How to Pack a Granite Gear Vapor Trail

The Granite Gear Vapor Trail is an ultralight backpack that holds up to 30 pounds of gear, while weighing in at under 2.5 pounds. With 3600 cubic inches of space, the Vapor Trail holds enough gear for several days in the wilderness. To save weight, however, Granite Gear eliminates some of the compartmentalization of other packs, so you'll want to pack with a purpose.

Instructions

    • 1

      Organize your gear. Group things in systems according to how and when you'll use them -- cooking gear, extra clothing and hiking essentials.. To manage the space in your pack use the space inside any large, hollow items like pots and cups to store other gear.

    • 2

      Put your sleeping bag in the bottom of the Vapor Trail. Put any other sleeping accessories like a pillow and clothing on top.

    • 3

      Place other lightweight items that you won't need to quickly access on top of the sleeping gear. This could include extra clothing and accessories.

    • 4

      Fill your water bladder and insert it into the hydration sleeve. The Vapor Trail comes with an integrated hydration sleeve for storing a water bladder. Insert the bladder and run the hose out of the port on the sleeve's cover.

    • 5

      Put your cooking gear into carrying bags or cases, or wrap it up in extra clothing. This will protect both your gear and your backpack.

    • 6

      Pile your medium-weight gear on top of the light gear on the bottom. Here you'll focus on your cooking gear. Tighten the cap on your fuel bottle and ensure that it's stored upright below your food in case of a leak. You could also store it outside of the pack in one of the mesh pockets. Place other cooking items like your stove, pots, cups and utensils in this section.

    • 7

      Place heavy gear like your tent, tools and survival gear close to your back between your shoulder blades. This will help keep the weight stable.

    • 8

      Place your food inside the pack next.

    • 9

      Place items that you may need while hiking near the top of the bag. This includes things like extra outer wear for the day, hat and gloves, first aid, rain gear and bug spray.

    • 10

      Close the backpack. Unlike many backpacks that have a top, the Vapor Trail saves weight with a roll-able sleeve. Pull the drawstring closed; roll the top down tightly and snap the horizontal and vertical clips shut.

    • 11

      Compress the pack. Pull the compression straps to compact the backpack and eliminate excess bulk.

    • 12

      Use one or both of the mesh pockets on the outside of the pack for items that you need quick access to on the trail. This includes things like map, compass, camera, snacks, sun block and water bottles.

    • 13

      Try on the pack. Make sure that the weight load feels well-distributed and comfortable. Make any necessary adjustments to the straps and hip belt.

    • 14

      Adjust your packing as needed. If anything feels off-balance, reopen the backpack and adjust the gear inside.

    • 15

      Lash gear that doesn't fit inside to the outside of the bag. Use the straps on the front and bottom of the bag to attach gear like your sleeping pad and tent poles.

    • 16

      Cover the top of the Vapor Trail. One of the vulnerabilities of the Vapor Trail is its rolled top. Since there is no waterproof top to cover the opening, it's possible for water to collect on the bag and leak into your gear. Use a dry bag to cover the Vapor Trail if you're expecting rain.