The customization options in Granite Gear’s Perimeter Pack series (both women’s and unisex models) aims to benefit hikers not normally catered to with one-size-fits-all options.
I took the Women’s Perimeter 35L for a spin on segments of the Mountains to Sea Trail along the Blue Ridge Parkway and on the Appalachian Trail in Virginia. This pack saw everything from rainy days to the ever-changing steep grade the AT is known for. Fully packed with water and food, I was carrying around 20 lbs in this pack each time I hit the trail, cumbersome bear canister included.
Is this flush-with-features pack worth the weight? Read on to find out.
Features
- Perimeter Suspension System supports ergonomic form with a 40 lbs load rating
- Shoulder Width Adjustment, regular and wide settings
- Adjustable torso height
- RE-FIT waist belt with dual large hip belt pockets
- Shoulder harness with load-lifter straps, removable sternum strap, and whistle buckle
- Cinch-and-roll closure with crossing webbing straps
- Removable lid flap
- Bottom flap with zippered pocket
- Stretch woven front pocket and side pockets
- Hydration port and internal hydration sleeve
- Side compression straps
Specs
- Price: $229.95
- Volume: 35L
- Weight: 3 lbs
- Materials: Robic high tenacity nylon (100D and custom 210D) and Spring Steel for rod outline with polyethylene board (PE sheet) core
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Dimensions: 22.5” x 15” x 7.5”
Things I Liked
Comfort - If you’re seeking a lightweight pack that prioritizes comfort, this may be the perfect pack for you. This is especially true if you struggle to find a pack that fits your body type well. Additionally, the Perimeter Suspension System supports ergonomic form, and the padding at every contact point makes for an exceptionally smooth ride.
Customization - As more and more folks flock to the outdoors, gear designers are redefining what “one size fits all” truly means. There are several features on this pack — such as the shoulder width adjustment, torso height adjustment and hip belt adjustment — that work in tandem to create a fully customizable fit.
Capacity - When in bear-itory I always bring a canister to protect my food and look out for our wild friends’ best interest. It’s by far the most cumbersome piece of gear I own, and awkward to pack on the best of days. Thankfully, the Perimeter 35L had no issue at all handling this challenge. After I easily fit my 20 degree bag, 2 person tent and clothes in the main compartment of the pack, there was still plenty of room left over for the canister.
Bottom flap with zippered pocket - I’m always looking for ways to make my days on trail more convenient, and this feature stood out as one of my favorites. Have you ever seen a more perfect spot for your toiletry kit? Additionally, I use a foam sleeping pad, which fits perfectly underneath this strap, making it available as an easy-access sit pad during the day.
Things to Note
Side pocket and hip belt capacity - Once my pack is buttoned up for the day, I like to keep it that way. That means I use my exterior pockets to their full capacity on most packs I own. The Perimeter 35L has plenty of interior storage, but I would’ve liked to see a bit more capacity in the hip belt and side pockets. I pushed the side pockets to the max with a 1L SmartWater Bottle and a PEDCO tripod, on one side, and a 1L SmartWater Bottle and a ZPacks UL Umbrella, on the other.
Cinching down - I’m as big a fan of a compact pack as the next hiker, but there are a few straps that seem excessive to me. Then again, this may just be my ultralight senses tingling.
Use a pack cover or interior liner - This pack is not waterproof, so bringing along a pack cover or pack liner is necessary for weather protection.
Bottom Line
This pack is a huge step forward for increasing accessibility in the outdoors for folks of all shapes and sizes. Ensuring everyone has access to comfortable gear with a fit that feels customized to their body is what Granite Gear set out to do with the Perimeter series, and as far as I’m concerned they’ve produced a quality product. While I may yearn for more easily accessible exterior storage, the Perimeter 35 overall gets two trekking poles up.
This product was donated for the purpose of a review.
