Here is how these two backpacks compare on the numbers. The Lightning 60 leans on low weight while the Blaze 60 answers with load carry, so the pick comes down to which you value.
| Exped Lightning 60 | Granite Gear Blaze 60 | |
|---|---|---|
| GearScore | 73✓ | 69 |
| Capacity | 60 L | 60 L |
| Weight | 2 lb 11 oz✓ | 3 lb |
| Rated load | 49 lb | 50 lb✓ |
| Fabric denier | 210 D✓ | 100 D |
| Price | $300 | $300✓ |
| Type | Backpacking | Backpacking |
| Frame | Internal | Internal |
Highlighted cells mark the better spec: Lightning 60 in blue, Blaze 60 in amber. A blank spec is never counted as a win. Capacity is shown for context and is not scored, since more volume is a sizing choice rather than better. GearScore is the overall rating (0 to 100); re-weight it on the full backpack comparison. Prices are current MSRP.
The Exped Lightning 60 against the Granite Gear Blaze 60 is a study in priorities. The Lightning 60 wins on low weight and durability, and the Blaze 60 pushes back on load carry and price.
The Lightning 60 is 6 oz lighter and tougher fabric (210D vs 100D). The Blaze 60 is a higher rated load (50 vs 49 lb) and a little cheaper. On the default GearScore the Lightning 60 leads 73 to 69.
Pick the Lightning 60 if you care most about low weight and durability, which makes it the better call for counting grams on long miles. Pick the Blaze 60 if load carry and price matter more to you, or you are focused on rough ground and hard use.
The Exped Lightning 60. It is 6 oz lighter than the Blaze 60.
The Granite Gear Blaze 60. It is a higher rated load (50 vs 49 lb) than the Lightning 60.
The Exped Lightning 60, 73 to 69 on the default algorithm. You can re-weight the factors to match your trip.
It depends on your priorities. Go with the Lightning 60 for low weight, or the Blaze 60 for load carry. The spec table above shows exactly where each wins.