Massdrop x Granite Gear Crown X60 Discussions | Drop

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Dec 7, 2017

I just bought an Osprey Exos 58, but I'm thinking bout returning it to buy this. Any thoughts about the pros and cons as compared to the Exos? Is this a unisex pack or will there be a woman's version offered as well? Also, can you comment on the outer limits of the hip belt?

Dec 7, 2017

DannyMilks

4557

Dec 7, 2017

lisa358I hope others here will chime in on the differences between the two. The packs are pretty similar in volume, carrying capacity, and feature set. Comparing to the Exos 58, the compression on the Crown X60 is more robust, the fabric is more than twice as durable, the hipbelt is more adjustable (which means a better fit and carry), and the lid converts to the lumbar pack mode. I'm also not a fan of having white fabric on a pack, especially on the bottom portion. The Exos will allow your back to breath more freely due to the trampoline-style frame. The downside of that style frame is that it also puts that weight further away from your back, which skews your center of gravity and doesn't carry as well as you approach the max carrying capacity.
This is a unisex pack. This is important to note, because, if I am remembering this correctly, Granite Gear makes a mens, womens and unisex fit. So this pack isn't men or women specific, though they do make a Crown 2 with a womens fit.
For the hip belt, are you referring to the max waist it would fit? It is listed as 40" and I'm double checking with GG to make sure that's still true of the new hipbelt that we're using.
Thanks for posting these great questions! Again, I hope others can help out with the comparison.

Dec 7, 2017

admckillip

Dec 7, 2017

lisa358Both are good pack honestly, I looked at the Crown 2 and Exos 58 when I bought mine, and chose the Crown 2 because I preferred how the Crown2 didn't 'bulge' on my back like the Exos does due to its suspension system. But I'm not about to badmouth the Exos, people do love it too.

Dec 7, 2017

lisa358

Dec 7, 2017

DannyMilksThank you. I’m leaning toward getting this pack. It boils down to clarifying the hip belt outer size limits. (the Exos fits, but it’s tite and not easily cinched ), Do you know an estimated delivery date?

Dec 7, 2017

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Stepbystep

549

Dec 7, 2017

lisa358I'll go out on a limb here as an owner of the Lutsen with the same re-fit hip belt, and say that I think even if you need a little more than the 40" length, the re-fit will probably feel much more comfortable than the Exos' belt. Osprey makes their belts much too short and pretty thin, which is ok for very light loads and day packs, but if you're carrying 25+ pounds then having a hip belt that is long enough to properly cover the front of your hip bones is so much more comfortable, even in light belts like the Crown here. The shoulder straps are much nicer, too, while remaining pretty lightweight. Hip belt pockets are considerably larger and more useful as well. This pack is a very different feel than anything Osprey has. I think they're very comfortable and capable but packs always come down to individual fit and body type. btw, Osprey will send you a free belt extender if you call them up...just a short length of webbing with the buckle ends, like a seatbelt extender. It gives the extra inches but puts more rigid hardware against your belly. I suspect it was an afterthought solution to a basic design issue with their hip belts in recent years (many people complain that they are too short both in the wings and the webbing. I have a normal-ish men's waist of 35" and I still think their belts are too short.).

Dec 7, 2017

lisa358

Dec 7, 2017

StepbystepThanks--I'm a chubby, 50 something mom, and, while the Exos sort of works with the hip belt, the belt pockets end up being too far back to be practical with the belt extended to its maximum capacity. I'm looking for assurance that the belt will extend far enough for my girth, and that the pockets end up in a more useful location. Getting closer to a decision.

Dec 7, 2017

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twentybelow

Dec 7, 2017

DannyMilksI was on the fence about getting either the Osprey or the Granite Gear for most of 2016. I finally bought the Exos 58 in March of this year from REI. Used it on one backpacking trip and wasn't impressed. The trampoline frame didn't carry 30 pounds any better than my old pack, the hip belt pockets were too small for my liking, and the belt itself wasn't all that comfortable. So I went back to using my well-worn Gossamer Gear Mariposa for the rest of the summer. Eventually I got around to returning the Exos in September with the intent of swapping it for the Crown2, but REI in St. Louis had apparently morphed into "The Osprey Store" since the last time I was there and consequently didn't have any Granite Gear packs at all. I could have gotten it from the REI website, but found a lower price at Moosejaw. My Crown2 just arrived a couple of weeks ago... haven't even had a chance to try it out yet, and now I discover there's a newer version! Thanks a lot Massdrop! I'm now in the same boat as all the others here who don't need a new pack but will probably get this anyway!

Dec 7, 2017