Golite Packs

**Debbie** · 06-03-2009, 11:04

Does anybody have experience with the Golite series, especially the Odyssey or Quest? I have a Mountainsmith Spector now but I noticed the weight/vol. ratio of MS packs is not as good lately, so I'm considering a switch.

**Ridge Rat** · 06-03-2009, 11:23

I am currently using the Golite JAM pack. Its a great pack with very few bells and whistles... You have to pack it so that it fits comfortably on your back since it is nearly frameless (has a thin plastic frame that can easily be bent and provides very little pack rigidity). I like it and it is definently light. Claims to be a 3000 cu. inch pack but I can still fit what would fill my 3200's. Try it out. If you buy it from EMS or REI or alike you can always take it back.

**jrnj5k** · 06-03-2009, 14:01

Ive got the pinnacle and love it. Great quality, and will last.

**bigcranky** · 06-03-2009, 14:19

My hiking partner uses Golite packs -- the frameless ones -- and they seem to be well made. His have several years on them and they are holding fine.

Other packs with good space-to-weight ratios and internal frames: REI Flash packs, Osprey Exos and Atmos/Aura series, Six Moons Designs Starlite and Comet (Comet is discontinued and on a great sale right now), the ULA packs, the Gossamer Gear Mariposa, several Granite Gear packs, the Gregory Z series, and probably others that I can't think of right now.

Beyond a specific brand, it helps to try on lots of packs, and wear them around with your full load of gear and food.

**Mags** · 06-03-2009, 15:12

Originally Posted by bigcranky

My hiking partner uses Golite packs -- the frameless ones --

I have the Jam II. It is my all purpose pack as it is a bit more rugged, if heavier, than my dedicated 3 season backpack (currently the Six Moons Swift) Simple and fairly rugged for a lighter pack. A 20 oz, it is lighter than my old daypack. I've taken it on day hikes, night hikes when I haul in 2 gallons of ice cream and ski tours when I haul in 10 lbs of pork roast.

I also only paid $30 for it via a friend who worked the Go-Lite warehouse sale here in town.

**bigcranky** · 06-03-2009, 16:15

Originally Posted by Mags

I also only paid $30 for it via a friend who worked the Go-Lite warehouse sale here in town.

Schweet. I would buy it for $30.

**double d** · 06-03-2009, 16:24

I have the GoLite Odyssey model (2008) and love it. Very well made, not alot of "bells and whistles" that you don't need on a pack, so GoLite keeps it simple, which I really like. Just a great, lightweight, well made pack. I have also used alot since I've only had it about a year.

**thunderson** · 06-03-2009, 16:46

I bought a 2009 pinnacle recently and really like it. You do have to learn how to load it properly and what that is will probably be a little different for everybody, gear choices, body structure, etc. I enjoy this pack so much that I also bought a Jam 2 for my daughter and would recommend either one.

**Chaco Taco** · 06-03-2009, 20:06

Thruhiked with a pinnacle last year and it was pretty good. Reinforce load lifters with dental floss. Did great for my body frame. I would not say use it for extensive LD hiking but sectioning yes.

**fiddlehead** · 06-03-2009, 20:32

I have been using a Go-Lite Breeze since they sponsored me back in 2001.
Still use it now. It's a great pack. Simple, lightweight, and rugged.

**Seeker** · 06-03-2009, 21:00

i've got a Go-Lite Gust. I bought it used, and it's probably about 6 or 7 years old... I added some water bottle pockets to the sides, and some loops to thread an elastic cord through (criss-crosses the back) for holding wet stuff. Weighs about 21/22oz, and is very comfortable to 20 lbs. Even up to 25, it's still carries well, allowing me to carry extra water when it's dry here.

**Debbie** · 06-04-2009, 10:41

Thanks for all the input. I think I'll go with the Golite.

**Red Hat** · 06-04-2009, 14:09

Debbie, the key to Golite is that you MUST really go light! If you are 25 lbs or more it becomes uncomfortable. I use a ULA Circuit because I am usually at borderline 25 lbs with food and water. My hiking partner tried using a Golite with over 30 lbs and ended up buying a Gregory to carry his stuff. Heavier yes, but more comfortable.

**Debbie** · 06-04-2009, 14:12

Oops! I usually run 30+. Glad you wrote. I haven't bought anything yet. Maybe I need to rethink this one.

**bigcranky** · 06-04-2009, 15:27

Red Hat's post applies to the frameless Golite packs only. The packs with internal frames can easily carry 35 pounds, in my experience. Both the packs you mentioned have frames.

**Red Hat** · 06-04-2009, 20:00

OMRiver was using a Golite Pinnacle. It was disastrous for him. I still say, keep it under 25 or go for something else. In my opinion, nothing better than ULA

**bigcranky** · 06-04-2009, 20:25

30% or more off Golite gear:

http://golite.qm4.net/members/ViewMa...gID=2147488652

**bigcranky** · 06-04-2009, 20:26

Originally Posted by Red Hat

OMRiver was using a Golite Pinnacle. It was disastrous for him. I still say, keep it under 25 or go for something else. In my opinion, nothing better than ULA

Sorry, I didn't meant to speak for you as I did. I made an assumption about the frameless part.

I tried an Odyssey with 30 pounds or so and it seemed fine, though.

**Debbie** · 06-04-2009, 20:55

I e-mailed Golite's website re: the weight Golite Odyssey was designed for; the response was: Max. 50 lbs.

**skinewmexico** · 06-04-2009, 21:05

If you use both of the GoLite codes now, everything is 40% off thru the 12th. Get yourself an Ultra 20 while you're at it.

30% - GLNTD09
10% more - GLNTD09VOL

Or maybe the second code is for 40%, I don't know, just play with it.

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