New backpack excitement!

[trecile]

I just got delivery of a new backpack, and I think that it's a keeper!

I had bought a Gregory Jade 38 that I like a lot (bought from REI, so that I can return it easily), but someone had mentioned the Marmot Graviton backpack here a while ago, and it looked great. I couldn't find it locally, and I had to wait for the online store that I wanted to buy it from to get it back in stock.

It's the Women's Marmot Graviton 36, and at 2 pounds 4.5 ounces/just over one kg, it's almost a pound lighter than the Gregory. It also has some other features that I like, such as a zipper that allows you to open it from the top, or zip all around and open like a suitcase. And the stretch pockets on the side have an opening on the top and to the side, so you can easily pull stuff out as you're walking.

 

[Mark Lee]

Looks good. Don't forget a rain cover for it.

 

[trecile]

Looks good. Don't forget a rain cover for it.

Definitely. That's on my list.

 

[Pat Kenny]

Hi Trecile, I think purchasing a back pack is a landmark moment, when we realise that the camino dream is more than just talk. Here is the plan taking shape.
Hope it fits well and you soon become one with it.

cheers
Patrick

 

[Waka]

If you're like me you'll pack and unpack the back pack so many times before you leave.

 

[nidarosa]

Congratulations, @trecile, that looks really good! Easy to pack and unpack - yes, there will be a lot of that - and good shoe rack* (upper set of compression straps, perfect for attaching and airing shoes and sandals), hidey-straps* (lower compression straps can go inside the mesh pocket and not get in the way of water bottle, yay!) a stuffy* (large front stretch pocket for rain gear and wet stuff) and even load lifters* (the strap from the top of the pack to your shoulder straps to stabilise the weight) if I am not mistaken! Looks like a comfy harness and an airy back too. I even like the colour! ... must ... not ... covet ... more ... backpacks ...

* Most, though sadly not all, of these are actual backpacky terms. They should be though.

 

[trecile]

Congratulations, @trecile, that looks really good! Easy to pack and unpack - yes, there will be a lot of that - and good shoe rack* (upper set of compression straps, perfect for attaching and airing shoes and sandals), hidey-straps* (lower compression straps can go inside the mesh pocket and not get in the way of water bottle, yay!) a stuffy* (large front stretch pocket for rain gear and wet stuff) and even load lifters* (the strap from the top of the pack to your shoulder straps to stabilise the weight) if I am not mistaken! Looks like a comfy harness and an airy back too. I even like the colour! ... must ... not ... covet ... more ... backpacks ...

* Most, though sadly not all, of these are actual backpacky terms. They should be though.

It does seem like a well thought out design.
Another feature that I think might be useful, is that the stretch mesh side pockets have openings on top and on the side, so that it's easier to reach a hand back and grab a water bottle or something else out of them.
And good tip about attaching shoes to air them out!
I kind of liked the purple color of the Gregory backpack better, but this one is much more visible!

 

[obinjatoo]

I just got delivery of a new backpack, and I think that it's a keeper!

I had bought a Gregory Jade 38 that I like a lot (bought from REI, so that I can return it easily), but someone had mentioned the Marmot Graviton backpack here a while ago, and it looked great. I couldn't find it locally, and I had to wait for the online store that I wanted to buy it from to get it back in stock.

It's the Women's Marmot Graviton 36, and at 2 pounds 4.5 ounces/just over one kg, it's almost a pound lighter than the Gregory. It also has some other features that I like, such as a zipper that allows you to open it from the top, or zip all around and open like a suitcase. And the stretch pockets on the side have an opening on the top and to the side, so you can easily pull stuff out as you're walking.

Great design! Personally, I'm wary of zippers. I have an old school Gregory Denali Pro that I used for work. The zipper I used the most (on the brain) blew out pretty quickly. Probably because it was exposed to the elements. The one other zipper on the inside is holding up well.
Keep us posted.
Buen Camino

 

[trecile]

Great design! Personally, I'm wary of zippers. I have an old school Gregory Denali Pro that I used for work. The zipper I used the most (on the brain) blew out pretty quickly. Probably because it was exposed to the elements. The one other zipper on the inside is holding up well.
Keep us posted.
Buen Camino

Yeah, I considered zipper failure, but hopefully if I don't pack it to bursting there won't be that much stress on the zippers.

 

[Mark Lee]

Yeah, I considered zipper failure, but hopefully if I don't pack it to bursting there won't be that much stress on the zippers.

The Camino actually puts very little wear and tear on your backpack. The REI Crestrail 48L I've carried on my back on two CF's still looks almost new save for a few scuff marks and I don't treat it like a piece of fine china. Its even rode as checked baggage on airlines a few times. The gear geek in me shops around and looks at other packs, but the pragmatist in me say's why? ha ha Your backpack will easily last a decade or more of Caminos or whatever other trips you take it on.

 

[peregrina2000]

The Camino actually puts very little wear and tear on your backpack.

I would have to agree with that. I am now on year 15 with my mountainsmith ghost (NOT the new inferior model) and I think I'll give out before it does.

 

[WanderlustingLawyer]

I know this thread is a little old, but I just purchased the Marmot Graviton 36, and I'd love to hear about your Camino experience with the pack!!

 

[Anniesantiago]

I bought a Jade 28L for this year.

 

[trecile]

I know this thread is a little old, but I just purchased the Marmot Graviton 36, and I'd love to hear about your Camino experience with the pack!!

After my first SJPDP to Finisterre Camino with the Graviton I walked a second! So yes, the pack worked very well for me.

 

[edandjoan]

I bought a Jade 28L for this year.

I really, really liked the old model, but didn't like some of the changes in the newer model. But it is a great pack. The trampoline back is great and my stuff fits well in the main compartment. There was a vertical zipper compartment on the back, and now just the large pocket.