View Full Version : GoLite Perspective pack
Looking at lighter packs that have volume, well padded shoulder harness, and sturdy waist belt.
Anyone have info on this GoLite pack?
http://www.golite.com/products/NS_proddetail.asp?number=PA5122
Or any other pack that fits the above criteria?
Shutterbug
10-09-2006, 14:46
Looking at lighter packs that have volume, well padded shoulder harness, and sturdy waist belt.
Anyone have info on this GoLite pack?
http://www.golite.com/products/NS_proddetail.asp?number=PA5122
Or any other pack that fits the above criteria?
I have been using the Golite "Trek." From the description it appears that the suspension system is similar.
The first one I had was used for one four day hike with a 30 lb. load. It didn't survive the trip. On close examination, the failures were mostly the result of some defects. Golite replaced it without cost
I have now been using the replacement for a couple of weeks. It is really comfortable, but I have not carried a load heavier than 20 lbs. I don't plan to use it for trips that require more than 30 lbs. in the pack.
DawnTreader
10-09-2006, 21:23
not really light at all.. not a big golite guy...
3 syllables .... say it with me now.... ULA
seriously, great packs...
ALHikerGal,
I Like my Gregory G Pack for 3 season use. The suspension carrys <30 really well. It also provides insulation for those nights that your bag is too thin.:D
I know that it is none of my business, but do you need that much volume? Nature abhors a vacuum - have pack volume, will fill it up = more weight.
You should also look into:
Gossamer Gear Mariposa Plus
Granite Gear Vapor Trail / Vapor Ki
ULA Circuit
I have no personal experience with these but they appear to fit the bill and some people rave about them.
Egads
There are just wayyyy too many decisions/options!!! I just want to scream!
Howdi-
Survived the approach thing OK I guess...
My GoLite Trek has had the crap beat out of it.
Ewker's seemed like it had some time on it too.
I carried probably 35 lbs worth of stuff through Glacier and it was fine. Of course, I'm a big framed guy (I'm not sure whether you noticed that or not...hahahaha). I would say that if you plan on carrying heavier loads than that, or require a wee bit more padding here and there, look elsewhere.
Otherwise, I have defintely gotten my moneys worth out of the Trek.
ALHikerGal,
I know that it is none of my business, but do you need that much volume? Nature abhors a vacuum - have pack volume, will fill it up = more weight.
Egads
OK then... what volume should I be looking at?
Keep in mind, this pack will be used for weekend, week-long and extended trips... My bag is less than 3# and I will carry my SD Lightning tent.
Footslogger
10-12-2006, 12:21
If I was going to go to that level (weight/capacity/price) of pack I'd more likely opt for the Granite Gear Nimbus Ozone.
'Slogger
AlHikerGal, I have used my Golite Trek on weekend and 8 day trips with no problems. The max weight limit is 30 lbs but I have loaded it up to 34 lbs with no problems.
onesocktwin
10-12-2006, 14:48
AlHikerGAl,
I have a Lowe Alpine Sirocco II which I love, but I need to lighten up due to knee issues. Recently bought the GoLite Perspective and used it last weekend on an overnight. Stuffed it at 31 pounds and it was comfortable. Padding is not as comfortable as the Lowe but the GoLite is also more than 3 lbs lighter. It has several pockets that help keep me organized. After several years, I'm still over-packing so I think the volume is fine.
MacGyver2005
10-12-2006, 16:51
In the same weight range as that pack I have an Osprey Ether 60...and I love it.
Regards,
-MacGyver
GA-->ME
I have the galaxy which has the same harness i really like mine. Good features carries well. I also like the ether 60 which has different features and carries really well too. I like the features on the golite better but the consturtion of all osprey packs is better.
I have the galaxy which has the same harness i really like mine. Good features carries well. I also like the ether 60 which has different features and carries really well too. I like the features on the golite better but the consturtion of all osprey packs is better.
You never have enough gear. Different gear for different trips.
blaire576
10-31-2006, 05:17
a survey of through-hikers on the appalachian trail by Roland Mueser found that hikers were most satisfied with Gregory backpacks, and it continues to be one of the brands most recommended in backpack reviews.
