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For long weekends on the trail, the Granite Gear Blaze 60 Backpack is a rugged and durable choice. It’s comfortable, fully adjustable, and has room for all your essentials on a 3- to 5-day backpacking adventure.
Note: the Granite Gear Blaze 60 comes in both a Men’s Fit and Women’s Fit. Our review is based on the Men’s Fit.
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Stats and Specs
The Blaze 60 has a lot of features that help it stand out among its peers. It has extra-large side pockets, typically used for water bottles, that are spacious enough for a tent or sleeping pad, with a little help from the side compression straps. It has a very spacious main compartment, with a hydration port and pocket.
Clinch-and-roll closure beneath the lid compartment helps keep the Blaze 60’s contents dry, and several cross-webbing straps help secure the pack and keep its contents balanced. A hidden, vertical zipper provides an extra way to access the main compartment without having to remove the lid and undo the closure. Extra storage pockets are integrated into the hip belt as well.
The pack has a 40L capacity and is rated to 50 lb. Unlike many packs, it also has an excellent suspension system and back padding, so you really can carry that much weight with relative ease and comfort.
Pros of the Granite Gear Blaze 60
- Rugged and durable. This is a truly hard-wearing and sturdy backpack, made to withstand the rigors of repeated use in harsh conditions. The 210-denier Robic nylon is highly abrasion-resistant, and sensitive areas of the pack have extra triple-ripstop nylon.
- Unique carry options. The hip belt and lid compartment are both fully removable. This offers an opportunity to cut down on weight if you so choose. The lid can also be converted into a chest carry pack that attaches to the front of the shoulder straps for an alternative carry option.
- Multiple size options. The Blaze 60 comes in three sizes: Short (15″ to 18″ torso), Regular (18″ to 21″ torso) and Long (21″ to 24″ torso). Regardless of the size you choose, the pack also has an adjustable frame so you can lock in your perfect fit.
- Built for comfort. A molded foam back panel and fully adjustable hip belt make the pack form-fitting and extra comfy, even when you pack it to the max.
Cons of the Granite Gear Blaze 60
- Lack of ventilation. The Granite Gear Blaze 60 has a molded foam back panel which, while comfortable and form-fitting, offers minimal ventilation. It’s a bit of a trade-off, as the back panel really does offer great support and makes heavy loads more comfortable. But you can expect to develop a bit of a sweaty back situation.
- Adjustment takes practice. While it’s great to have sizing adjustment options, there’s a knack to dialing in your size. It can be challenging to get the balance right between the adjustable torso length, shoulder straps and hip belt.
- No rain cover. The absence of a rain cover is a strike against this backpack. The fabric and zippers do have a water-repellent coating, but it’s not 100% waterproof. Some hikers choose to buy a rain cover separately, or line the interior with a plastic trash bag.
Granite Gear Blaze 60: Final Thoughts
Versatility, solid construction and ample storage space make the Blaze 60 from Granite Gear a pack well-suited to backpacking trips in the 3- to 5-day range. While the molded back panel doesn’t offer the best ventilation, that same feature provides a supportive, form-fitting design that’s hard to beat.
