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Stratus
Access FZ Backpack
An innovative design from Granite Gear
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Outdoor Adventure Canada
 Gear
manufacturers have to constantly come up with innovative designs
to please the modern day adventurer. Quality, versatility and
loads of features play key roles in the decisions we make when
we purchase new equipment.
Granite Gear
stepped up to the plate when they designed the Stratus Access
FZ backpack. If you require a pack that will take abuse and stand
up over the test of time, then consider this one. The Stratus
Access FZ is 20% lighter than Granite Gear's standard Stratus
Pack.
I was testing
the 4500 cubic inch model which is the smaller of the two in the
Stratus line. Granite Gear uses a molded 3-D Tepex® framesheet
and a main pack body made of Rex Twill which is a nylon/polyester
blend. The end result is a pack that flexes and moves with you
causing less muscle fatigue.
I was impressed
with the performance of the pack and really enjoyed the front
loading design. The front of the pack opens up using heavy duty
#10 YKK zippers allowing you to get to any spot without disturbing
any of the other contents. The whole load is then stabilized with
an inner and outer compression system. The exterior set of compression
straps completes the access system providing ample room for your
rain gear or sleeping pad.
Granite Gear
realizes comfort and versatility mean everything so they made
different size frame sheets, shoulder straps and hip belts to
make your pack fit like a glove. Once you have your framesheet
system set up you can purchase different style pack bodies which
reduces the cost of purchasing a complete pack for each outdoor
activity you're doing.
I've used
the pack on some real high mileage days and didn't experience
any rubbing or fatigue, I found the pack to be comfortable and
stable.
Additional
information is available at www.granitegear.com.
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