Reviews > Packs > Internal and External Framed Backpacks > Granite Gear Nimbus Latitude Pack > Dennis Shubitowski > Initial Report

Initial Report - Granite Gear Nimbus Latitude

Report Outline

Biography <back to top>

I was born, raised, and currently live in Michigan. I have been camping with family since I was a young tot. I have been backpacking for the last 11 years along with other outdoor activities like hunting, geocaching, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, horseback riding and canoeing. I backpack in every season - rain, snow, or shine. My hiking philosophy has moved toward lightweight backpacking (or lighter) from my heavyweight days, but I have an eclectic mix of equipment that I carry that mainly depends on what I am testing for BackpackGearTest! Shelters range from hammocks to tarps to four-season tents and stoves are homemade alcohol, Esbit, white gas or canister with a titanium pot. My packs, however, are always the lightest I can go without sacrificing comfort. My average three-season load for a multi-day trip, including food and water, is usually less than 25 lbs (11.3 kg).

Product Information <back to top>

First Impressions <back to top>

The pack was shipped from Granite Gear's home in Minnesota via the brown Santa truck and arrived in fine condition. The backpack was loose in the box and was packaged as it would be if one were buying it off the shelf. There was a laminated promotional product card describing the features of the pack that was attached by a cable tie to one of the compression straps on the front of the pack. The pack is very well sewn with no loose threads or missed stitches that I could detect - there is a tag on the inside of the pack indicating it was "Made in Vietnam." The instruction manual, a Granite Gear 2004 catalog, a very small ditty bag containing spare repair parts, and two small Granite Gear stickers were inside the pack in the removable lid pocket (yes, inside the backpack). The Nimbus Latitude is a nice, clean looking pack as are all of the Granite Gear backpacks that I have seen. The color scheme is nearly all black with dark blue-green trim. Granite Gear has nice, simple website that is very easy to navigate. I went to the wrong location, however, when I looked for the pack on their website. Granite Gear's backpack section is broken down into Ultralight, Light, Standard, and Expedition categories. The Nimbus Latitude weighs around 3.5 lbs (1.6 kg) so I went to the Light section but no Nimbus. I then slid over to the Ultralight section and that is where I found it, but I personally do not consider a 3.5 lbs (1.6 kg) backpack to be ultralight. Aside from that, the website has a nice description of the pack, and it appears in hand exactly as it does on the website.

Instruction Manual <back to top>

The Nimbus Latitude looks at first glance a touch more complicated than the packs I have been using lately, so I reached for the instruction manual and started there. The manual is printed in grayscale on a heavy, standard sized US white paper that is folded in half and stapled - it is nicely done and looks professional, but there are a few typos in it of no consequence to understanding the instructions. There are fourteen pages along with a front and back cover. There are both line drawings and photographs; the manual covers the Cirrus, Stratus and Nimbus backpacks, and it is also downloadable from the Granite Gear website. The instruction manual covers pretty much everything to do with the pack, as would be expected; it answered all the questions I had about setting up the pack which was important to me because this pack is a little different than most of the other packs I have used. Some of the features of this pack include a "3D Tepex" framesheet which is a molded framesheet that flexes and returns to its original shape after bending. Granite Gear also emphasizes their comfortable shoulder straps and hipbelts which are foam stuffed into a sleeve instead of die cut and taped. Other features of the pack include a selection of eight different sized shoulder straps (small to extra-large in both trim and regular width) and nine different hipbelt sizes in both men's - five sizes, small to 2X-large and spanning 26 to 46 in (66 to 117 cm) - and women's styles - four sizes, small to X-large and spanning 26 to 42 in (66 to 107 cm). The "Smoke Blue" color scheme of the pack I received for testing is the only one currently available. Interestingly, I also cannot find a recommended weight limit for this pack either in the manual or on the website.

The instruction manual also covers adjusting the torso length and shoulder straps on the pack. The Nimbus Latitude is available in two sizes - the short model covers 14 to 18 in (35.6 to 45.7 cm) torsos in 1 in (2.5 cm) increments; the regular covers 18 to 22 in (45.7 to 56 cm) torsos in 1 in (2.5 cm) increments as well. The shoulder straps are also adjustable from "shorter, regular, and longer" to fine-tune shoulder strap placement if desired. The hipbelt is not "adjustable" as the other components are but it can be swapped out with different sizes. All size adjusting and swapping is done with a Phillips #2 screwdriver (not supplied). The manual also covers removing the framesheet from the pack and putting it back in, putting the pack on, taking it off, and how it should feel when properly fitted.

