WTB: GoLite Pinnacle, Women's Medium

[rynogator]

I'm planning a very short (5-7 day) section hike of the AT with my mom (to fulfill her bucket list) next early September and I've become smitten with this pack. Since this may be the one and only time I backpack, I am looking for a good deal. I've seen one or two used on ebay, but seems like it's a long shot. Is anyone out there looking to sell their GoLite Pinnacle, Women's Medium pack?

[grayfox]

No pack to sell-just a comment. You may be able to buy this pack but I would say don't. If you really will never be using it after this short hike, why not just borrow or rent a pack? This is a nice pack but is designed for the light weights carried by people who have some experience packing minimal gear. It will probably be uncomfortable, or too small, with the gear that is usually carried by people new to the sport. Check the Indy yellow pages--and I think there are some good outfitters in Bloomington. In Sept in the mountains you will probably need to pack some serious rain and cold gear even in the south. Spend money here instead of on a pack. Just my opinion.

[rynogator]

Thanks for the comment greyfox! While I would love to borrow or rent some equipment, my mom and I are actually doing a hike every month till we leave to get some training/practice. So, I guess it wasn't true that I'll only be using the pack the one time. My upper body strength is pretty weak, so I was hoping to carry fairly light. I can't afford the really nice ultralight stuff, but we did pick up a Alps Mountaineering Zephyr 3 tent, which we'll both split to carry. It's 5 lbs, 7oz, so split, it's not too bad for a 3 man tent that mom plans to use in the future. I'm also looking for a good sleeping bag, so I'm trying to stay around the 2 lb area for that as well. You really think a pinnacle is too small for a 5-7 day in early Sept in the WV, MD, PA area for a newbie? I guess I need to do some more research. I tried on a few packs at Extreme Outfitters in Carmel, IN, but all the internal frame packs that I could afford seemed so heavy.

[grayfox]

Well, OK then. First, you are so lucky to be doing this with your Mom. I hope you both have a really great time. You will find lots of good help here.

I have the Pinnacle and use it for short trips. It is big in capacity, but the lighter I pack it the more comfortable it is to carry. I hike solo so there is no one to share the load or carry an odd shape. I like to have everything packed inside-easier to carry, not so easy to lose, and all under the rain cover. On a longer trip the food gets heavier and if I have to depend on store bought it can be hard to pack. But the pack has been durable and it sure is light.

Keep in mind that the pack is not adjustable so you have to find the right size for your body, meaning that you should buy from a place that will accept a return if you change your mind on size. Also there is an art to packing a frameless pack that can be frustrating to learn and give you fits if you are trying to do your learning in a cold rain. The basic idea is that the contents of the pack provide the structure that makes the suspension system work for you and not against you. You need to fit things in so there is an even tension on the bag or it will bend away from your body and be pulling on your shoulders.

The side pockets hold water bottle or Platy and I have a small belt pack that has the stuff I would not use as often as I should if I had to get into the pack for it, like chap stick and sunscreen and the camera.

If you are a reader, there is a book by Ryan Jordan about lightweight packing that is pretty good.

I have always been fairly strong, but my old external frame was the easiest on my shoulders. You might like to check out the Kelty Yukon 2900, the adult version. Not ultra light, 4LB, but highly adjustable, plenty of room and easy to pack. If I had a daughter, this is what I would get for her.

[rynogator]

Thanks for the info again Grayfox. I will check out that book by Ryan Jordan. I've actually read every book re: lightweight and UL that my Indianapolis library has, so I've been dong a lot of research. I've also been doing a lot of youtube research about UL.

I was fitted for the Pinnacle while at Extreme Outfitters, and also tried on various other packs while there.

Yep, I'm really lucky that my mom asked me to do this with her. I hope to someday hike with my daughter on the AT... but she's only 2 1/2 now, I think we have a while!

[rynogator]

Thanks so much for all of your detailed responses. I actually picked up a GoLite Odyssey for $112 from Sierra Trading Post this morning. I know it's a much larger bag, but I think the extra frame support will be helpful for me. Knowing that I could use it for a variety of trips because it is larger was also a good point. And for that price, even if I only use it a few times, I could probably resell it and come out ok. Thanks again!!!

[avalonmorn]

Just my 2 cents....I love my Golite Pinnacle. I', 5"2", and according to the "how to" measurement chart, ordered a small. It's plenty roomy for several days food and lightweight gear if you know how to pack lite. I got mine here.

http://www.sunnysports.com/Prod/GOLPCW.html?Search=op%3ddtSearch%26Term%3dgolite%2 bpinnacle%26SearchFlag%3dall%26AdvSrchSortField%3d Relevance%26DescSort%3d0%26Description%3don%26Hit% 3d1

[mak52580]

I know I am late to this thread and you seem to have bought one, but if you have had a chance to check out the Odyssey and it is still too heavy for your tastes, REI (http://www.rei.com/outlet/product/799396)has the Pinnacle on sale right now, $105.

Also, if you are looking for a solid, guaranteed warm, but light bag, you can't go wrong with a Marmot Helium (http://www.rei.com/product/762534). If you aren't in a rush, don't worry just yet, you can sometimes find these on sale, or you can wait until REI offers one of their 20% off coupons. Although its definitely pricier than many bags out there, it is worth the money compared to others in its category for quality such as Western Mountaineering, Feathered Friends, etc. Another option would be to go with a quilt which are definitely lighter and can usually be found cheaper. Jacks R Better (http://www.jacksrbetter.com/Rectangular%20Quilts.htm)has some on sale right now too.

[rynogator]

mak52580: Thanks for the update. I've found some great prices on the GoLite bags at sunnysports.com, so I'm considering the Quest for $85. I am pretty sure it's last year's model, but that's ok. After trying the Pinnacle and the Odyssey, I think that the Pinnacle not having any frame wouldn't quite work for me and the Odyssey may be too big. The Quest seems like a good fit, in between the two and at a great price.

I would LOVE to find a great price ($120 is my limit) on a Marmot Helium, but chances of finding one at that price are slim to none. I'm a stay at home mom and we have very limited income and a special needs daughter. Even purchasing a few things for this trip is really tightening the pursestrings!

Thanks so much for commenting and giving me some advice!

Ryann