If you are planning your next adventure trip and torn between tw0 of the best hiking backpacks- Granite Gear Blaze 60 and Osprey Atmos 65- I’ve been there too.
This isn’t just another spec rundown—you’ll get my personal experience with these backpacks, what I loved, what frustrated me, and which one might be the best fit for your needs.
So without further ado…
Let’s, walkthrough these two amazing hiking backpacks…
Granite Gear 60 Vs. Osprey Atmos 65: Similarities And Differences
Table of Contents
Granite Gear Blaze 60
Volume: 60L
Sizes: 3 unisex and 2 women’s, adjustable
Access: Top
Hydration: Yes
Material: 100D Robic High Tenacity Nylon With Barrier DWR Main Body
Seeling Bag Compartment: No
Weight: 3 lbs
Weight Hauling Capacity: 45+lbs
Special Features:
- Lightweight Backpack.
- Comfortable with heavy loads.
- 6 thoughtfully designed pockets.
- Fully adjustable torso length, shoulder straps, and hip belt.
Downside:
- Buckles are small and tricky to use with gloves.
Osprey Atmos 65
Volume: 65L
Sizes: 3 men’s and women’s, adjustable
Access: Top + Sleeping Bag Compartment
Hydration: Yes
Material:
MAIN: 100D X 630D Nylon Dobby
ACCENT: 210D High Tenacity Nylon
BOTTOM: 420HD Nylon Packcloth
Seeling Bag Compartment: yes
Weight: 4.5 lbs
Weight Hauling Capacity: 45 to 50 lbs
Special Features:
- 9 thoughtfully designed pockets.
- Excellent ventilation with the Anti-Gravity suspension.
- Unique harness.
- Great trekking pole attachment system.
Downside:
- Can feel uncomfortable when carrying more than 40 lbs.
At this point, you have the specs, but how do they actually feel on the trail? That’s where things get interesting.
Osprey Atmos AG 65L Vs. Granite Gear Blaze 60L Rating Chart
Suspension And Comfort
- Granite Gear –> 8/10
- Osprey Atmos –> 8/10
Weight
- Granite Gear –> 9/10
- Osprey Atmos –> 8/10
Features & Ease Of Use
- Granite Gear –> 9/10
- Osprey Atmos –> 8/10
Ventilation
- Osprey Atmos –> 9/10
- Granite Gear –> 8/10
Waterproof Body
- Granite Gear –> 9/10
- Osprey Atmos –> 9/10
Fitting & Adjustability
- Granite Gear –> 9/10
- Osprey Atmos –> 9/10
These two backpacks are best for a weekend hiking trip. You can easily go for a 5 to 6 days hiking trip with any one of them.
but the question is which one feels more comfortable, durable, and functional so that you can enjoy your outdoor trip fullest.
Suspension & Comfort: Which One Feels Better on the Trail?
Granite Gear Blaze 60L
The Granite Gear Blaze 60 is one of those rare lightweight backpacks that can comfortably haul over 45 lbs without feeling like it’s cutting into your shoulders. I took this pack on a 5-day backpacking trip through some rough terrain, and it handled the load beautifully.
What I loved:
- The Air Current frame flexes naturally with my movement, which made it comfortable over long miles.
- The hip belt is fantastic—it really does an amazing job of transferring weight off the shoulders.
- The foam padding is firm yet forgiving, giving solid support without feeling too stiff.
What I didn’t love:
- The shoulder straps and hip belt feel sweaty on hot days since they lack the plush mesh ventilation that Osprey offers.
- The buckles are small, making them a pain to adjust when wearing gloves.
Bottom Line:
If you’re carrying a heavier load, the Granite Gear Blaze 60 is the better choice because it keeps the weight balanced and secure without feeling bulky.
Osprey Atmos AG 65L
The Osprey Atmos 65 is all about comfort, especially in warm weather. I took it on a summer backpacking trip, and the ventilation was a game-changer.
What I loved:
- The Anti-Gravity Suspension makes the pack feel lighter than it is by distributing weight more evenly.
- The ventilated mesh back panel keeps air flowing, so I never got that sticky, sweaty back feeling.
- The shoulder straps are cushy and feel great even on long hikes.
What I didn’t love:
- The hip belt is fully suspended, which feels great with a moderate load but starts to strain past 40 lbs.
