Granite Gear Virga 2 Review

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

Rolling up for a quick overnight and some high altitude fly fishing in Colorado's Indian Peaks Wilderness Area. For very light loads, we love the Virga 2.

Weight-to-Volume Ratio

This product is made in three torso sizes; we tested a regular model.

Large side pockets and an average size front pocket make up this model's exterior storage. You can see the opening in the side pocket that allows the compression strap to function inside. All packs should use this feature.

Calculated at 10 g/L max and stripped, 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. The ZPacks Arc Blast 55 also earned a 10 in this metric with its 11 g/L average. For the overwhelming majority of hikers focused on the lightest possible pack, we highly recommend the Arc Blast. Another competitor that scored highly in this metric is the ULA Circuit, which provides plenty of support and carrying capacity while keeping a relatively low weight-to-volume ratio.

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.

All packed up in the Virga with our winter kit and five days of food. We don't recommend a load this heavy for this pack. It functions best with loads in the teens.

Adding a small piece of foam to the Virga made it more comfortable to carry, gave us a camp seat cushion, pillow stuffing and an emergency sleeping pad if our inflatable pad leaked.

For a pack with more support and comfort, weight will be compromised. This is the case for the Gossamer Gear Mariposa and the Haglofs L.I.M. Strive 50 — packs that provide more comfort than the Virga, but add more weight.

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 like the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider 3400, 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. A similar, but more supportive option is the L.I.M. Strive 50, which has a removable frame and more support but is inspired by simplicity.

The side pockets are deeper than most on this model. Although the waist belt has no pockets, modular ones are available from Granite Gear.

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 like the Gossamer Gear Mariposa 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. For a lightweight pack that is also incredibly durable, but perhaps more substantial than the Virga, we'd recommend the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider 3400. This material is incredibly durable, and the pack is overall more substantial than the Virga.

This pack earned an above average score in our durability metric.

Best Applications

With a main compartment volume of 40 liters when lined with a 48" Ridge Rest pad, the Virga 2 is perfectly sized for week-long ultralight trips. If you're a closed cell foam sleeping pad devotee, the Virga 2 is a perfect pack.

Value

Retailing at $140, 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."

This model (left) beside our Best Buy winner the Osprey Exos 48. The Exos is a little more expensive, but more functional and versatile for most lightweight backpackers.

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.