Granite Gear Virga 2 Review
Our Verdict
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Granite Gear Virga 2 | |||||
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Awards | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ||
Price | $89.97 at Backcountry Compare at 2 sellers | $285 List | $255 List | $200 List | $185 List |
Overall Score ![]() |
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Star Rating | |||||
Pros | Very light, large volume, versatile compression system | Durable, comfortable, well-designed pockets, carries light and heavy loads well | Lightweight, carries light and medium loads well, adaptable, perfect feature set, more durable than most | Simple design, inexpensive, durable | Very lightweight, relatively inexpensive, thoughtful design |
Cons | No frame, poor comfort for medium loads | Large capacity makes it less versatile | A little small for a bear canister | Foam pad falls out easily, shoulder straps lack support | Designed for a specific use, lacks versatility, lacks durability |
Bottom Line | For the ultimate lightweight pack, this pack steals the show with its entirely frameless design and streamlined set of features | This pack wowed us with its perfect set of features, comfortable design, and carrying capacity | Delivers a perfect set of features, plenty of pockets, comfortable straps, and carries well | A lightweight, simplified version of our favorite pack from this same company, making a durable, well-designed option | Designed for the lightest travelers on the trail, with minimal features and lightweight materials |
Rating Categories | Granite Gear Virga 2 | Gossamer Gear Mariposa | Gossamer Gear Gorilla | Adventure Equipment... | Gossamer Gear Murmur |
Weight-to-Volume Ratio (35%) | |||||
Comfort to Carry (25%) | |||||
Features (20%) | |||||
Adaptability (10%) | |||||
Durability (10%) | |||||
Specs | Granite Gear Virga 2 | Gossamer Gear Mariposa | Gossamer Gear Gorilla | Adventure Equipment... | Gossamer Gear Murmur |
Measured Weight | 18.5 oz | 30.5 oz | 31.5 oz | 24 oz | 12.5 oz |
Stripped Weight | 18.5 oz | 30.5 oz | 27.5 oz | 23 oz | 9 oz |
Claimed Volume | 50-58 L | 60 L | 40 L | 54 L | 36 L |
Measured Main Pack Volume | 41 L | 48 L | 38 L | 45 L | 29L |
Measured Volume Total (minus hip belt and shoulder strap pockets) | 49 L | 64 L | 53 L | 53 L | 40L |
Measured Volume Stripped (minus hip belt, shoulder pockets, and removable lids) | 49 L | 59 L | 48 L | 53 L | 40L |
Average Weight-to-Volume Ratio (grams/Liter) | 10 g/L | 14 g/L | 16.4 g/L | 12.8 g/L | 7.6 g/L |
Carrying Comfort 15 pounds | Good | Great | Great | Great | Great |
Carrying Comfort 30 pounds | Poor | Great | Great | Poor | Poor |
Frame Type | None (foam pad) | Foam pad/ removable stay | Foam pad/removable stay | Removable foam pad | Removable foam pad |
Fabric | Cordura | 70 & 100 denier Robic nylon | 70 & 100 denier robic nylon | 210 Robic nylon, 400d Robic Bottom Panel | 30 & 70D rombic nylon |
Main Pack Pockets | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
Hip Belt Pockets | None | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Single Hip Belt Pocket Capacity | N/a | 4 | 4 cliff bars | 2 cliff bars | 2 cliff bars |
Shoulder Strap Pockets | No | No | No | No | No |
Whistle on Sternum Strap | None | No | Yes | No | Yes |
Internal Hydration Sleeve | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Bag Sizes/Torso Lengths Available | Long, short, regular | S, M, L | S, M, L | S, M, L, XL | One Size |
Mix and Match Hip Belt Sizes | No | S, M, L | S, M, L | S, M, L, XL | No |
Can Easily Strip Off Frame and Hip Belt | No | Good | Good | No | Yes |
BearVault BV500 Compatibility | Ok | Good | Ok | Ok | No |
Lid (aka Brain) | No | No | Yes | No | No |
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Granite Gear Virga 2 is the lightest pack we tested, and the only one with no frame of any sort. It is the definition of simplicity. No hip belt pockets, and a minimal but perfectly functional set of main pack pockets and compression straps.
Performance Comparison
Weight-to-Volume Ratio
This product is made in three torso sizes; we tested a regular model.
Total Weight with all modular components = 1 lb 2.6 oz
This pack has no removable components.We measured the volume of the Virga with a 48" closed-cell foam pad rolled around the perimeter of the interior to form a barrel-like frame. This is the best use mode of this pack. This pack earned the best overall average weight-to-volume score. However, these calculations were done without the added weight of the closed-cell foam pad.
Load Carrying Comfort
This ultralight backpack is a bit of a throwback to the days when rolling a closed cell foam pad inside to form a "frame" was a common practice. Some ultralight hikers still prefer this style. If you are one of them, we found the Virga very comfortable, earning a "Great" rating, for carrying 15 pounds. On the other hand, we found it did not carry 30 pounds well. In fact, it was one of only three packs we describe as "Poor" for carrying these more substantial loads. The pack's lack of support and cushion in the shoulder straps caused pain and irritation on the shoulders after only a few hours on the trail. For a pack with more support and comfort, weight will be compromised.
The photo below shows the Mybecca Foam we line the inside with.
Features
This frameless pack is pure minimalism: no frame, a simple roll-top closure, and minimally padded shoulder straps and waist belt. Large stretch pockets on the front and sides offer a lot of external storage, and the compression straps work well. Unlike some models in this review, the side compression can run inside the side pockets, allowing compression while still allowing you to access your water bottle. While this pack does not have an internal sleeve to hold a hydration bladder, it does have one of the nicest hang loops - it's large with an attached toggle. A single-center port lets you route your drinking hose over either shoulder.
Adaptability
Adaptability is not the strong suit of this pack, but the lashing and compression systems create good external carry options. With a rolled foam pad inside, we find the pack functions best if you always have the pad fill the entire main bag. We carried light loads in this pack without using a pad as a barrel frame. It performed well enough and was easily reduced in volume without the internal pad. That said, we think use with a pad at full volume is far and away the best use. Fully featured packs with a removable frame are much more adaptable.
Durability
With a reputation for building durable packs, Granite Gear does a good job keeping the Virga durable but very light. Heavier Cordura fabric has been used for high wear areas like the pack bottom, and the stretch mesh pocket fabric appears to be more durable than others. As long as you don't try to carry heavy loads that will overwhelm the suspension system, this pack should last a long, long time.
Value
This product is more affordable than most others we tested. But, it fits a very small niche in the ultralight world. If you travel very light with a simple sleeping pad and want a high volume frameless pack, the Virga is a great deal.
Conclusion
The Granite Gear Virga 2 is one of the specialty ultralight backpacks we tested. It is completely frameless, and designed for folks to place a closed-cell foam pad inside to form a barrel-like "frame."
Sizing, Accessories, & Other Versions
The Virga 2 is made in three torso sizes with an attached waist belt: short, regular, and long. Modular hip belt and shoulder strap pockets are available for this pack.
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