Best pack i've ever owned! - Granite Gear Nimbus Trace Access 85 Backpack

There is so much to say about this pack it's hard to know where to begin. Incredibly durable, very unique, amazingly comfortable, and super easy to load is just scratching the surface. Mike talked about too many straps. He obviously doesn't get why they are there. Hopefully he will read this review so he understands their purpose. Every single strap on this pack has a unique purpose and goal, that is to help the user have total control over the load and allow for the most comfortable carry possible. So many other pack manufacturers miss this point which in turn results in a pack that struggles to keep the contents as close to the center of mass as possible. The process is simple. This pack is a hybrid load that can also be loaded from the top. The hybrid loading system is the most thought out I've ever seen or used. You simply zip open the large panel in front and unclip the internal compression straps. These compressions straps force the contents against the back of the pack closest to the users back. They also allow the user to access the whole content of the pack on the trail without having to empty it. Brilliant! The side compression straps help to keep the load under control and can reduce the size of the pack if the full liter capacity isn't needed. The roll-top closure at the top provides for exceptional weatherproofness and keeps everything clean. The top-lid can convert to a really nice hip pack and includes side compression straps to make it more comfortable.

The suspension is also worth noting. Instead of a polyurethane sheet and aluminum stays like every pack on the market, the Granite Gear Nimbus Access Trace has a fiberglass encapsulated maple wood back panel that is designed with three levels of suspension. These include flex on the bottom which helps to absorb the weight of the pack and transfers much of the energy to the hip belt, semi-rigid in the middle to maintain the load but still twists when off-trail, and fully-rigid on top so when the load lifting straps are pulled, this wood back panel conforms exactly to the users back (no need to bend stays). Overall it's a much better design and results in one of the most comfortable carries of any backpack on the market.

Anyone serious about backpacking who desires an incredibly comfortable backpack where fit can be customized with several options of waist belts and shoulder straps, wants a pack that is super easy to load, is concerned about durability, and simply doesn't want to compromise on their gear absolutely must look at the Granite Gear Nimbus Trace. Granite Gear has spent the most part of the decade designing this pack and it has few flaws. Unfortunately Mike didn't get it. Those who do will never look back. I absolutely love mine!