Granite Crown 2 Backpack: Ultralight, Unbreakable... Well, Almost

 

When I started using the Granite Gear Crown 2 Backpack, I was looking for something that was lightweight, durable, and suitable for both short trips and thru-hiking. The Crown 2 has lived up to these expectations and more.
 

One of the standout features of this pack is the sizing options. The Crown 2 comes in three different lengths (short, regular, and long), which allows you to get the right fit for your body type. This also means the pack is lighter because it doesn’t need the extra adjustability found in many other packs. I’ve found the fixed size to be an excellent trade-off for weight savings.

 

I did experience an issue early on with one of the load lifters breaking, but Granite Gear’s customer service went above and beyond to resolve the problem. They quickly sent me a replacement, and their Lifetime Warranty gives me confidence in continuing to purchase from them in the future. Aside from that one incident, the pack has been incredibly durable. I haven’t seen any frayed stitching, and the materials have held up against everything the trail has thrown at me.
 

The Crown 2’s weight-to-capacity ratio is impressive. It’s ultra-light and has enough space for all my gear. However, I wouldn’t recommend it for hikers with heavier, non-ultralight (UL) gear. Since I already use UL equipment, weight wasn’t a concern, but if you don’t, you might find the pack’s minimalism less suitable for carrying bulkier or heavier items.
 

One of my favorite features is the water bottle pockets, which can be cinched tight. I’ve had issues with other packs where these pockets stretch out over time, but Granite Gear has really nailed this feature. There are enough pockets for storage without adding unnecessary weight, which is always a concern for me.
 

The roll-top closure and side compression straps are well designed and easily hold all my gear. I especially appreciate the pack's design for holding everything securely, even on longer trips where I’ve loaded it up a bit more.
 

 

 

 

I don’t think any backpack can fully eliminate back sweat, but the Crown 2 does a better job than most. In hot and humid conditions, the back panel performs above average, keeping me as dry as possible during long hikes.
 

What I love about the Crown 2 is its versatility. It’s light enough to be used for short hikes or day trips but can also handle thru-hikes—as long as you’re using UL gear. For those using heavier gear, you might find the pack's limits, but for me, it’s been perfect.
 

The ability to remove the hip belts and the poly frame is another great feature. This lets you further reduce the weight of the pack when you’re carrying lighter loads, making it ideal for a range of hike lengths and gear configurations.
 

If I could suggest one improvement, it would be a slight redesign to reduce the forces applied to the load lifters when lifting the pack from the ground. It’s a minor issue, but it’s something I noticed after experiencing the load lifter problem.
 

 

 

Overall, the Granite Gear Crown 2 is a durable, lightweight pack that performs well for both short and long hikes. The combination of its thoughtful design, high durability, and exceptional customer service makes it a go-to choice for me. While it may not be the best fit for hikers with heavier gear, it’s perfect for those with ultralight setups. Plus, with a Lifetime Warranty, Granite Gear stands behind their products, which only reinforces my trust in the brand.

 

All opinions are our own and we received no compensation for writing this post.

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