Granite gear virga 26 - Granite Gear Virga 26 Backpack

This is a minimalist pack for ultralight use and as such it is excellent.
The materials are of very good quality (cordura, high tenacity nylon), and workmanship is excellent. I chose the brilliant blue/moonmist in color which a very nice subdued color that blends well with all kinds of surroundings.
I bought this pack because I like GG and also because I have the first generation of this pack called Virga that was sadly discontinued by GG. In comparison, the first gen. Virga is more burly, has more volume and belts and straps are thicker and wider and weighs only 3 oz. more, all of which I like.
The Virga 26, in comparison, is way smaller in capacity (1580 vs 3200 cubes) and has the roll top closure which the other Virga does not.
However, as I said, the Virga 26 is a tough, simple, aesthetically pleasing minimalist ultralight pack intended for such use, probably one of the best out there. In my opinion it should never be overloaded, I'd say 10lbs max. to be comfortable. I say this because most users tend to overload their packs including the ultralight ones, thus defeating their purpose:))
There is plenty of truly phenomenal gear out there that is well suited for the intended purpose.

This review was written in the old system and had content requirements that are different than reviews written today.