- While comfortable, it’s heavier than the Blaze 60 by about 1.5 lbs, which adds up over a long trek.
Bottom Line:
If you prioritize ventilation and comfort over pure weight savings, the Osprey Atmos 65 is the better choice—but if you’re carrying a heavy load, the hip belt starts to struggle.
Weight: Ultralight vs. Extra Features
Granite Gear Blaze 60L: 3lbs
Osprey Atmos 65L: 4.5 lbs
That’s a 1.5 lb difference, which might not sound like much, but on a long hike, every ounce matters.
- If you’re going ultralight, the Blaze 60 wins hands down.
- If you don’t mind carrying a little extra weight for more pockets and ventilation, then the Atmos 65 is still a solid choice.
Final Thoughts on Comfort & Weight
- If you carry heavy loads (45+ lbs) → Go with the Granite Gear Blaze 60. It’s lightweight but still built to handle serious weight.
- If you want the most comfortable & ventilated pack (but carry less than 40 lbs) → Go with the Osprey Atmos 65. It’s super breathable and feels great on your back.
Features & Organization: Which One Makes Packing & Access Easier?
Granite Gear Blaze 60: Minimalist & Efficient
The Granite Gear Blaze 60 is all about balancing weight and functionality. It keeps things simple but nails the essentials with well-placed pockets and smart storage options.
Granite Gear comes with several useful features such as:
- Pretty large hip belt pocket (Better than Osprey Atmos)
- Nice large side pockets
- Stretchy mesh pockets
- Nice Top Lid (Removable)
- The front has a hidden long zip for quick accessibility.
Large Hip Belt Pockets- One of my favorite features. They’re spacious, making it easy to stash a map, snacks, a headlamp, smartphone or even my GoPro. Compared to the Osprey Atmos, these pockets are noticeably bigger and more practical.
Deep side water bottle pockets-
When I first got my hands on this backpack, I was blown away by the sheer size of the side water bottle pockets. They’re enormous—each one easily fits two water bottles without a struggle. What really impressed me, though, was how secure everything felt thanks to the shock cord that cinches the top. No matter how much I moved around, nothing flopped out, which was a huge relief during long hikes.
During one of my trips, I decided to test the limits of these pockets. To my surprise, I managed to fit a 750-milliliter pot and a Smartwater bottle in one side pocket—and it held up perfectly throughout the day.
Stretchy front mesh pocket – Perfect for stashing my rain gear, pack cover, or an extra layer. Quick access when I need it.
Removable top lid – I love using it as a minimalist waist pack for short hikes away from camp. It’s compact but great for storing toiletries or snacks.
Hidden front zip – A long vertical zipper provides easy access to the main compartment without unpacking everything.
Compression straps – Three on the front and three on the sides. Great for keeping everything snug and secure, especially tent poles or extra gear.
Osprey Atmos AG 65L Features
The Osprey Atmos is all about comfort and organization. If you love having dedicated spaces for everything, this pack is a solid choice.
Osprey Atmos also comes with some unique features such as:
- Spacious and well-designed hip belt pockets.
- Nice and spacious water bottle pockets.
- Stretchy mesh stuff in the pocket.
- Sleeping bag compartment with removable divider. (missing in Granite Gear)
- Removable top lid, that can be used as a fanny pack using the waist belt.
I really impressed with the 9 thoughtfully designed pockets for different purposes while Granite Gear comes with only 6 organization pockets.
Hip belt pockets – Spacious, just like the Blaze 60’s, but with a more structured design. Great for keeping essentials within reach.
Angled water bottle pockets – A unique feature. The forward-tilted design makes grabbing bottles easier on the go, though larger bottles can bump against your elbows.
Stretchy front mesh pocket – Similar to the Blaze 60, great for quick-access gear like a rain jacket or fuel canister.
Sleeping bag compartment with removable divider – A big advantage over the Blaze 60. Keeps my sleeping bag separate from the rest of my gear, and I can remove the divider if I need more space.
Removable top lid – Just like the Blaze 60, but Osprey takes it a step further—it transforms into a functional fanny pack using the waist belt. A great feature for side hikes.
Compression straps – Two large ones on the front, great for securing a sleeping pad.
