GoLite Pack vs. ULA pack

[TheBigHiker]

I'm headed down to the Portland, OR area tomorrow and going to check out the GoLite store just south of there. I wondered if anyone has any experience with the GoLite ultralight packs. Can anyone give me any info on them? The reviews I've seen are good to great, but I wonder about access and whatnot.

Thanks

[moytoy]

I have a golite jam (the original) which is what they call the jam 50 L now I think. Top loader with roll down top with a nice big rear pocket for things you need to get to fast. Side pockets that a 32 oz gatoraid bottle fits in. I carry about 22 lbs in mine and it carries pretty good for a pack without a frame. I'm a external frame guy so I'll probably never say it is great but I enjoy it when I'm packing light. I don't have a ULA pack but I'm not sure it's fair to try to compare these two packs. GoLite is an import while ULA is more like a custom made pack made in the US of A.

[Turk6177]

I have a ULA Catalyst that I have used on the AT. It was very comfortable and light. I would highly recommend it. That being said, I have never had or even tried on a GoLite Pack. Sometimes there is not a "better" when both are very good.

[gearfreak]

I have used both the ULA Circuit and Catalyst and now use the GoLite Pinnacle, which I happen to prefer. The suspension on the ULA packs is better, but for my max load of 25lbs., the GoLite still carries very well.

[Malto]

I love my OLD Jam that used to carry. The newer ones have too many bells and whistles. If I were looking for a larger pack in that size range I would also look at Mountain Laurel Designs. They will cost a bit more than an imported Jam but it gives you a lighter pack with the same function.

[nitewalker]

i have never used a pack made by ULA but i do love my golite jam[85.00$$ shiped] for a third of the price. the jam carries great if you pack it proprly and do not overload it[28lb or more] for "extended" periods..thus being said: to each their own or whats for one may not be good for another. you get the drift, good luck!!!

[TEXMAN]

I stated a thru hike with a GoLite in 2009 and I replaced it with a Gregory by the end of Virginia ...
I liked the GoLite but I never got down to the smaller load it was designed for so I wore out some of the seams and I sent it back to the factory to be repaired....Bottom line ....don't use the GOLITE bag if you plan on pushing it's capacity ...it is great for what is designed for and I still use mine on shorter hikes but when I need to pack extra stuff for weather or distance I use a bigger pack..
Old Man River

[Rasty]

Never used the Jam but just switched from a Lowe frameless 50 liter pack to a ULA Circuit and having a frame for an extra 4 or 5 ounces is worth it. With a frameless pack after 20# your packing becomes extremely important to be comfortable. The only way for me was to use my sleeping pad as a frame.

[skinewmexico]

I have a Golite Jam and Pinnacle from back when they were actually............light. Haven't used them since I got my ULA Catalyst and Circuit. Awesome packs, great owners, made in the USA. No one from Golite has ever called me at home, at night, when I had a fit question.

[NCMedic]

I have the ULA Circuit and love it! Roomy, sits and carries extremely well. I generally carry about 25 lbs for a week hike and it has never given me problems and more importantly, it feels good on my back. You can't go wrong with ULA.

[Drybones]

Don't mean to complicate your decision but check out the Granite Gear Crown 60...

[SCRUB HIKER]

I used the 2010 version of the Pinnacle (now called the Jam 70) on my AT hike. I was satisfied with it, although it's too big for the gear setup that I've evolved to since then. It carries up to about 35 pounds comfortably ... more than that and I could really feel it, but that only happened two or three times. I've heard other people say, like Skinewmexico, that the old Pinnacles and Jams were lighter and fit better than the current ones. I don't have any complaints about the Pinnacle that I used. Durability was fantastic (unlike Texman's experience above), and aside from the smell and a layer of grime, it's not any different from the day I got it. I'm not sure what you mean by access--it's a top-loader, but the less stuff you have, the less of a problem that is. That never bothered me.

[T-Rx]

I have a Golite Jam and Pinnacle from back when they were actually............light. Haven't used them since I got my ULA Catalyst and Circuit. Awesome packs, great owners, made in the USA. No one from Golite has ever called me at home, at night, when I had a fit question.

I agree skinewmexico. I love my ULA catalyst, it is a great pack and carries very well. I think I am going to buy a ULA circuit soon since I don't carry quite as much weight as I once did. And they do have great customer service, very helpful. They stand behind their products!

[NaturalHiker]

I have a GoLite Jam 50L and a ULA Circuit. The Jam seems to be a great pack, i've only taken it out a few time's with the max. recommended load but it seemed to hold up fine, maybe a little sagging but that's just because i didnt have it packed optimal with a sleeping pad for extra support. Have yet to get a chance to load my Circuit to max capacity, but from the fit it seems like it's going to be a great pack.

[turtle fast]

Another ULA bump....you just cant go wrong with these packs (unless you seriously overload them with an anvil). Made in the USA by hikers for hikers.

[TheBigHiker]

Ahhhhhhh runaway!!!! So many recommendations!!! I picked up a ULA Circuit today. I was going to look into the GoLite Jam 50, but decided not to when I read that a frameless pack can be a lot harder for people with back issues, which I have. It feels great. I got to try it on at New Adventures in Portland, OR. Those guys spent over an hour with me working on getting a pack to fit me right. After 45 minutes my wife started giving me the "I've had it. It's time to go." stare. These guys just smiled and helped me even though I said I wasn't sure if I was going to buy a pack there.

Ok there is my shameless plug. I really like the pack and hope it works out!

[TheBigHiker]

Ahhhhhhh runaway!!!! So many recommendations!!! I picked up a ULA Circuit today. I was going to look into the GoLite Jam 50, but decided not to when I read that a frameless pack can be a lot harder for people with back issues, which I have. It feels great. I got to try it on at New Adventures in Portland, OR. Those guys spent over an hour with me working on getting a pack to fit me right. After 45 minutes my wife started giving me the "I've had it. It's time to go." stare. These guys just smiled and helped me even though I said I wasn't sure if I was going to buy a pack there.

Ok there is my shameless plug. I really like the pack and hope it works out!

Dang it I mean Next Adventure... sheesh I've been doing that all day today!

[Hairbear]

i went fron osprey atmos to a circuit.i miss the compartments ,but the circuit holds all my winter gear well.i just got back from a two day,was planning on three +,section hike on the ozark trail.the circuit took its maiden voyage well at 27 lbs range.i found the weight confortable,and the space held all my hammock gear.id recomend this pack to anyone,being a picky tight azz when it comes to spending money,it is rare to say i find nothing wrong with my circuit.

[miami]

I carried a ULA Circuit the entire length of the Trail this year. No complaints. Weights up to 35lbs were very comfortable. Anything over 40lbs, I would consider to be uncomfortable. Carried my winter gear just fine.

[miami]

IMO, if you are utilizing an entire ULA Catalyst, you are certainly carrying too much weight (or have never heard of compression stuff sacks). Most of the folks I saw carrying a Catalyst could have easily moved into a Circuit.