My Osprey Atmos 50 rides like a dream with < 30lbs.
a survey of through-hikers on the appalachian trail by Roland Mueser found that hikers were most satisfied with Gregory backpacks, and it continues to be one of the brands most recommended in backpack reviews.
That would be great info, but being that its from 1997, its a bit outdated...
Blissful
10-31-2006, 15:19
You can do what I did - backcountryedge.com has backpacks you can try for free shipping and return. Didn't end up keeping mine (sigh) but maybe you can try some out. Really need to make sure it's comfortable as well as large enough for your needs.
rswanson
11-02-2006, 16:23
I'm using a North Face Skareb 55, which is just a few ounces lighter than the Perspective but carries less at 3350 c.i. It will handle 30-35 lbs. just fine. The suspension is excellent. However, if I was buying again I'd get a ULA Circuit, which I believe the Skareb is modeled after, at least in part. Downsides: more expensive, wait time for delivery. Do you need a 4000 c.i. capacity? What are you using now?
copythat
11-08-2006, 02:50
my daughter has an aether 45 (no longer made) and she loves it. (and i'm impressed with the quality.)
as for my trek, it's only 2 lbs, but it's huge. i wouldn't use it except for in winter, when i carry my big bulky winter bag and shelter and clothes. although it can compress pretty well. the collar makes up a LOT of its total volume (700 c.i.) and the pockets are rated at 960. (the mesh one on the outside is very big.) the main bag is 3,000, according to golite. but throw a ridgerest inside and 1,000 c.i. of sleeping bag, and you're on your way ...
There are just wayyyy too many decisions/options!!! I just want to scream!
I just HAD to respond to this with a quote that was common around Compaq when I worked there....
Sometimes you have to just shoot the engineers and start production.
All the best advice and intentions in the world are not going to get you the perfect setup for an AT thru or even a long section. Very few problems with your gear selection are going to end your hike, and everyone out there will have some piece of gear they are not entirely happy with. Almost every gear problem can be delt with in some way long enough to get to the next town, most can be modified or adapted to. In the end, its all personal decisions, what works for me may not work for you, you could wind up loving some piece of gear I tell you is a complete waste of space and weight...
Honestly, I know its not helpful advice and I apologize for that, but it is advice I find truthful... Examples follow, skip if you like :-)
I carried a Golite down sleeping bag that many reviewers (and some on this forum) hated, in one of the worst rain years on the AT. I did not find out about the reviews or get the negative opinions here until too late but things turned out just fine, in fact the bag was one of the gear decisions I wound up incredibly happy with and I would still use it if it did'nt smell like a sleeping bag that had spent too much time on the AT in a wet year with a smelly hiker in it.
Meanwhile the stove everyone seemed to love gave me nothing but problems but didn't end my hike, (raw Ramen is not TOO bad, crunchy, definately sprinkle the flavor packet over it, carry LOTS of dental floss and toothpicks if you go the raw oatmeal route though), eventually it gave me my trail name :-) I replaced it in Hot Springs with a pepsi can stove that cost maybe 10 percent of the price, weighed alot less and left my arm hair and eyebrows intact for the rest of my trip.
Ok, bringing this thread back to life... Still have unanswered questions... How many cubes will suffice for all kinds of hiking (weekenders, weeklong, thru...) Just ordered a Montbell Hugger so Im down to 2# for a bag, still have my 2P Lightning tent. Add in clothes and food/kitchen, 1st Aid, personal items... what size pack should I be looking at?
Jim Adams
11-16-2006, 01:39
hiked from Springer to Hiawassee last march with a gregory G. had a 0* bag, tyvek ground cloth, ridge rest mat, pocket rocket and small canister inside of a primus pot, lighter, small knife, 10x10 silnylon tarp, TP, tooth brush, polypro glove liners, down jacket, 2 pair of smart wool socks, micro fleece top, long nylon pants w/ zip off legs, a kilt, a nylon hat, a polypro balaclava(wear it sleeping when cold), 1 pair of top and bottom polypro, waldies, 1 liter of water, 4 days of food and a flask of whiskey. 24lbs. i would not hesitate to thru with this set-up. how much pack do you need?
geek
wacocelt
12-19-2006, 19:48
I'm hoping to hike/eurorail around Europe for a month or two before I start the CDT in May, so the Perspective is looking good. Has anyone actually laid hands on one?