Here is a serious post by me...about a backpack

[SiuWonfung]

Does anyone know about GoLite's Breeze Pack?
My cross-country coach uses this pack and recommended it to me. She does Eco Challenge and Orienteering kinds of stuff.
Here are its specs: weighs 14 oz, capacity is 2900 cubic inches (main compartment) and 850 cubic inches (additional pockets) and maximum of 20 pounds, Golite describes it as "the classic ultra-lite thru-hiking pack", comes in two colors Night and Moss.
I am concerned that this pack only has two shoulder straps and no hip strap and also that it can hold only 20 pounds.
Nonetheless, my coach tells me that it is comfotable and that with a few additional add-on straps across the stomach, she can run with it. and for padding against the back, a well placed sleeping pad will do. i don't believe her..
I am interested in anyone who uses this pack and can provide additional testimonials or comments on it. thanks.
http://www.golite.com/assets/images/products/125x125/PA5000.jpg (http://www.golitestore.com/store/NS_proddetail.asp?number=PA5000)

[verber]

The GoLite Breeze is a cult favorite among the ultralight community. The first generation there were some durability issues, but those were address four years ago. The reason for the lack of a hip strap is that Ray believed a hip strap changes the way you walk. Some people wear a fanny/bum pack with the Breeze to enable it to transfer weight to the hips but not "lock" the hips to the rest of the body since the Breeze "floats" onto of the fanny pack. As to weight carrying, your coach is right.. don't use the Breeze with more than 20lbs. A pretty balanced review on the Breeze can be found at:
http://www.thru-hiker.com/reviews.asp?subcat=8&cid=28

Personally, I found the Breeze uncomfortable with even 10lbs. The shoulder strap were wrong for me. If you are trail running doing eco-challenge sorts of things I would suggest looking at some of the adventure racing packs that have a waist strap so they don't bounce around when you run. If you are backpacking I think the Granite Gear Virga is much more comfortable than the Breeze. If you are carrying more than 15-20lbs I would suggest my favorite pack the Granite Gear Vapor Trail which has a GREAT suspension system and weights 1lb more than the Breeze.

[TDale]

I have the Breeze's big brother, the Gust. 20 lbs. of my gear fills it and it feels like nothing. I got it this year so have no long term durability report.

[steve hiker]

I also have the Gust. Weighs only 19 ounces. I'm a section hiker so can't report about comfort on thru-hikes, but it's comfortable for me as long as I keep my weight under 30 lbs. Swallows an enormous amount of gear. I don't know what the material is made of but it's tough as hell and the stiching very tight, I've had my Gust for years and no sign of wear at all. And it has a hip belt.

[neo]

i gave my go lite breeze away,i still have the smaller golite day pack and a golite gust,my main pack is the equix katahdin:sun neo

[flyfisher]

I've also used the Gust. It is plenty rugged. I've taken a look at the Breeze. Same good strong construction.

I have used (and love) another similar sized pack that is actually a little smaller. It also weighs about half what the Breeze weighs. I used it for my 2 week section hike this spring and several other section hikes as well.

http://tinyurl.com/6axst

[neo]

I've also used the Gust. It is plenty rugged. I've taken a look at the Breeze. Same good strong construction.

I have used (and love) another similar sized pack that is actually a little smaller. It also weighs about half what the Breeze weighs. I used it for my 2 week section hike this spring and several other section hikes as well.

http://tinyurl.com/6axst
i have a fanatic fringe pack,it wieghed 9.2oz at the post office,i love this pack,
its a great pack.i love it:sun neo