Name: Ken Bigelow
Age: 26
Gender: Male
Height: 5’ 8” (1.7 m)
Weight: 205 lbs (93 kg)
Torso length: 20 in (51 cm)
Hip crest circumference: 38 in (97 cm)
Chest: 47 in (119 cm)
Email: krb84108@yahoo.com
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
Date: November 23, 2004

Backpacking Background:

I was first dragged on a backpacking trip seven years ago and have been addicted to it ever since. My adventures vary in length from a weekend to over two weeks. I consider myself a mid-weight backpacker, but still like to pack along a few luxuries, such as a tent. From fall through spring my adventures are in canyon country and in the summer I retreat to the mountains. I typically see a wide variety of climates ranging from 10 F (-12 C) with snow to 90 F (32 C) and sunny with just about everything in between.

Product Information:

Manufacturer: Granite Gear
Website: www.granitegear.com
Model: Stratus Access 5500 FZ Backpack
Year Manufactured: 2004
Listed Weight: 5 lbs 15 oz (2.7 kg)
Measured Weight: 5 lbs 15 oz (2.7 kg)
Volume Capacity: 5500 cubic inches (90 L)
Color: Burnt Brick
MSRP: $310 (US)

Initial Impressions:

The Stratus Access arrived on Friday November 19, 2004 and was exactly what I expected after visiting the website. The pack came with a detailed product description attached to one of the compression straps and inside the lid was an owner’s manual and couple of Granite Gear decals. The detailed product description is a laminated brochure describing the pack’s features, specifications Granite Gear’s contact information and their “Rock Solid Guarantee”. All of this data can also be found on Granite Gear’s website. Their easy to navigate website also has an abundance of useful information. Sizing Manuals, retail locations, detailed product descriptions and pictures all can be located at their website.

Granite Gear categorizes the Stratus Access 5500 FZ pack as a “Standard Packer” designed to carry a load of 45-60 lbs (20.4-27.3 kg). The lid can be removed and comes with a belt clip so it can be used as a fanny pack or pillow. The information manual also states that the lid belt clip can be used to replace the hip belt clip if needed. An interior lid pocket houses a bag with an extra ladderlock, buckle and framesheet screw inside. The bag attaches to the pocket through use of a clip.

The pack’s body contains the main feature for which the Access is named. The Main compartment has the standard drawstring cord at the top, but two zippers running vertically along the majority of the back allow a panel to open. Opening the “Access Panel” exposes the body’s interior which allows users to load the pack with gear quickly and easily. It should be noted that I usually pack all my gear in dry or stuff sacks. I am worried about loading smaller loose items through the panel opening as it is enormous and loose gear could possibly fall out without it being observed. The main body also has a hydration sleeve located in the main compartment. The sleeve has a zigzagging drawstring cord for adjustment. The sleeve was just barely large enough to fit my Camelbak 100 oz. (3 L) bladder inside. There is a small opening at the top of the pack for the bladder hose and valve.

Another one of the pack’s many unique features is its framesheet. The framesheet is designed to evenly distribute the pack load thereby providing a comfortable hauling experience. The framesheet can easily be removed. Instructions for doing so are located in the owner’s manual. Separating the framesheet from the rest of the pack is the proper way to adjust the shoulder straps. The framesheet has five pairs of holes in it. Each pair corresponds to a different size torso. A small Phillips screw attaches the shoulder straps to the framesheet with a mounting bar supplying the anchor for the screw. The shoulder straps have three holes in each strap to allow for shorter, regular or longer strap settings. This versatile system allows the pack to be more customized and hopefully more comfortable than any other pack I have ever examined. Reinserting the framesheet was fairly simple and overall the adjustment of the pack is fast and simple. The downside is that making adjustments does require a Phillips screwdriver so fine-tuning in the field will mean hauling along a screwdriver or leatherman with a screw driving device.

The two side pockets are made of Durastretch and not (I’m happy to report) mesh. The pockets are more than large enough to hold my 50 oz (1.5 L) canteens. The rest of the pack is made of Cordura fabric which is supposed to be stronger and more durable than regular nylon yarns. The manufacturer claims the lid zippers are water-resistant for added protection.

Testing Locations:

I will initially test the pack on five or six backpacking trip throughout Southern Utah while backpacking in Canyonlands National Park and the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. Additional testing will be conducted in the Mountains of Utah including Fishlake National Forest and Dixie National Forest. The elevation should range between 4000 ft (1220 m) and 9000 ft (2743 m). Temperatures could vary from 0 F (-18 C) to 70 F (21 C).

Testing Plan:

Some of the features I intend to examine over the course of the test period include:

Comfort - Since I primarily will be backpacking in colder temperatures, I will be taking extra gear (primarily clothing for warmth). The desert terrain will also force me to pack in drinking water for a few of my planned trips. Both these nuances require me to carry larger loads and require me to have supplementary pack space. Will the pack allow me to comfortably haul the amplified load? Will the Access evenly distribute the weight to my hips and shoulders? If so, can it be adjusted so either the hips or the shoulders take more of the load?

Performance - Will the “3D Tepex frame technology and dual density back padding combined with a beefy well padded exoskeleton hip belt and…unique Cruise Control Dynamic Load Stabilizing System” help me keep my balance as I traverse mountain trails and canyon slickrock? Does the system allow for full hip rotation as advertised? Will strap adjustments prevent the pack from swaying side to side or sag while hiking? How far can I bend over with the pack on and maintain my balance? If the pack is not full, will the compression straps significantly help stabilize a lighter load? Does the pack allow me to have adequate head movement? How water resistant is the pack and the zippers?

Durability – At rest stops and in camp my pack will double as a stool, pillow, table and footrest. All this versatility puts my pack through considerable abuse. Will the Access or its framing system rip, tear or in any other way be damaged by my harsh treatment? Will the zippers snag easily? Will the side pockets snag easily like mesh?

For all trips I’ll record the items I carried along with their volume and weight. I shall also note the weather and trail conditions encountered.

Summary:

Things I liked:

Extremely adjustable for a more customized fit
Easy access to the main compartment
Excellent hydration sleeve
Side pockets are not mesh
Removable lid

Concerns:

No additional compartments for loose gear

I would like to thank BackpackGearTest and Granite Gear for allowing me to participate in this test.

Read more reviews of Granite Gear gear
Read more gear reviews by Ken Bigelow

Initial Report

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