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Long-term Report:
Over the complete test period I have used the Granite Gear
Stratus Latitude on a seven day walk
in the Fitzgerald River National Park, on a weekend walk in the Julimar
Conservation Reserve, a short "car-camping" trip to 37 Mile Break in the
Avon Valley National Park, a short overnight walk (10 km / 6 mi) to
Shapcotts Campsite on the Coastal Plains Walk Trail via the Ghost House
Ruins Trail and on an aborted weekend of geocaching and backpacking in the
Wandoo National Park (13 km / 8 mi), for a total of 13 days of walking. I also had the
Stratus Latitude loaded up on the Fitzgerald River National Park walk.
Some days
easily coming within the recommend maximum load weight of 50 lb (23 kg) if
not exceeding it, as I carried a full food load for the week (no food drops)
and on some days had up to carry nine litres of water (9.5 qt). Also the
Fitzgerald River National Park walk was through harsh terrain and scrub
which on some days had me wearing long pants (I always walk in shorts in
gaiters) and gardening gloves. The pack was put through its paces, that is
for sure.
In terms of weather conditions, only one day significant
rain was experienced on the aborted Wandoo National Park walk. The
continuous heavy rain combined with the possibility of hours sheltering in
tents drove us back to the cars. I used the
Stratus Latitude in combination with a pack cover on this day's walking.
Moving on from the trip reports and referring back to my
Initial Report, I noted my intention to test the following aspects. My
overall testing experiences have been added.
- Carrying capacity and packing style required with this front loading
pack design:
In the Initial Report, I made the
comment that "my initial impression (later confirmed when I
packed this pack for the second time before heading out the door) was that
my loose packing style is not really suited for this pack, rather that I
need to make much greater use of stuff sacks or dry-bags to
compartmentalise my gear." My experience to date has confirmed this
belief and I am getting pretty used to this approach now. In fact I now
have my gear semi-packed in stuff sacks ready to go on the next walk!
Thanks Granite Gear for organising me!
- Durability of the Cordura material to with stand harsh
environments:
The Stratus Latitude durability was put
to the test on the Fitzgerald River National Park walk, one the harshest
walks in Western Australia, particular in terms of the amount of off-track
walking (read walking/pushing/fighting) ones way through dense and very
aggressive scratchy bush. Further testing, whilst not in as harsh
an environment, has continued to test the durability of the material. No signs
of wear or tear have been noted. I am impressed with the durability of the
Cordura material.
- Durability, functionality and water-resistance of the
stretch panel zips:
Overall I am very happy with the
durability and functionality of the stretch panel zips. I am rapidly
adapting to Stratus Latitude packing style.
As Western Australia has experienced a
very dry winter, my wet weather testing has been limited and where it has
rained I have used a nylon pack cover. That said the combination seems to
work well with the pack and contents staying dry.
- Functionality of the hydration bladder sleeve
and outlet:
My comments as reported in my
Field Report stand and are repeated here: "I like this hydration bladder sleeve. Even though the
bladders are stored upright, the use of the stretch code over the bladder
ensures sufficient pressure is applied to the bladder to ensure continued
flow of liquid until the bladder runs dry. I have used
Platypus 3 L Hoser bladders and a
MSR CloudLiner bladder in the pack. Both have worked without any
issues. I have found outlet location to be fine, not causing me any
issues.
My only negative is that particularly with the Platypus
3 L Hoser is full, l find the bladder imposes into the packing space,
creating a lump running down the centre of the pack, which is harder to
pack around."
- The functioning, comfort and load carrying capacity of
the framesheet will be re-examined in the context of this larger capacity
backpack:
This test focus relates to my early testing of the same
framesheet design with the smaller
Granite Gear Nimbus Ozone. As with the previous test, I am very impressed
with the framesheet design. I have found that it handles the heavy loads
inherent with the Stratus Latitude quite well. Overall I am very happy
with the framesheet design.
- The comfort of the back pad, its water resistance and
ability to dry quickly:
On the comfort
front, I have found the pad to be supporting and comfortable. In respect
of water resistance, on the day of continuous rain in the Wandoo National
Park it didn't take long for the hip belt and back pad to start taking up
water. I wouldn't describe either as water resistance. Once I got home I
hung the pack out to dry and it seem to dry pretty quickly overnight in
good conditions (windy, but sheltered from the rain).
- Based on my Nimbus Ozone experience I ordered the
Stratus Latitude with the same sized shoulder straps and hip belt. There
comfort and functionality will be tested further:
As reported above in respect of the framesheet design, I
am happy with the shoulder straps and hip belt.
- Usefulness of the top pocket:
As reported in my
Field Report, "I have found the top pocket quite useful. I put in the
pocket all things I want quick and dirty access to such as my rain jacket,
pack cover, sunscreen, headlight etc. The top pocket seems to swallow-up a lot gear
making it easy to get to without having to fully open up the pack."
- Usefulness of the side pockets:
I find the side pockets handy. I tend to use them to
hold snacks on one side and my dunny spade on the other. There are
plenty of straps over the pockets to ensure everything is held in well. I
haven't lost anything so far from the pockets
Overall I am very happy with the Granite
Gear Stratus Latitude and will continue to use it as my long-distance pack.
My thanks to
BackpackGearTest.org and
Granite Gear for being able to participate in this test.
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