Initial Report <back to top>

Pack Organization

This is a panel loading, internal frame backpack. All of the packs that I have used to this point have been top-loading so this will be a different experience for me. Starting with the most obvious feature, the pack is accessed through two quite long two-way zippers at the very front of the pack that run the length from top to bottom. On this size regular pack, each zipper is almost three feet (0.9 meters) long, and they appear to be a wetsuit-like, water-resistant covered zipper. The two zippers are separated by about 5.5 in (14 cm) of a black Spandex-like, stretchy material that Granite Gear calls Durastretch. There are two compression straps that are over these zippers - one strap is about in the middle of the pack and the other is roughly 6 in (15 cm) from the bottom of the pack. These straps are sewn into the colored blue trim pieces that run parallel to the zippers. All of the compression straps on the outside and inside of the pack are the same 3/4 in (2 cm) wide nylon with each having a quick release and ladder lock adjustment. It is also immediately apparent to me that I will use this section to store my rolled up hammock sleeping pad vertically (very nice as I've always had "pack placement" problems with this quite wide pad). This middle Durastretch fabric section is not sewn to the pack, but it is not removable either due to having the two two-way zippers (they cannot pass each other and there are zipper stops at either end). If the zipper is opened all the way to either end, there is one long, 5.5 in (14 cm) wide length of Durastretch fabric that can flop around pretty freely. The inside of the pack can be accessed along any point by simply maneuvering the zippers - they are a pretty important item on the pack since it is the only way to access the inside of the pack.

Continuing on the outside of the pack, each side of the pack has two compression straps that are in the same line as the front two compression straps. They are also sewn into the same blue trim piece with the other end attaching near the backpad. Each side of the pack also has a Durastretch fabric pocket at the bottom of the pack that is about 9 in (23 cm) wide. The pockets are angled at the top - the side closest to my back when wearing it is about 7 in (18 cm) tall and the further away side is about 12 in (30.5 cm) tall. Presumably the pockets are angled to make reaching into to them easier while wearing the pack. The lower compression strap goes over the middle of each outside pocket. There are two ice axe loops right below each outside pocket sewn into the pack bottom seam. There are no corresponding holding loops at the top, so any long object held by these loops will have to held in place by the side compression straps. The ice axe loops are made from the same 3/4 in (2 cm) nylon fabric as the compression straps and are about 6 in (15 cm) long (or sticking out 3 in (7.6 cm) out from the pack). At the very top of the pack, underneath the Durastretch fabric flap and directly behind my head when wearing the pack, is a half-round and rubber/plastic hydration hose exit port. The main body of the pack is composed of a new material Granite Gear calls 70-D Hybrid Cordura Ripstop fabric. This fabric looks and feels like tough, lightweight ripstop nylon. The remainder of the fabrics on the pack are not named directly in the literature or website, but are possibly a Cordura fabric as well surmising from the laminated product card that was attached to the pack. The remaining fabrics on the main pack body, including the bottom of the pack, the trim pieces, and the back of the pack, are all the same heavier material (except in color). For the rest of the report, I will use the terms "heavier" and "lighter" to describe the two fabrics since they compose the majority of the pack.

To open the pack, the front compression straps are unbuckled and the zippers are unzipped from either end. When the flap is pulled back, there are two sections of lighter fabric (one on each side) that are shaped similarly to the outside vertical blue trim pieces. There are two additional compression straps attached to these fabric pieces which are shifted up and staggered when compared to the outside compression straps (they are pretty evenly spaced and the strap order from bottom to top when considered together is outside bottom, inside bottom, outside top, and inside top). At the bottom of the pack is a blue, heavier fabric piece rimmed with nylon bias tape that is the same width as the Durastretch flap. It is sewn into the bottom seam and into each zipper side; the piece is about 4 in (10 cm) tall and acts as a barrier to keep stuff from rolling out of the pack when opened while upright. There is a removable top pocket attached with two quick releases that are sewn into the interior of the pack near the top. I hesitate to call this pocket a "lid" because it does not serve any compression purposes - it is just a loose floating pocket. This pocket is made from the lighter material and has a long drawstring at the top with a cord lock. The pocket is shaped like a wide, squarish cylinder that is about 12.5 in (32 cm) in length, 9 in (23 cm) wide and 9 in (23 cm) tall. The two quick releases are sewn on the long side of the pocket in the center and are 4 in (10 cm) apart. The bottom of the pocket is dual layered with a thin piece of neoprene-feeling foam inside of it. Inside the top pocket is a key keeper attached to a loop of nylon tape, and there is a small ditty bag with a huge D-ring attached to the keeper. This ditty bag is made from the lighter fabric, is 3 in (7.6 cm) by 3.5 in (8.9 cm), and is closed by hook and loop material. Inside the ditty bag are two extra Phillips heads screws, an extra quick release, and an extra plastic slider.

The inside of the pack also has a hydration sleeve made from lighter material. This sleeve is about 9 in (23 cm) wide by 12 in (33 cm) long, trimmed with nylon bias tape, and has a elastic crossed cord over the top like a crossed shoelace. The tension can be adjusted on the cord via a cord lock at the top of the sleeve. This looks like a nice feature to keep the water bladder tight up against the back/frame of the pack and to prevent the hydration bladder from slouching as it empties. Other than this hydration sleeve, there are no divisions in the main pack. All useable, compartmentalized space is available only in the main compartment, the hydration sleeve, the removable lid, and the two outside pockets. To load the pack, items appear to load in as one normally packs, the top lid needs to be folded on top of the items in the pack, the inside compression straps are connected and snugged, the pack is zipped up, and the outside compression straps are snugged up.

