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Reviews > Packs > Internal and External Framed Backpacks > Granite Gear Nimbus Latitude Ki > Amanda Tikkanen > Long Term ReportLong Term Report--Granite Gear Nimbus Lattitude KiReport Date: November 13, 2005 Name: Amanda Tikkanen Age: 24 Gender: Female Height: 5' 4" (1.6 m) Weight: 135 lbs (61 kg) Email address: uberpest at uberpest dot com (Website http://www.uberpest.com) City, State, Country: LaGrange, IN USA Backpacking Background: I have been backpacking and hiking for five years throughout Michigan and Indiana, covering several hundred miles, always with a dog by my side. Beau has been happily carrying a pack for almost three years. Before Beau I hiked with Lucy, who is now retired. My style of backpacking is moving from overnights to long distance hiking, including multi-day trips. While I don't favor ultralight equipment, I do like to go as light as possible while still being comfortable. Product Information: Manufacturer: Granite Gear Year of Manufacture: 2005 URL: http://www.granitegear.com Manufacturer's weight: 3 lbs 14 oz (1.76 kg) Weight as tested: 4 lbs 0 oz (1.81 kg) Manufacturer's volume: 3900 cu (63.9 L) MSRP: $240 (US) Rated load capacity: 50 lbs (22.7 kg) Warranty: Lifetime for defects in materials or craftsmanship to original owner Material: 70-denier Hybrid Cordura Ripstop fabric, Durastretch panels, fiberglass composite Tepex frame. Color: Ribbon Red (a bright red) and putty (a neutral tan) with black accents. Long Term Report: Over the past six months I have had the opportunity to test the Granite Gear Nimbus Latitude Ki internal frame backpack. I have used the Ki in northern Indiana and in Michigan's Lower Peninsula. The temperature has ranged from 25 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit (-4 to 35 Celsius). The pack has seen dry days, snow, hail, and rain. I have used this pack on several day hikes, many training hikes, two overnight/two-day trips, and one 5-day, 72-mile (115.2 km) trip on Michigan's High Country Pathway. I have carried loads from 15 to 40 lbs (6.8 to 18.2 kg). I am currently training for my United States Forest Service Pack test. Due to circumstances beyond my control, I was not able to take my pack test before the long term review was due, though I still plan to use this pack for the test. I carry my pack in preparation for this test (to be taken some time in the spring of 2006) 2 or 3 times a week. Details on what is required for the USFS pack test are described in my initial report. Comfort and Fit In my field report I mentioned that the hip belt left sore spots on my hips after two days on the trail. I believe this is due to the material of my shorts bunching up under the hip belt. On subsequent trips I let the hip belt rest directly on the bare skin on my hips. I didn't get any sore spots, even after 5 days on the trail. For me in the summertime this is not a problem, but in wintertime it will be unpractical since I will not want to expose any skin. On my trip on the High Country Pathway I was carrying a load of about 40 lbs (18.2 kg) for five days over very hilly terrain in 90+ degree F heat (35+ C). My pack contained my sleeping pad, Beau's sleeping pad, my cookpot, stove, toilet kit, tent, water filter, food, water, and small miscellaneous items. The pack didn't cause any chafing, soreness, or other discomfort. It felt as good on day 5 as it did on day 1. I found that I could easily shift the load from my shoulders to my hips by loosening the load lifters and shoulder straps slightly. This was especially good on long stretches of flat trail. On steep climbs and descents I would tighten the straps back up and keep the load in close to my spine and never had any trouble with the pack weight throwing off my balance. The narrow profile was welcome on boardwalks and thick brush. Usability In my field report I reported that the water bladder pocket leaked and I was unsure if I would use it again. I did use it to store my 2-L Platypus water bladder, but I didn't use it with the same size Big Zip Hoser. This kept the water in the bladder cool for many hours. I reported having trouble reaching the upper external pockets while wearing the pack. I found a small zippered pouch that easily attached to the hip stabilizers on the hip belt to hold my camera, journal, and tail mix, keeping them in easy reach. The cord lock I complained about jamming in my initial and field reports has not actually jammed, I discovered. It locks open and can be unlocked by pressing two small bumps on the sides of the barrel. The long straps on the load lifters never gave me any trouble after the outing described in my initial report. I did use this pack to supplement my short sleeping pad. With the back panel on the ground I opened the top of the access panel a few inches and stuck my feet into the bag keeping them very warm. This was especially nice when the temps dipped near freezing. Durability One unintentional test was when I finished an overnight hike and left my dog (Beau, a 95 lb/43.2 kg Catahoula) in my Jeep unattended while I went into a gas station. Beau opened a zipper on the pack to get to a snack inside, presumably using his teeth. The pack didn't show any wear from this incident. The pack held up well to rain, the nylon and zippers didn't let my pack contents get wet. The only wear and tear on the pack, even after being: a seat trailside; a dog bed in the back of my Jeep; a foot warmer; opened by a dog; hurled around by the grab loop and shoulder straps, has been negligible. On the second day of my trip on the High Country Pathway one of the shoulder straps popped off when the bolt holding it in place came loose. I imagine that this is from the bolt loosening itself with movement. I was quickly able to make the repair with the Phillips screwdriver on my multi tool. I made a point to check the tightness on those connections regularly. I haven't noticed any tears, worn fabric, loose stitching or other issues. Likes
This pack has held up well to my backpacking, especially in thick brush, on hilly trails, and on narrow trails. The panel loading system is working quite well for me. The fit is excellent despite issues with my shorts. This pack has become my primary use pack and will be used when I do take my USFS pack test. I thank Backpack Gear Test and Granite Gear for the opportunity to test the Granite Gear Nimbus Latitude Ki. Read more reviews of Granite Gear gear Read more gear reviews by Amanda Tikkanen Reviews > Packs > Internal and External Framed Backpacks > Granite Gear Nimbus Latitude Ki > Amanda Tikkanen > Long Term Report | |||