Nimbus Meridian

Recently purchased a GG Nimbus Meridian pack and plan to use it for a three day backpack in the Ohlone Wilderness area near the San Francisco Bay area later this month. It was the most comfortable mid-weight pack I tried at REI, although I didn't buy it there. I loaded it with 30 pounds of sand bags and walked around the store for 45 minutes. I have sent the default medium straps to GG in Minnesota in exchange for large straps, which haven't arrived yet. Just wondered if anyone has any experience with this pack. It sure seemed like a winner when I tried it out.

None with the Meridian, but a little with the Nimbus Ozone and a lot with the Vapor Trail. Your assessement is dead on: the most comfortable packs I've ever used. I'd expect no less from the Meridian.

Hint: the thick, cushy backpad lets you use a 3/4 length sleeping pad - just put the pack under your legs as a pad extender. If you use a full-length pad now, you can save a little weight with the shorter pad - and if space is at a premium in your shelter (like it is in most solo tents), you've just found a great place to store the pack.

I had the pack and thought it was wonderfully comfortable. I had some really weird delamination on the 70d that GG fixed but other than that, quite durable as well. Personally I did not like the top pocket and found that I never used the zippered front entry. I still have the Ozone that I prefer because of its simplicity and it also weighs 3 pounds on the nose. My Meridian weight 6oz over spec.

You are really going to love this pack.