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I have a few friends with Granite Gear backpacks and I know they are super quality lightweight no-bull gear so I’ve always wanted to obtain one and I finally got the chance when I found some at Sierra Trading Post. I waited until I got the super coupon with like 30 or 35 percent off and it became an incredible deal that I just had to jump on. That and the fact that I didn’t own any lightweight backpacks at the time. All of mine were the standard variety that weighed over four pounds which weren’t exactly ideal for some of my longer hikes.
I ended up purchasing the Granite Gear Leopard V.C. 46 which in the long version ends up being 53 liters plus. I used it for the first time on an overnight trip to Angel Falls Hike @ Big South Fork and loved it! I loaded it with about 25 pounds base weight and the second I put it on I knew I would love it. The back foam is super comfortable and it just molded to me like it was made for me. The whole hike I felt like I had a fraction of the amount it normally feels like when compared to my Mountainsmith Lookout 45. I really like my Lookout because it’s one tough pack but this Leopard felt like it became one with me.
There are so many things I really like about this pack! I’ll start with the weight, or lack thereof which comes in around 2lbs 14oz which is 20 ounces or 1.25 pounds lighter than my Lookout. Now, I know right off the bat that it’s not nearly as stout and probably not as durable as the Lookout but I don’t need a super stout pack on most hikes. This is not a pack to overload with gear.
After using for the first time I’ll say the comfort level is right up there with and partly due to the light weight of the pack no doubt. It just feels like it conforms to me the second I put it on. The padding is outstanding and I think the reason it feels like it confirms to me is because it’s a flexible pack. The support of it comes from a thin plastic framesheet that flexes and conforms which I now know means a lot of comfort and the feeling of one with my pack.
I really like all of the pockets on the pack because they allow for a lot of storage even though it’s mostly small items. There are lots of loops for attaching carabiners too which means I’m able to strap stuff just about anywhere on the outside of the pack. The straps however, I’m not totally sold on just yet. I like that they are mostly small width straps to cut down on weight and take up less room but sometimes you have to look twice to figure out which buckle clips where. I hope these mini buckles hold up to prolonged usage.
I have another backpack trip coming up in January that I may use it on also but it depends on the weather.
Below is some information about this pack straight from the Granite Gear website
Baptized by fire, the Leopard series packs were really put to the test by gear testers extraordinaire Justin “Trauma” Lichter and Shawn “Pepper” Forry in their epic trek through the Himalayas. The Leopard VC 46 packs feature our ultra-light Vapor Current suspension system. Compatible with our weight saving Vapor Current Air-Beam frame, the Leopard VC 46 is at home both as a minimalist backpacks or a fast-and-light alpine pack.
Features:
- Vapor Current Suspension (Same as Crown 60)
- 35 lb Load Rating
- compatible with vapor current airbeam frame (pg 10)
- 2lbs, 6 oz 1.07Kg With Frame Removed (25lb Load)
- 2lbs, 9oz with Klymit VC Frame (35lb Load)
- 4 Sizes in Men’s Hip Belt Available
- 4 Sizes in Women’s Hip Belt Available
- Roll-Top Closure
- 10mm webbing
- Removable Floating Lid
- 2 lbs, 1 oz With Lid and Frame Removed
- Mesh Pocket Inside Lid
- Flap with Ax Cinches and 2 Zippered Pockets
- Stretch Woven Zippered Pocket on Front
- Stretch Woven Wand Pockets
- Dual Density Hip Belt and Shoulder Straps
- Cordura High Tenacity Nylon Throughout (100D and 210D)
- Lifetime warranty against defects in material and workmanship
SPECS
| Specification | Regular | Long |
|---|---|---|
| Gender | Men’s | Men’s |
| Best Use | Technical Multi-Day Backpacking | Technical Multi-Day Backpacking |
| Volume (Liters) | 46 Liters | 50 Liters |
| Volume (Cubes) | 2800 Cubes | 3100 Cubes |
| Weight (Kilograms) | 1.25 kg | 1.3 kg |
| Weight (Pounds) | 2 lbs. 12 oz. | 2 lbs. 14 oz. |
| Frame | Vapor Current Frame | Vapor Current Frame |
| Frame Material | HDPE | HDPE |
| Adjustable torso | No | No |
| Fits Torso | 18 – 21 inches | 21 – 24 inches |
| Fits Waist/Hips | 26 – 42 inches | 26 – 42 inches |
| Fabrics | Cordura® 100D & 210D Nylon | Cordura® 100D & 210D Nylon |
| Pack Access | Roll Top | Roll Top |
| Number of Exterior Pockets | Lid Pocket, 3 Stretch Pockets, Panel Flap | Lid Pocket, 3 Stretch Pockets, Panel Flap |
| Raincover Included | No | No |
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