Osprey Renn 65 Comparison: Discover the Best Alternative Among 7 Top Contenders in Canada for 2026

Those critical components explain how the Deva and Baltoro carry loads of 50 pounds/22.7kg comfortably, which is Gregory’s rating for the Baltoro 65 and Deva 60, what my testers estimated, and consistent with my personal experience with a few generations of the Baltoro.

Classic fully featured, top-loaders built for hauling heavy loads into the backcountry, the Baltoro and Deva series packs have an internal alloy perimeter wire frame with a fiberglass cross stay plus an HDPE (high-density polyethylene) framesheet that give the packs abundant...

Made with recycled fabrics—with a carbon footprint reduced by 31 percent, 25 percent less energy use, 23 percent less water pollution, and one-third less plastic than the previous generation of these packs, and a PFC-free DWR (durable, water-resistant treatment) on the pack...

Durability alone validates the price (and weight), with a combination of 210-denier and 420-denier, high-density nylon in the pack body, 40 to 45 percent of it recycled, and a dual-layer bottom panel of 630-denier, high-density nylon.

Gregory kept many useful features that have long populated the Deva and Baltoro series. That includes the supreme organization created by nine external pockets:

That dynamic nature to the suspension eliminates much of the side-to-side rocking a pack can do as you hike—and the cumulative body fatigue that can result. Hipbelt and shoulder straps are made with cushioned mesh that ventilates well, too.

Testers reported that Gregory’s new, foamless FreeFloat suspension system with 3D mesh delivered excellent air flow across their backs.

Testers also loved Gregory’s signature, supportive lumbar pad, which has a non-slip surface to prevent lower-back blisters—another feature that becomes more important in a pack built for big loads.

The voluminous main compartment, with a wide mouth, has abundant capacity for long, gear-intensive trips and carrying extra food and gear for companions (like young kids); it easily fits a bear canister laid in horizontally (often not possible with smaller packs).

Have no fear with the Deva 60, as Gregory packs have been around since the 1970s. Gregory is not only innovative but could perhaps be leading the field when it comes to key design features that make their packs feel almost as if they are an extension of your own body (how a...

✓ Premium build quality

✓ Excellent performance for the price

✓ Strong brand reputation and support

Pros: adjustable hipbelt, compression straps, pockets, low weight

When computing pack volume, Granite Gear does not include open pockets or the extension collar (the extra volume above the top of the frame), so you’ll find that you can carry much more gear, food, and fuel than backpacks from smaller manufacturers that don’t adhere to this...

Adjustability and options like a removable brain, aluminum frame stays, plastic frame sheet, and many compression straps to alter the volume

Lots of features included, such as hipbelt pockets and side compression straps

Great value for the price

Undyed fabric available as an eco-friendly option

Adaptability means you can experiment with ultralight backpacking without having to buy a new pack

Great organizational feature set including large external pockets, water-resistant zippers, and a removable lid that doubles as a fanny pack.

The Re-Fit hipbelt adjusts between 24 and 40 inches to fit most body sizes.

Comfortable, customizable, and relatively hardwearing pack for a competitive weight.

Ultralight backpacking gear tends to be expensive, fragile, or uncomfortable. The Granite Gear Crown3 60 reviewed here is none of those things.

First, I love the side pockets on both sides of the pack. These are much larger than most backpacks, allowing me to stash two Nalgene-style water bottles on each side if I wish.

While this pack sits on the light end of the scale, the Crown3 60 is long on features and usability.

Other changes compared with the Crown2 include the ability to remove the optional top lid and use it as a fanny pack. You can also use it as a chest pack by attaching it in front of the body on the shoulder straps.

And all this happens for $220, which in my mind is an incredible value in the modern market of hyper-priced backpacks.

Got a light load? Remove the frame sheet and stay for a super-light pack. Want to carry a little more? Add just the frame sheet. Feeling a little deluxe and want to add some wine and a fishing rod to your backpacking trip?

First, and most important to me, is that you can add an aluminum stay to the (also removable) frame of the Crown3. This gives the user broad versatility.

But given the distance and weight, it did a pretty good job for a very light pack. And by day two, once we’d eaten a little food and drunk a little wine, the pack became very comfortable indeed.

