Granite Gear Perimeter 50 Backpack

Product detailed description

We’re absolutely thrilled about this new release from the American brand Granite Gear. Sure, we’re fans of ultralight gear, and a backpack weighing 1.5 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 gauntlet thrown down to rival 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; moreover, both versions are also available in a women’s design 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 position of the shoulder straps across two widths. The backpack features several loops on the back panel to which the shoulder straps are attached. It is therefore up to you to decide what length to set the back panel to and whether to position the straps closer together or attach them to the wider column.

At the same time, the backpack is available in Medium and Long back sizes, so everyone can find the right size for themselves.

The padding on the shoulder straps and back system of this backpack is surprisingly soft and comfortable, yet far more durable than on other backpacks or, for example, its older sibling the Crown 2.

The entire backpack is made from very 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 need to address this either  a rain cover,  dry sacks or a large backpack liner.

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 heavily 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 loading system, 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 can be adjusted for height or completely removed. A bear canister fits underneath it with no problem, making this backpack suitable for long treks such as   PCT, where a bear can is mandatory.

An interesting feature is the placement of a virtually identical flap at 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 two front mesh pockets, arranged one above the other, are very practical. You’ll use them 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 these pockets, allowing you to cinch everything down neatly.

Inside the backpack is a pocket for a hydration bladder with a loop for attachment and, of course, tube outlets on both sides. There are also external loops for attaching trekking poles.

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 weight.

Granite Gear Perimeter 50 :

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

Technical specifications:

• Weight: 1448 g (size M), 1560 g (size L).
• Volume: 50 L
• Size: size M for torso length 46–53.5 cm, size L for torso length 53.5–61 cm.
• Load capacity: up to 18 kg.
• Dimensions: 58 x 26 x 18 cm (size M)

Materials:

• 210D and 100D Robic Nylon