then the Ozone will suit you
well.
Product Notes
The Granite Gear Nimbus Ozone's MSRP is
$195.00, and it comes in one color
combination: Maple (sort of orange/red)
and black. As mentioned above, it can be
ordered with a wide variety of different
framesheets, shoulder straps, and hip
belts. Granite Gear also carries two
more similar backpacks, both of which
are smaller. If you need less than 3,800
cubic inches, then you may want to check
them out.
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