Like its predecessors, The Blaze AC 60 is Spartan in its simplicity and features our engineered AirCurrent suspension. The AirCurrent suspension consists of a 3-dimensionally molded alloyed frame, our quickest torso length adjustment system, padded shoulder straps, and a swappable hip belt for a custom fit. The AC frame has molded air channels, works in conjunction with a molded foam pad and durable stretch mesh to aid in venting heat and moisture away from the back; allowing for natural evaporating cooling. The pack body is a simple, lidless top loader with a tall spindrift opening that can be cinched and rolled down tight for weather resistance and also expanded when extra space is needed. The arched Line-Loc compression system allows the load to be cinched tight in every direction (side, front, and top) as well as allowing additional gear to be lashed to the pack. The Line-Loc cord can easily be replaced if it wears out from extended use. Durable and versatile stretch mesh pockets on the bottom of the pack sides work well for water bottles, while the tall front center pocket is great for damp tarps or ultralight tents.

Designed for lightweight simplicity on the climb and trail, the Blaze AC 60 pack that 60-liters of capacity and weighs in at just 2 pounds, 14 ounces. Featuring Granite Gear's engineered AirCurrent suspension, the pack delivers a cooler, more comfortable journey thanks to a molded design that fits the 3D contours of your back and flexes with your movement. In addition, the Air Current suspension has integrated air channels that allow heat and moisture an outlet for evaporative cooling. The pack is compatible with Granite Gear's swappable hip belts for a custom fit and maximum comfort. The Blaze AC 60 pack body is a simple, lidless top loader with a tall spindrift opening that can be cinched and rolled down tight for weather resistance and also expanded when extra space is needed. The arched Line-Loc compression system allows the load to be cinched tight in every direction (side, front, and top) and also allows additional gear to be lashed to the pack. Durable and versatile stretch mesh pockets on the bottom of the pack sides work well for water bottles, while the tall front center pocket is great for damp tarps or ultralight tents.

Ideal for expeditions, travel, and hiking, the Blaze AC 60 offers the features you need without a lot of extras to weigh you down. Backed by Granite Gear's strong record for creating long-lasting outdoor gear, the Blaze 60 is covered by a lifetime warranty against defects in material and workmanship. How to Measure Your Torso to Choose the Best Back Pack Size: To find your torso length, measure the distance between your seventh cervical vertebra and the shelf of your hipbones. targus pewter 16 laptop backpackDo this by standing up straight with your feet shoulder-width apart. bgan backpackTilt your head forward and place your hands on your hips, thumbs to the back. alienware m11x backpackWith a flexible tape, have someone measure from the most prominent vertebra at the base of your neck to an imaginary line drawn between your thumbs.

This will be your torso length. Please note: Each framesheet has fine adjustment settings spaced in one inch increments to further fine-tune your fit. If you are a 17-inch torso, it is recommended to try the short torso first. Ultralight Pack Belt (comes standard): Granite Gear's Ultralight Pack Belt is a soft belt with no plastic exoskeleton like Granite Gears other belts. This lighter belt is more comfortable when carrying smaller loads of 40 pounds or less. Although it is Granite Gear's simplest interchangeable belt, it still boasts the Pivot Point connection, hip stabilizers, dual density foam, and a stretch woven fabric. Hip Belt Size Specifications: About Granite Gear: Founded by Jeff Knight and Dan Cruikshank in 1986, Granite Gear began in the wilderness with the founders' vision to design and make innovative, functional and durable gear, that would support wilderness adventurers in the pursuit of discovering something about themselves. Granite Gear is passionate about offering products that are not just creative, but innovative.

True innovation starts with the fire of an idea, is tested on the trail, and stands the test of time. By remaining independent of larger companies, Granite Gear has maintained a grassroots way of doing business, satisfying one customer at a time, and striving for greener, sustainable means of production. All of Granite Gear's products are PVC-free. Packaging is minimized and mostly made from 85 percent post consumer recycled cardstock. Granite Gear uses renewable energy at their homes and headquarters.Catalyst PackCatalyst BackpackUla CatalystEquipment CatalystUla EquipmentUltralight GearBackpacking GearHiking GearHiking CampingForwardCatalyst Backpack - Thru Hiking & Camping Veteran on PCT, CDT & AT - ULA EquipmentThe time has come…yet again…to try and find another pack that will work for my smaller collection of gear. Over the past few months I have been eyeballing the ZPack’s Blasts packs, but have been waiting on the $$$ to get one. Then, just as the time is drawing near, John Abela from Redwood Outdoors sent me his to check out!

And boy am I glad he did! Now I can actually put my hands on a Blast pack and get a feel for what it is all about (as well as what I want in it) before I decide to drop my hard-earned $$$ on this sweet little pack. Quite a few months ago I had decided that my gear was not filling the void of my ULA Circuit, so I purchased another pack that would be more appropriately sized. The pack I picked up was the Six Moon Design Swift. However, with this pack I was a bit disappointed…at a stripped down weight of 15 oz I managed to save almost a pound and a half off of the weight of my ULA Circuit, but the kicker is that the Swift is almost the same size as my Circuit! Now don’t get me wrong, the SMD Swift is a great pack, but considering the size, it intruded upon my (already loved) Circuit’s turf. So, since then I have been putting more thought into the next pack that I get so that I don’t make the same mistake again. I knew that I was going to order one of the ZPacks Blast packs sometime after the new year, but (happily) my wife is letting me get it just a little sooner.

