Anybody use a Golite Race or Granite Gear Virga?

[Jordie]

I'm looking at getting a new lighter weight pack and am heavily looking at these two. Any input appreciated. Thanks...

Jordie

[KeithEA]

I bought the race last year. I find it to be well made. It is a little small but alright for the weekend. One good thing is that it has a lot of outside pockets and side cinch straps so that you can cinch your load down. Well made. I liked it so much that I have just bought the speed which is a little larger and I am going to pass the race down to the wife. Again bouth well made and comfortable to wear. Keith

[Jordie]

I like pockets and the Granite Gear packs apparently have poorly designed pockets.

Jordie

Originally Posted by KeithEA

I bought the race last year. I find it to be well made. It is a little small but alright for the weekend. One good thing is that it has a lot of outside pockets and side cinch straps so that you can cinch your load down. Well made. I liked it so much that I have just bought the speed which is a little larger and I am going to pass the race down to the wife. Again bouth well made and comfortable to wear. Keith

[KeithEA]

There is plenty of pockets on the race! Keith

[Jordie]

in New Mexico if it arrives in time. I tried ordering it from 4 places online as it is apparently out of stock almost everywhere, even at GoLite. If it doesn't arrive in time then it'll be the old Aether 60 which I got many moons ago on Duck's recommendation when I first came to this board.

Jordie

QUOTE=KeithEA]There is plenty of pockets on the race! Keith[/quote]

[Jordie]

How is the water bladder incorporated into the pack and does it work well?

Jordie

Originally Posted by KeithEA

I bought the race last year. I find it to be well made. It is a little small but alright for the weekend. One good thing is that it has a lot of outside pockets and side cinch straps so that you can cinch your load down. Well made. I liked it so much that I have just bought the speed which is a little larger and I am going to pass the race down to the wife. Again bouth well made and comfortable to wear. Keith

[KeithEA]

It is a pocket sown onto the back inside. Yes it does work well. Keith

[wingding0]

I have a Vapor Trail and love it - a 2 lb pack with a frame and cushion on the hip belt - you can't beat that. I've had it for a year and have used it a lot without any problems. The golite trek I had gave me back problems.

[GreatDivide14]

...I need a pack, and I'm wavering between the VT and Nimbus Ozone. Is the VT's hipbelt up to an imprudent load? If I overload the frame (which I don't intend to do too often), I can always stuff my Guidelite 3/4 along the back and let it inflate a bit.

[wingding0]

I've had 34 lbs in it without a problem. The VT isn't huge, so you have to pack it carefully to fit everything in when carrying a bear cannister - this helps me to keep the weight down because I end up with less extra stuff.

[Jordie]

Are you able to use the side pockets? On most of the gear reviews I've read they say you almost can't use the pockets when the pack is full.

Jordie

Originally Posted by wingding0

I've had 34 lbs in it without a problem. The VT isn't huge, so you have to pack it carefully to fit everything in when carrying a bear cannister - this helps me to keep the weight down because I end up with less extra stuff.

[wingding0]

Yes, I use the side pockets. I often put a 1 liter hydration pouch in one pocket and a pint size nalgene with gatorade in the other. The pockets are tight when the pack is full, but they stretch.

Originally Posted by Jordie

Are you able to use the side pockets? On most of the gear reviews I've read they say you almost can't use the pockets when the pack is full.

Jordie

[Jordie]

and I'm glad I got it. It was very comfortable for me, the pockets and bladder holder are terrific. I like the little bells and wistles that came with it. Thanks for the good input in helping me make the decision to get it.

Jordie