Granite Gear Crown VC 60 : Debriefing Session

I took the opportunity of going for an overnight walk to try on the trail my brand new backpack from Granite Gear.
This short trip in the low central mountain range gave me the opportunity to check some particulars I noticed when I gave a first look at the back pack. So, here are my observations :

• the shoulder mesh pockets are of few use and could hardly be useful because of their position up on the shoulder straps and on the round part of the shoulder. I managed to store my Recta compass in one but I'm still not convinced about them. An ultralight belt pocket would have been a better idea because I will have to go for the purchase of one and still will have these useless shoulder pockets.
• In its "standard configuration" (that is to say loaded just up to the back top level) the pack is not a 60 liters but may be, like I told in my previous review, closer to a 40-45 liters. Anyway, if you unroll the extension collar you should effectively gain enough room to have the 60 liters but you will have the top of the pack close to the top of your head...unless you have a neck like a giraffe. Please notice that I rolled my sleeping mat like a tube and packed it inside the pack so it may be helping to loose a bit room inside, I guess that the pack is very good for a long distance trip and I will use it next year on the Kungsleden for a 10 to 15 days walk.
• The overall quality is very good and I didn't noticed any failure in the webbing system or closure system either.
• The pack is comfortable smooth and bends with your back if you have to move or turn your torso for example during a tricky ascend or "crawl" under tree limbs...it's easy to adjust and the load transfer on the hips is very efficient even compare to my Deuter ACT light which has a very rigid back frame and well padded back.
• The side mesh pockets are well designed and I could access to my water bottle without too much difficulties on the trail. The front mesh pocket is huge but once the pack is fully loaded it becomes a bit more difficult to store big items in it but I must admit that I didn't want to stretch the mesh too much to keep its good looking so it's surely possible to store a lot of stuff in it !
• I often read on the Net that the top closure system is too difficult to use or too slow to access to the main storage area, I didn't find any trouble by using it and it's as fast as a classic backpack with which you have to first unlock the top lid cover then open the main compartment. Does someone has to hurry when hiking ? keep cool and lazy !

I hope these observations will help your choice.