So, this was perfect timing on John’s part when he sent his Blast pack. Since I received this pack I have loaded it down multiple times. I have tried different packing strategies and I finally feel like I have one down that works for me with this pack. Also, I have been able to check out the sizing of the shoulder straps and hip belts and can make a more educated guess on what I will need in the pack I order, rather than ordering blindly! Probably the best outcome from John sending me this pack is that I realized what size pack I needed to go with. I think that when I bought the Swift, I got scared that most “UL” (or frame-less  packs are going to be rather huge, or quite tiny. Before John sent this pack, I was sold on the ZPacks Blast 22 because I wanted the smallest size Blast pack. After loading up his 30 (previously the 26) I realized that the 30 may be what I need rather than the 22… I can get all of my “winter” gear in the Blast 30 and still have room for plenty of food.

Loading it up last night with items that I would take on a solo hike I came to 14.5 pounds with everything except food so I feel like I am in the acceptable weight range for this pack as well. All else that would be added would be extra (alcohol) fuel, and whatever food I carried. (For a detailed list of what I consider “winter” gear in my neck of the woods, complete with weights, click here:  Gear List) I made 2 videos last night in which I talk/question a lot about the features of this pack and how they will/may work with my particular body as well as gear choices. So, check them out and let me know what you think… As can be seen in these videos, there are quite a few things that I am questioning, especially concerning fit. So, if you have any comments or concerns about the way this particular pack fits me, please comment. I am using this pack to determine if I need to change anything about the pack I will be getting. Namely the torso height and the hip belt measurement.

But of course, there are a few other things that I am delving into, such as not going with hip belt pockets, and the extra top side pockets (which has been a feature I always knew I would get once I got one of these packs) in favor of the multipack, which I would use on my front side, like in my videos. This pouch would hold pretty much all of my gear that I would normally keep in the side/outer pockets on the pack. And why do you ask? It is all about balance. (Thanks John, and I am working on it…   So, at this very moment, here is what I am going with: And that is it. I would like this pack to be as water tight as possible, so no hydration ports (thanks again John) and as few outside additions as necessary. I am debating seam sealing the pack, or just using dry sacks for my clothing items. I will have to mull that over throughout this week… So now here is my very own ZPacks Blast 30 Backpack & Multipack! A few weeks ago I was able to put my hands on a ZPacks Blast 30 backpack thanks to John Abela from Redwood Outdoors, and more than likely because of this I ended up ordering one of these packs for myself. T

hen yesterday, the mail lady delivered a sweet piece of cuben fiber gear to my door…my very own ZPacks cuben fiber Blast 30 backpack as well as the cuben fiber Multipack! As I mentioned in the video, there were some new features that I expected as well as some things that I wasn’t expecting. Joe has been using a new design for the shoulder straps as well as the hip belt. The shoulder straps are now S-shaped and has a slightly more reinforced daisy chain. The hip belts are also wider and the padding extends out a bit farther than on the older design (which is great for me since it comes just a little past the bony part of my hips). However, listed below are a few things that are not quite what I expected. I have added some extras to the pack also. I added 2 pieces of Glowire to the side middle attachment points. I did this just-in-case I ever have to fill my 2L Platy because it will have to ride in one of the side pockets and I would need the side middle straps to help hold it in place. I

also added 2 of the shock cord water bottle holders (from my ULA Circuit) to one of the Blast’s shoulder straps. I have come to really love carrying my water/drink on my shoulder strap, so I am happy to add the extra 0.4 oz to the pack for this application! So, the backpack weighed in at 8.9 oz as delivered. The only additions at this point were the top side straps as well as 2 buckles attached to the bottom (unknown reason). I removed them from the pack and then came to a total weight of 8.5 oz. Then after adding my extras I ended up with 8.6 oz. At this point, I am pretty dang happy with that! Also I decided to forgo hip belt pockets and extra side pockets in favor of the Multipack. The Multipack is basically a large pocket with 6 connection points so that it can be worn on the front of me, on the top of the pack (like a lid) or even as a fanny pack. However, when I ordered mine I opted to simply go with the top 2 connection points simply because I did not feel like I need the rest. I

do not plan to use the Multipack as a pack lid and if I use it as a fanny pack the top connection points will work for that. But mainly, I plan to wear it on my front, attached to the shoulder straps. (Although, the Multipack came to me with all the connection points, but Joe told me that I can simply cut them off if I want…but I will give them a try first. Again, these cannot be put back on once removed.) Anyway, the Multipack is made with the same 1.43 oz/sqyd cuben fiber as the pack is. By itself it weighs 1 oz. With the 2 straps to connect to the shoulder straps it weighs 1.4 oz. With these straps as well as the hip belt strap, it comes in at 2 oz even (although the hip belt strap will probably be left behind many more times than not). All-in-all, I am pretty stoked about this set-up.  And again, I want to thank John Abela for giving me the chance to put my hand on one before buying and of course Joe at ZPacks for making this awesome gear and getting it out to me in such a timely manner!