Companion forum thread to:

Golite Pinnacle Backpack REVIEW

I had the same issue with the top strap pulling out alittle on my Jam2 when I pulled it too much...

Mine too had strap issues appartent after the first use; and I don't believe I "overtightened" it. I took the pack to a local gear repair person and paid around $50 to have straps shortened and reinforced.

Hi, my question is - would it be possible insert an acceptable working frame? And how would it be done? Or what else can be done to fulfill the following need?

Sometimes - seldomly - I carry up to 18 or even 22 KG ( 40 to 50 lbs).

Actually I have an old well working Deuter - a 4-pounder and I would appreciate to save 2 pounds. The in the article mentioned alternatives don't reduce the weight that much or are too small.

My reason to carry such a load sometimes: once a week about in a longer trip I have to carry much water - 7 to 9 liters plus normal load and food. But this is food for a week and the necessary water for 2 to 3 days in a hot & dry region without reliable sources/ wells/ cisterns. And it's reduced quickly, so I need not to carry that much for long :))

Do you know how to change the pack accordingly or would you recommend an alternative? By the way - the pack must be sufficiently robust for bushwacking, rocky areas and air travelling.

Thanks a lot!
Paul

try the Cilogear 60L or 40B for heavier loads. I have used a Gust for 6 years, and 2 years ago got the 60L version 1 for heavier loads. It is still very similar to the Gust/Jam/Pinnacle series, but can carry bigger loads or be stripped down for lighter loads to almost the weight of the Pinnacle.

I agree with Jeremy- the Pinnacle won't work well for loads in the 40-50 pound range. Another pack would be better.

Golite has some framed packs. The Quest has been reviewed here and might be a good choice for you. http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/golite_quest_backpack_review.html

Doug

It is possible to add an internal frame - I've done it with a couple of packs - Add a frame Outline

The simple answer is to machine two pole pockets onto the inside seams. Then you can use two light rods (eg carbon) or 6mm/8mm/10mm aluminum tubing.

On the above link it doesn't show reinforcements but they will be required: reinforce the base of the pocket with something like a layer or two of cordura. Reinforce the top of the pocket with a fold-over cordura/velcro closure so that the pole can be sealed into the pocket.

If you use 8mm or 10mm tubing it will need to be pre-bent with approx. 10-15degree bend about 11 inches from down from the shoulder strap - so that it matches the natural curve of the back

For the very best comfort it's worth making hybrid poles with 8" of 8/10mm plastic tubing at the base of the pocket with the rest being aluminum tubing. You'd need to join the aluminum and plastic tubes together using a sleeve and some pins and glue.

Total additional weight of using 8mm Plastic and Aluminum tubing would be about 100g +/- 20g.

I've got to do a proper write-up of this stuff at some point ;-)

Edited by ArchNemesis on 02/08/2008 10:02:24 MST.

The review states
"Overall Rating » Recommended"

However in the following text it states
" The Pinnacle is excellent at its intended purpose and while it's not the ultimate pack for all occasions, is “highly recommended” for lightweight high volume loads."

There seems to be an inconsistency here can Doug or Amy explain the difference between these 2 ratings.

Mike

> I've got to do a proper write-up of this stuff at some point ;-)
Contact me please if you do.

Cheers
Roger
roger@backpackinglight.com

I modified my old golite jam and my new jam2 adding a "semi-frame made with a light plastic sheet inside the pad pocket, to create a semi rigid frame and transfer the load to my hips, with only 60 grams more i felt that now i carry heavier loads in a more confortable and effective way.

This mod can be done easily in the pinnacle

Anyway 22kg are TOO MUCH for a pack like this

Edited by pitagorin on 02/08/2008 15:25:57 MST.

Hi Roger - the Pinnacle is essentially a GoLite Jam2 with more volume. As such, it's great if you have a large-volume, low density load - 30 pounds in 3700 ci - but less so if you have a more typical, low-volume UL load. It's still "recommended" for anyone, but only "highly recommended" for folks with "lightweight high volume loads."

Thanks for the article. It help me with my decision on buying this pack.

I really like the extra volume in the Pinnacle for winter trips. I never compress my sleeping bag in it. I just stuff it to the bottom my trash compactor bag liner.
I essentially bought this pack based on the Jam2 review but this article is a welcome addition. Great job Doug and Amy!

Hi Roger,

Just as Ben said, the pack is overall recommended but if you need a pack in this niche- lightweight high volume loads- then it's highly recommended.

As you can see from questions about weight, this is not the ideal pack for all users and many folks need a winter pack that can carry heavier loads. We wanted to show that it's an ideal pack in some situations, but not all.

Thanks for the great feedback everyone- we appreciate it!

Doug (and Amy)

Another "What’s Not So Good"

I found Golite sizes their packs small. A large is more like a size Medium +

Interesting, I've not had that experience. I always found the Gust to be large so I sized down to a medium. Maybe things are different with their new packs but this one fit Amy perfectly.

Anyone else had sizing difficulties with Golite?

Thanks Ben and Doug that makes sense.

I also find GoLite packs sized too small for me. My suspicion is that it depends on how you wear the belt. I like to wear a true HIP belt that sits half above and half below my iliac crest. To get a GoLite pack to sit off my shoulders, I have to wear the belt as a WAISTbelt instead, and this is after sizing up one size. I see a lot of folks wearing their belts cinched around their waists. How do you all wear your belts?

I love mine and bought it based on the 8 months use I used the Jam 2. I found I was able to support my younger kids food or gear. Also, as an Assistant Scout Master it maid the required medical kit and other bulkier gear fit in with my regular kit without too much trouble. Best of all I can carry all 4 kids day hiking gear and our food. I get a great training hike out of the day.

I haven't had any issues with the straps on either of my Golite packs and have overstuffed them several times.

Great review.

GoLite's pack sizes are based on spinal length, which is roughly but not perfectly correlated to height. Here's the sizing info: http://www.golite.com/images/sizing/packs.gif.

Within each pack size, the pack will fit differently those with different spinal lengths, since the pack size is not adjustable (a feature that would add 1-2 pounds, plus complexity and cost, to its weight). i.e. A Medium Jam2 pack will be longer on a person with a 16" spinal length than someone with a 18" length.

If you have a preference as to where you keep your belt, and if you are on the margins between 2 pack sizes, you might take this into account. For example, I have a 18" spinal length but definitely keep with a Medium because I tend to wear the belt closer to my waist (which I think is common among lightweight backpackers who find that lightweight loads don't sit on the hips as heavy loads do, and in fact they ride up frequently towards the waist). If I wanted the pack more around my hips, I might consider going with a Large.