Where the Atmos shines is in its nine pockets, compared to the Blaze 60’s six. If you prefer a highly organized pack, this is a huge plus. The trade-off? It’s slightly heavier and bulkier.
Key Differences:
Hip belt pockets: Blaze 60’s are larger; Atmos has a more structured design.
Water bottle pockets: Blaze 60’s are deep but vertical; Atmos offers forward-angled access.
Sleeping bag compartment: Only on the Atmos, making it more organized.
Top lid usability: Both are removable, but the Atmos lid doubles as a fanny pack.
Number of pockets: Atmos (9) offers more organization; Blaze 60 (6) keeps it simpler.
If you want a lightweight, no-nonsense pack with excellent storage, the Blaze 60 is a great pick. If you prefer more compartments and better organization, the Atmos 65 has the edge. It all comes down to what fits your packing style!
Fitting And Adjustability
Finding the right fit in a backpack can make or break a long trek, and both the Granite Gear Blaze 60 and Osprey Atmos 65 offer solid adjustability—but in very different ways.
Granite Gear Blaze 60: Fully Adjustable but Requires Effort
The Blaze 60’s Air Current Frame comes in three different torso sizes—Short, Regular, and Long. Each of these has four attachment points for the shoulder straps, which means you can really fine-tune the fit. The adjustability is fantastic, but I’ll be honest—it took me some trial and error to find the sweet spot.
One of the big selling points is the Re-Fit hip belt, which expands from 26 to 42 inches. While it’s a great feature on paper, I found the adjustment process frustrating. Detaching and readjusting the hip belt isn’t as smooth as Granite Gear claims, and I had to wrestle with it a bit to get it set up properly.
That said, once everything is dialed in, the pack feels incredibly secure, even with heavier loads. The hip belt does a better job of supporting weight beyond 40 pounds compared to the Atmos. So, if you’re carrying a heavier pack, the Blaze 60 will likely feel more stable and supportive over long distances.
Osprey Atmos 65: Instant Comfort, Less Effective With Heavy Loads
Osprey takes a different approach with its Fit-on-the-Fly system, and I have to say—it’s much easier to use than the Blaze’s manual adjustments. The shoulder straps and hip belt adjust vertically, and I was able to fine-tune the fit within minutes, without the hassle of detaching anything.
The hip belt itself is super comfortable, with padding that really molds to the body. It can adjust up to six inches, which should fit most waist sizes. However, there’s one downside—while it works beautifully up to 40 pounds, I noticed that beyond this weight, the support starts to decline.
The hip belt doesn’t distribute the load as well as the Blaze 60, making longer treks with heavier gear less comfortable.
Key Differences in Fit and Adjustability:
- Blaze 60 offers a more customizable fit with multiple torso sizes and four shoulder strap attachment points—but takes effort to adjust properly.
- Atmos 65 has an easier, more intuitive Fit-on-the-Fly system, making adjustments quick and hassle-free.
- Blaze 60’s Re-Fit hip belt is adjustable between 26-42 inches, but adjusting it is a bit of a pain.
- Atmos 65’s hip belt is more comfortable for lighter loads but loses efficiency above 40 pounds, where the Blaze 60 feels more supportive.
- If you’re carrying heavier loads on long trips, the Blaze 60 is the better choice. If you want instant comfort with easier adjustments, the Atmos 65 wins.
In the end, it comes down to preference—do you want a pack that requires effort but offers superior weight support (Blaze 60), or one that fits instantly but struggles with heavier loads (Atmos 65)?
Which One Is Worth Buying: Granite Gear 60 or Osprey Atmos 65?
Both the Granite Gear Blaze 60 and Osprey Atmos 65 are excellent backpacks, but they cater to different types of hikers. After comparing them across various factors like comfort, adjustability, weight capacity, and features, here’s the final breakdown:
- Choose the Blaze 60 if you prioritize lightweight design, superior load distribution, and carrying heavier loads with comfort. It’s an excellent choice for ultralight backpackers or those tackling longer expeditions with heavier gear.
- Go for the Atmos 65 if you want instant comfort, better ventilation, and an easier adjustment system. It’s perfect for moderate loads, especially for weekend trips or well-maintained trails.
