Outdoor Retailer, SLC Utah
Words/Images Judith Ecochard
Twenty-five years of gear-keeps celebrating into Fall 2011 for Granite Gear.
We took in the maker of backpacks/drysacs/dog and canoe gear...and like the Spring 2011 gear---we walked away super impressed.
New for 2011 is the BLAZE A.C. 60 ($199.95)---an ultralight lidless top loader good for long distance hiking---that features G.G's acclaimed engineered Air Current™frame that consists of molded ABS sheet and molded foam pad...that contours with one's back/engineered to flex when you do---and with integrated air channels---to vent heat and moisture.
PLUS: The arched Line-Loc compression system allows for cinching in all directions---for easy gear attachments to the pack.
AND: Easy torso size adjustable, a swap/switch it hip belt---for a man or woman, a tall spindrift opening--- can cinched down for weather resistance or expanded for more room, stretch side pockets and a tall front center pocket can hold wet tarp/tent..
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| Weight saving replaceable LineLoc cords instead of metal clips |
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| EVA FOAM padded back |
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| The frame---solid ABS, not uncomfortable/breakable plastic |
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| Air channels |
FYI: Granite Gear sponsors athletes including Gregg Treinish---leading light of the incredible non-profit Adventurers and Scientists for Conservation (www.adventureandscience.org)---"...dedicated to increasing the availability of scientific knowledge through partnerships between adventure athletes and scientists."
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| We concur with the thumbs up |
GRANITE TACTICAL GEAR makes technically advanced/ innovative, functional and durable gear for the military using the best USA sourced materials (like Cordura® Brand fabrics and webbing woven with Cordura® Brand yarns, ITW Nexus Ghillie TEX™ hardware, IDEAL® Zippers...etc)---meeting all the compliance requirements including manufacturing and NIR.
We liked the "...how to solve problems..." approach...
There was a lot of new attachable bags/packs/models for Fall 2011, we could barely keep up with the Granite Gear employee who led us around the multi cam packs (with color options in Coyote and Black too).
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| Composite Hybrid Interchangeable Ergonomic Framesheet (C.H.I.E.F.) available with Body Armor Compatible Harness |
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New Direct Action Medical Rescue Packs/ Systems---with a modular system that allows for customization ---including an armor mounting system, adaptable bungee cinch system inner pockets and or panels that secure to the inside with a hook and loop connection system for easy access...
DA-Med Packs...and pouches.
DA-Med Organizer Panels and CTW Pockets---versatile with adaptable bungee cinch system
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| Padded |
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| Dragster system -collaborative effort with SOF Snipers ---zips open, lays flat shoulder straps and and handles tuck away into zippered compartments ---3 pocket systems-for essentials, including a "place for his chew." |
ALSO:
ÜBERLIGHT Cubic Tech® Flexible Fiber Film 3 (CTF3) DRYSACK-with waterproof rolltop closures, stitch free body seams, space saving shapes...
