Customer Reviews
I was previously using a Gregory Bolero 100. I took it on a 3 day AZ Trail, 23 mi. trip. With water and food, it came in at about 37 lbs. and kept slipping over my hips. I had to downsize. I ordered the Dean 60. Have taken it on two "full pack" 8 mi 1500 foot elevation down and back up (Fossil Creek AZ) and 7.5 mi. 1300 ft elevation up then down (Horton Springs). Firstly, the pack with 200 oz of water, equipment minus food weighs in at 25 lbs.. Secondly, the hip straps ride very well above my hip bones so it is much more comfortable and less fatiguing. I know it will be a joy on my next AZ Trail passage. Finally, if you bought a name brand light pack like an Osprey with similar weight etc. It would be $400. Near Zero gives lots of bang for the buck! Oh yes...and they are based in my home state of Arizona, 80 miles away from me in Mesa.
Thank you so much Roy for taking the time to leave such a detailed and positive review for The Dean™ 60 Hiking Backpack. We are thrilled to hear that it was a great fit for your recent hikes and that it was able to provide you with the comfort and support you needed. We always strive to offer high-quality products at an affordable price, and we are happy to know that you found great value in our backpack. Thank you for choosing Near Zero and supporting a local Arizona business. Happy trails!
I have struggled with getting a good pack. This one has them beat! Fits great, feels great and holds a lot of gear! I was able to carry my sleep system and my wife’s 3 person Near Zero Tent. Did not feel the extra weight at all!
The Dean is a great backpack. Had the opportunity to take it on a mile hike. Had no issues. It fit well and was very comfortable.
The material is very high quality when I carry that the first time, I thought it's going to break down at some point because it's too light, I didn't trust the material but in fact it's not it's very light but it's rigid and have a lot of space and pockets everywhere and the cool thing how organized it is and how you can access anywhere in the bag easily, beside a lot of features and extras on it Love it.l!!