Final Comparison: Granite Gear Blaze 60 vs. Osprey Atmos 65
| Feature | Granite Gear Blaze 60 | Osprey Atmos 65 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 3 lbs (lighter) | 4.5 lbs (heavier) |
| Load Capacity | Carries heavy loads (50+ lbs) comfortably | Comfortable up to 40 lbs, struggles beyond that |
| Ventilation | Minimal back ventilation | Superior Anti-Gravity (AG) system for airflow |
| Hip Belt & Comfort | Best for heavy loads but harder to adjust | Easier to adjust, but less effective for heavy loads |
| Adjustability | Highly customizable but requires effort | Easy Fit-on-the-Fly system (quick and intuitive) |
| Storage & Organization | Fewer pockets (6) but highly functional | More pockets (9) & better organization |
| Top Lid | Removable, doubles as a waist pack | Removable, converts into a fanny pack |
| Best For | Ultralight hikers, long expeditions, heavy loads | Casual hikers, weekend trips, lighter loads |
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
- For long-distance hikers, ultralight enthusiasts, or those carrying heavier gear → Go for the Granite Gear Blaze 60.
- For hikers who want comfort, great ventilation, and easy adjustability for moderate loads → Choose the Osprey Atmos 65.
If you prioritize weight savings, durability, and carrying efficiency, the Blaze 60 is the smarter choice. But if you want instant comfort, great ventilation, and an easier setup, then the Atmos 65 is the better option.
At the end of the day, it depends on your hiking style—light and fast or comfortable and breathable? Hopefully, this breakdown helps you make the best choice!
Osprey Atmos 65 AG Vs. Granite Gear Blaze 60L: (FAQs)
Q.1 Which backpack is better for carrying heavy loads?
Ans: The Granite Gear Blaze 60 handles heavy loads (50+ lbs) better, thanks to its supportive hip belt and load distribution. The Osprey Atmos 65 is comfortable up to 40 lbs, but beyond that, it may feel less supportive.
Q.2 Which one is more comfortable for long hikes?
Ans: The Osprey Atmos 65 is more comfortable for moderate loads, especially with its Anti-Gravity (AG) suspension. However, for longer expeditions or heavy loads, the Blaze 60 is the better option due to its superior weight distribution.
Q.3 Is Osprey Atmos AG 65L Waterproof?
Ans: Ospreay Atmos is also not fully waterproof. Its body comes with a water-repellent coating. Good to carry additional rain cover along with your backpack to ensure maximum protection from the water’s wrath.
Q.4 Does the Granite Gear Blaze 60 have better storage than the Osprey Atmos 65?
Ans: Not exactly. The Atmos 65 has more pockets (9) compared to the Blaze 60’s 6, making organization easier. However, the Blaze 60’s design focuses on simplicity with large, useful pockets rather than excessive compartments.
Q.5 Which backpack is better for ventilation?
Ans: The Osprey Atmos 65 wins in ventilation with its AG back panel, keeping your back cool and reducing sweat. The Blaze 60 has minimal ventilation, as its design prioritizes weight savings.
Q.6 Is the Osprey Atmos 65 easier to adjust than the Blaze 60?
Ans: Yes. The Atmos 65’s Fit-on-the-Fly system makes it quicker and easier to adjust. The Blaze 60 offers more customization but requires more effort to get the perfect fit.
Q.7 Can I remove the top lid on both backpacks?
Ans: Yes. Both backpacks have a removable top lid, but the Blaze 60’s lid can also be used as a waist pack, while the Atmos 65’s lid converts into a fanny pack.
Q.8 Which one should I buy for ultralight hiking?
Ans: The Granite Gear Blaze 60 is the better ultralight option, as it weighs only 3 lbs compared to the Atmos 65’s 4.5 lbs. It’s ideal for long-distance and weight-conscious hikers.
Q.9 Does the Osprey Atmos 65 have a sleeping bag compartment?
Ans: Yes, the Atmos 65 has a dedicated sleeping bag compartment with a removable divider. The Blaze 60 lacks this feature, so you’ll need to pack your sleeping bag in the main compartment.
Q.10 Which backpack is more durable?
Ans: Both backpacks are durable, but Granite Gear uses a tougher, more abrasion-resistant fabric, making it more rugged for rough trails. The Atmos 65 is durable too, but its mesh-heavy design may be more prone to wear over time.
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