Granite Gear Perimeter 35 Backpack

Product detailed description

We’re absolutely thrilled about this new release from the American brand Granite Gear. Sure, we’re ultralight enthusiasts, and a backpack weighing 1.41 kg isn’t exactly ultralight anymore. But it’s very easy to fall in love with the Perimeter, because it stands out quite significantly from almost everything else on the market today... Personally, I see this move as a challenge to the competing brand Gossamer Gear. In my opinion, the Perimeter will be a serious competitor to the iconic models Mariposa and Gorilla. It’s no coincidence that the Perimeter 50 won the Gear of the Year award for 2021 from the prestigious magazine Outside. The manufacturer cleverly began producing it in two volume variants—35 and 50 liters—and both variants are also available in a women’s version that fits the fairer sex better. And that’s the rub: Gossamer only makes unisex models, which women sometimes struggle with.

Durability and comfort come first

The backbone of the entire backpack is a lightweight, flexible steel frame to which the back system is attached. Thanks to this system, the backpack offers excellent weight distribution. Another major plus is the ability to adjust the back length and the spacing of the shoulder straps in two widths. The backpack has several loops on the back panel to which the shoulder straps are attached. It’s up to you how long you set the back and whether you place the straps closer together or attach them to a wider column. The padding on the shoulder straps and back panel of this backpack is surprisingly soft and comfortable, yet far more robust than on other backpacks or even its older sibling, the Crown 2. The entire backpack is made from highly durable yet still quite lightweight Robic Nylon. The 210D version of the material is used in the most stressed areas, while the rest is 100D nylon. This material can easily handle light rain, but otherwise the backpack can of course get wet, so you’ll need to address this with either a rain cover, dry sacks or large bag for your backpack.

It can handle even heavier loads

The Perimeter is designed for heavier loads of up to 18 kg, which is why it features balance straps, a height-adjustable chest strap, and, of course, a very thickly padded hip belt. The hip belt is also adjustable around the waist; simply unfasten the Velcro on the hip belt and adjust it exactly to your liking. Spacious zippered pockets are a given; they can hold most standard smartphones and plenty of other small items. The backpack features a classic top-loading design, and there are two cross-straps positioned over the top panel, allowing you to easily cinch the backpack when it’s not filled to the brim; you can also attach additional gear under these straps. The entire top panel is then covered by a floating lid, which features a very spacious pocket and the option to adjust its height or detach it completely. A bear canister fits underneath it with no problem, so this backpack is also suitable for long treks like the PCT, where a bear can is mandatory.

An interesting feature is the placement of a virtually identical flap on the bottom of the backpack. This flap has a zippered pocket where you can store a rain jacket or anything else. Thanks to the sufficiently long straps, you can easily fit a foam sleeping pad under this flap. Of course, the sides of the backpack feature compression straps, which make it very easy to cinch the entire backpack tight.

There are also very spacious, mesh pockets on the sides that you can easily reach into even while walking, and they can hold a larger water bottle. The spacious, mesh pocket on the front of the backpack is very practical; you’ll use it throughout the day to stuff anything you need to keep close at hand—a jacket, pants, a water filter, and other small items... Additionally, two compression straps run across this pocket, allowing you to cinch everything down nicely. Inside the backpack is a pocket for a hydration bladder with a loop for attachment and, of course, tube outlets on both sides. They haven’t forgotten about the external loops for attaching trekking poles either.

Summary

All in all, the Perimeter is an excellent choice for beginner hikers who haven’t yet perfected their lightweight gear setup, but it will certainly prove its worth on more demanding trips when you know you’ll need to carry extra gear and food. It’s always better to choose a slightly heavier and more durable backpack and carry lighter gear in it than to overload an ultralight backpack that isn’t designed for such a load.

Granite Gear Perimeter 35:

• Adjustable back system.
• Circumferentially adjustable hip belt with spacious pockets.
• Top floating, detachable lid with a pocket.
• Bottom lid with a pocket for attaching additional gear.
• Large elastic front pocket.
• Compression straps on the sides.
• Side mesh pockets.
• Detachable chest strap.
• Balance straps.
• Internal pocket for a hydration bladder.
• Unisex.

Technical Specifications:

• Weight: 1412 g.
• Volume: 35 L.
• Size Medium for torso length 46–53.5 cm.
• Load capacity: up to 18 kg.
• Dimensions: 60 x 36 x 18 cm.

Materials:

• 100D Robic Nylon.
• 200D Robic Nylon.