Pack Suspension

As already mentioned, the torso length on the pack is adjustable, the shoulder straps are adjustable over about a 4 in (10 cm) range up and down, and the hipbelt is removable. The 3D Tepex frame on this pack is fairly visible from both the top and bottom of the pack and fits into a sleeve. The backpad is attached to the top of the pack by a ladder lock and nylon strap, and the torso and shoulder straps are adjusted in this general area. To adjust the torso and shoulder straps, the ladder lock is loosened and the backpad can be pulled away to access the screws that hold the components. Two Phillips head screws hold the shoulder straps to the frame and screw into a removable bone-shaped yoke that is on the other side of the frame. The shoulder straps are adjusted here by moving them up or down into any of three brass grommets, and the torso is adjusted by attaching the shoulder straps to one of five sets of holes. The area of the shoulder straps with the grommets feels almost like Kevlar, and there is a flap of this same material that covers the screw heads to keep them from damaging the pack fabrics. A hefty grab loop to lift or hang the pack is sewn into the area of the shoulder straps also. The loop is a 2 in (5 cm) wide nylon strap that is doubled over and sewn in the center to make a pretty comfortable hand grab. Continuing with the shoulder straps, they are thickly padded - about 3/4 in (2 cm) - and have a ripstop nylon surface on top and a smooth, taut and black Durastretch material on the bottom. The shoulder straps are S-shaped and contoured. There are 1 in (2.5 cm) light gray load lifter straps attached to each shoulder strap. The load lifters are sewn into the front of the shoulder strap in a way that leaves a loop of material where plastic D-rings are inserted. These D-rings could be used to hold a hydration tube or attach water bottle holders to these straps. Directly below the D-rings is a 6 in (15 cm) black, 1 in (2.5 cm) nylon strap that is tack sewn on each end and unattached in the middle. This is where the sternum strap is attached, and it is positioned/adjusted up or down along this 6 in (15 cm) by plastic slide locks. The sternum strap uses the same material as all the compression straps and connects with a simple quick release. At the bottom of the shoulder straps are the shoulder strap length adjusters that are made of the same black 1 in (2.5 cm) nylon strap as the sternum strap where the attaches. The shoulder strap length adjusters attach to each bottom corner of the pack near the bottom pockets in a heavier fabric reinforced area.

Both the hipbelt and backpad are fashioned similarly to the shoulder straps. Each has about the same thickness, but the hipbelt has the same black ripstop material on the top and a smooth, taut Durastretch bottom as the shoulder straps where the backpad has the smooth Durastretch material on the front and a heavy Cordura fabric on the back. The hipbelt has a natural curve to it that is quite pronounced and forms well with my hips. There is a 2 in (5 cm) nylon strap sewn into each end of the belt with large quick release in the middle. When I put the belt on, the padded portion wraps around my hipbone and stops just in front of it; the two ends are separated by about 11 in (28 cm) where the hipbelt can be tightened. The hipbelt is removable by un-hook-and-looping a 5 by 5.5 in (12.7 by 14 cm) flap of heavier blue fabric from the bottom of the pack. The belt is held onto the frame by a single Phillips head screw that screws into a stainless steel post without binding the hipbelt. This means the hipbelt can spin and move freely, but this movement is limited when the hipbelt is held in place by the hook and loop. The hipbelt also has delta straps on each side to bring the load in tight on the hipbelt for adjustment. The backpad is mostly smooth all across it with a single crease down the middle of the pad. The backpad is open at the top (frame adjustment) and bottom (hipbelt removal) so the frame can be completely removed. The pad is sewn at the sides into a shared seam where the compression straps and pockets are sewn as well.

Testing Plan <back to top>

The Nimbus Latitude will be my pack for the testing period. My main curiosity in testing will be the panel loading features. I will pay extra attention to the zippers and how they work and hold up during the test period. I will check for water resistance on the pack (as well the hydration sleeve), but I usually carry a poncho that serves as a pack cover. I am also interested in that Granite Gear suspension and comfort of this pack that I felt briefly when I have worn other Granite Gear packs. The size of this pack is right around my normal backpack size if not a touch bigger, so I will be curious to see how it handles both bulky and minimal loads as far as compression and fit/packing go. I am really used to outside pockets for storing everything from quick access items to drying tarps, and this pack is definitely lacking in that deprtment. Future reports will detail items carried and how they are packed. I thank Granite Gear and BackpackGearTest for allowing me this opportunity to test this fine pack.

Reviews > Packs > Internal and External Framed Backpacks > Granite Gear Nimbus Latitude Pack > Dennis Shubitowski > Initial Report