But what I wasn’t questioning, even with nearly 40-pound pack weight, was the Granite Gear Crown3 60, an ultralight pack that I was definitely pushing outside of its comfort zone.

The Undyed option is something I very much appreciated. Not only does it take some burden off of the planet, it also opens up the avenue for custom designs using dye markers and other crafty materials. Think sketching logos, or entire scenes across the pack.

In addition, two large, zippered hip pockets treated with a durable water-repellent finish (DWR) add to the belt’s functionality.

The Crown 3 boasts the same burly fabric as its predecessor, the Crown 2 (100 denier and 210 denier high-tenacity nylon).

Let’s be real, the main draw of a pack like this is the fact that, even in a larger unisex size, it weighs in at a measly 2.5 pounds (compared to the average 4 to 6 pounds for a regular 60-liter pack).

With a reasonable sticker price of $240, Granite Gear’s Crown 3 60L is surprisingly robust, roomy, pocket-rich and customizable, compared to its competitors.

As far as ultralight packs go, Granite Gear’s Crown 3 60L is more affordable (and has way better pocket design) than its competitors.

55–65 Liters of carrying capacity. The Crown3 is a 60-liter pack which is enough to carry all necessary winter gear (including a shovel, 4-season tent, etc.) in PNW conditions and 3 days of food, without a pack lid.

Ways to secure external gear: There needs to be a way to secure all this exterior gear—water bottles, flasks, and fuel bottles—so that if you fall into deep snow you don’t lose these items.

Lighter weight (2 lbs. 4.8 oz. — around 10 ounces lighter than the Leopard A.C. 58)

Durable materials: It is made out of 100- and 210-denier high-tenacity Cordura nylon, similar to the Leopard 58, but with more durable side pockets.

Easy to use roll-top lid (fewer straps than the Leopard A.C. 58)

Front straps that allow snowshoes to be attached

The unique Anti-Gravity (AG) suspension system is the star of this pack. A seamless stretch-mesh back panel wraps onto the hip belt.

The well-placed pockets on the Aura AG offer easy access to your gear on the trail, and the compartments separate trail gear from camp gear so you can set up camp without unloading the entire pack.

No matter who you are, the Aura AG's impressive adjustability makes it a great option for pretty much everybody. The suspension system has a sliding adjustment for torso length, and it only takes a few seconds to adjust the shoulder straps.

The suspended mesh Anti-Gravity backpanel provides class-leading ventilation and great lower-back support.

Ample pockets and organization for on-trail convenience without having to access the main compartment.

Quality is superb, and the Aura is made with very durable fabrics while keeping weight in check.

They also have an easily adjustable harness with perforated foam shoulder straps and a Fit-on-the-Fly hipbelt that can be adjusted (with a range of five inches/15cm) to dial in a customized fit.

The Atmos and Aura sport a couple of features I think should be standard on all packs made primarily for backpacking: hipbelt pockets (each big enough for three energy bars) and a stow-on-the-go attachment for trekking poles on the left shoulder strap.

Side compression straps snug down partial loads and let you carry items on the outside. External sleeping pad straps are removable. The sleeping bag compartment panel can be dropped out of the way but not removed.

Osprey’s innovative Anti-Gravity suspension in the Atmos AG and women’s Aura AG feels more like putting on a jacket than a backpack.

It never shifted or threw me off balance, even when scrambling and clambering through thousands of vertical feet of tree roots, blowdowns, and very steep, muddy, and rain-slicked trail on the Dusky Track, or skiing downhill through heavy, mashed-potato snow.

All Day Comfort. The full-metal frame, expansive side compression strap system, and well-integrated suspension distribute weight effectively. No falling off the cliff because one side was too heavy (unless you do it on purpose, but we don't judge).

Practical Compartments. Hella lots of pockets, water bottle holders, and a sleeping bag compartment (Marie Kondo would be envious of you).

Good Ventilation. Imagine a light breeze around your back and shoulders instead of being sticky and wet. No more getting to the camp looking like you just ran the marathon.

Durability. Made with durable materials: 210D nylon on the main portion of the pack and 500D on the bottom. Rain cover (included), turns the backpack into the duck's back – water slides off effortlessly. Without rain cover, it is still resistant to the rain.