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For those who need a larger capacity
backpack, but who don't want to
compromise on comfort, the Stratus
Latitude from Granite Gear may just be
the answer. Carrying up to 50 pounds
comfortably (60 pounds for those who
like to push the limits), and up to
4,800 cubic inches (79L), it can carry
enough gear to last you a week or so.
And at the same time, the backpack
weighs in at only 4 pounds 14 ounces.
What differentiates this backpack
from many others is that it is a front
loader, not a top loader. This means
that the backpack opens up all along the
center (not at the top). This allows you
to more easily access your gear, no
matter where it is in the pack. Unlike a
top loading backpack, you don't have to
dump everything out in order to locate
any gear stuck at the bottom of the
pack.
Here are the features that make this
backpack world class:
- To access your gear, you open
one or both of the two zippers that
run along the entire length of the
backpack. You can choose to zip from
the top or the bottom, depending on
where you want to look for your
gear. This makes it very easy to
quickly locate what you need.
When packing the backpack, you may
find it more convenient to pack your
gear in well organized stuff bags.
If you don't, it is possible that
small gear might fall out of the bag
if open it widely. This is also true
for top loading bags if you have to
dump everything out in order to find
what you are looking for.
- The backpack is very
stuffable. By this, I mean it is
very easy to stuff bulky gear into
the back, and with the numerous
compression straps, it is very easy
to compress bulky items. In
addition, the Durastreach fabric
used at the center of the backpack,
where you unzip it, is very
stretchable, contributing to the
backpack's stuffability. This
feature makes it a good winter
backpack.
- The backpack includes a
hydration pouch and port, although
it will not hold large hydration
pouches. In addition, the port hole
is small. It will allow a hose to
pass, but not a mouthpiece. You will
have to remove the mouthpiece from
the hose when inserting it through
the port.
- The backpack includes a hidden,
removable lid, that is essentially a
small bag you can use to help
organize your gear. Inside the lid
is a small repair kit. If you don't
want to use it, you don't have to.
- The backpack includes two outer
pockets made with the Durastretch
fabric.
- The backpack is built very
tough, and is very durable. It is
made of high-tenacity Cordura and
Durastretch fabrics. The zippers are
water resistant.
- Dual density foam is used in the
shoulder straps and belt, greatly
adding to the comfort of the
backpack.
- The Tepex framesheet has been
designed to be strong, flexible, and
lightweight. The ability of the
framesheet to flex is one of the
central reason this backpack is so
comfortable under heavy loads.
- The padded belt rotates and
follows the motion of your hips, and
the shoulder straps automatically
cant to match your shoulder angle
for a better and more comfortable
load distribution.
- The backpack comes with many
different adjustments, so it can be
fitted to virtually anyone. It can
be ordered in two sizes: short torso
(less than 18") and regular torso
(18" - 22").
The Stratus Latitude is very
appropriate for backpackers (summer and
winter) and adventure travelers. It is
overkill for day hikers and not ideal
for mountaineering.
Using the
Granite Gear Stratus Latitude Backpack in the Real World
Whatever I carried in the backpack, it
was always comfortable (once you have it
properly adjusted). And it sucked up
lots of gear with its roomy interior.
This was especially helpful when packing
bulky winter clothing.
If you have never used a front
loading backpack before, it may take a
little getting used to. But once you get
used to it, you find that you can easily
locate any gear you need quickly,
without having to empty everything on
the ground. This is especially handy
when there is snow on the ground.
I didn't find the removable lid all
that handy. If fact, I ended up removing
it completely, using stuff bags to
organize my gear inside the backpack.
My insulated, 100 ounce hydration bag
did not fit into the hydration pouch. So
I just had to put the hydration bag
inside the backpack with the rest of the
gear. This wasn't really much of an
issue, although I am not sure why the
pouch is not bigger, as there is plenty
of room to make it bigger.
The two outside pockets weren't as
useful as they could be as each one was
partially covered by compression straps.
This means that if you are using the
compression straps, whatever is inside
the pockets will be squished, and hard
to access, until you release the
compression straps.
Don't let these several nitpicking
complaints deter you from looking at the
pack. Its greatest feature is comfort,
which is by far the most important
criteria of a good backpack.
Recommendation
If you are looking for a tough,
relatively lightweight, and comfortable
backpack for large loads, then you
should add the Stratus Latitude to your
list for serious consideration.
Product Notes
The Granite Gear Stratus Latitude's MSRP is
$270.00, and it comes in one color:
golden brown. Granite Gear also offers
several different models of backpacks,
including the
Nimbus Ozone, which is reviewed on
this website.
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