Detailed Appraisal of Granite Gear Kahiltna 29 Backpack
In recent years, Granite Gear has established itself as a distinguished ultralight pack specialist, renowned for its mastery of trimming weight without compromising functionality and comfort. However, the newly unveiled Kahiltna 29 pack weighs a relatively substantial 2 lbs. 2 oz., a surprising departure from the lightweight norm. After months of using the pack for daily commuting, hiking, snowshoeing, and as a school bag, we find ourselves captivated by its prowess. The Kahiltna, a heavy-duty technical pack, offers exceptional support and comfort, making it an ideal companion for various daily activities. Those seeking a comprehensive evaluation of the pack can refer to our article on Top Daypacks. For overnight or extended trips, we have also prepared a detailed analysis on Backpacking Packs.
Performance
Materials and Construction
Remaining loyal to its reputation, the Granite Gear Kahiltna 29 is skillfully crafted with resilient fabrics meant to withstand wear and tear, while incorporating weight reduction measures where feasible. Witness the varying widths of webbing, a design choice that exhibits wisdom. Load-bearing areas like the hipbelt and shoulder straps feature wider, robust webbing, while areas experiencing lesser strain such as the sternum strap and side compression straps boast narrower webbing and buckles. This thoughtful construction contributes to the pack's lighter weight compared to its competitors.
At the $140 price point, one can expect top-notch zippers and buckles. Despite the use of slimmer webbing, the hardware is robust and the plastics have a premium feel. A comparison with a more budget-friendly REI bag brought to light Granite Gear's dedication to quality—the cheaper alternatives feel less sturdy, with a higher tendency for stitching to fray. The discerning hiker, traveler, or commuter will appreciate the durability of the Kahiltna 29.
Organization
Both expansive zippered front pockets can accommodate substantial loads. The main compartment offers ample room for essential gear needed for a long hike in inclement weather. During testing, we managed to fit in a few down jackets and rain jackets, along with a couple of lunches, with space to spare. The front organization pocket seems geared towards school or everyday usage, featuring a zippered mesh pocket and slots for writing instruments.
Displaying its multi-purpose nature, the hydration sleeve nestled within the main compartment along the backpanel serves double duty as a laptop case. All laptop sizes we tested, including a rather thick 15-inch model, fit comfortably into the sleeve. Granite Gear claims to accommodate a 17-inch laptop (with reservations if it's housed in a case), though we think this might be a tight fit. A single Velcro strap hangs from the top of the pack to secure water bladders of all types.
For the 29-liter capacity and potential school applications, we'd prefer an additional pocket, preferably located atop the pack for smaller items. This minor improvement would enhance the organization further. Beyond this minor critique, we believe the design to be very well thought out. The pack includes two large zippered hipbelt pockets that easily accommodate smartphones (verified with an iPhone 5c shielded by a LifeProof case) and headlamps during early morning hikes. The shoulder straps feature built-in mesh pockets suitable for smaller items. The iPhone (without its case) fits comfortably in these stretchy pockets.
Features
One advantage of eschewing an all-out ultralight approach is preserving a robust feature set. The Kahiltna 29 boasts an impressive array of features one might expect in a hiking-ready daypack. The rain cover, stashed in a zippered pocket at the pack's base, can be swiftly deployed when the weather takes a turn for the worse—a valuable asset for commuters and year-round hikers navigating Seattle's capricious weather. The high-visibility canary yellow raincover stands out in the city as an added bonus.
Removable with ease, the hipbelt is another laudable feature. Its absence becomes useful when carrying a lighter load. By simply threading the lower stabilizer straps back through their ladder-lock buckles and pulling the hipbelt from either end, it slides off effortlessly. The pack comes equipped with two ice axe loops, a potent top haul loop, and two stretchy mesh water bottle pockets well-suited to various bottle sizes.
Fit and Comfort
Slipping on the bag immediately reveals its ambitions as a heavy-duty daypack. The Kahiltna 29 boasts the customizable fit of a larger backpacking pack. A multitude of adjustments—load-lifter straps, lower stabilizer straps, a sturdy sternum strap, and effective hipbelt strap adjustments—work together to dial in the perfect fit. Dual side compression straps help snug the pack against one's back, an appreciated feature during hikes with either light or bulky loads. Many packs this size and style only offer a single, less effective top side compression strap. We appreciate the inclusion of an additional strap on the Kahiltna 29.
Thick, supportive hipbelts and shoulder straps contribute to a high level of comfort on the trail. They offer padding that gradually molds to the user, mirroring the comfort of a quality bike saddle. The backpanel features a rigid HDPE framesheet that adequately isolates the back from carried gear. While the foam along the backpanel is comfortable, ventilation could be improved. The small channels created by the offsetting foam heights do not promote airflow well, a common issue with packs of this style. Upgrading to a full mesh suspended system would have sacrificed some pack capacity, so the compromise is understandable.
Best Uses
The Kahiltna 29 serves a variety of purposes well. Its high capacity and effective organization, coupled with the reflective tabs and built-in raincover, make it an excellent option for commuting to work and school. Should the need arise, reinstalling the hipbelt readies the pack for weekend excursions, taking advantage of its comfortable performance fit. However, the pack's weight and hipbelt design render it less suitable for bike commuting. Beyond these two applications, it shines in all other roles.
The Competition
In the larger daypack market, the Kahiltna holds its ground in a unique, middle ground. It excels at multiple tasks where other bags with a similar dual purpose (such as offerings from The North Face) struggle to maintain their versatility. When employed as a serious day hiker, the Kahiltna's additional organization and increased capacity prove beneficial.
Retailing for $140, the Kahiltna is pricier than other daypacks, particularly when compared to dedicated hiking packs like the Osprey Stratos series. If spending most of one's time on the trail, these packs offer better value. However, for the quality of materials and comfort, we find the Kahiltna to be reasonably priced. Its value hinges on how one plans to use the pack. As a casual everyday item, the Kahiltna 29 is a costly choice. Nevertheless, enthusiasts seeking a versatile pack suitable for both city and backcountry adventures will find the Kahiltna 29 a compelling option.
- The Kahiltna 29 pack, despite its heavier weight, demonstrates outstanding performance in various activities such as daily commuting, hiking, snowshoeing, and even as a school bag.
- For individuals looking for an ideal daypack for travel, outdoor-living, or home-and-garden expeditions, Granite Gear's Top Daypacks article provides a comprehensive evaluation of the Kahiltna 29.
- Dedicated backpackers can find a detailed analysis on backpacking packs, including the Kahiltna 29, in our specialized backpacking article.
- Boasting exceptional materials and construction, the Kahiltna 29 features resilient fabrics, top-notch zippers, and robust buckles, making it an ideal choice for those who demand durability in their lifestyle and outdoor-living gear.
