Hi, everyone.

I need recommendations for a new pack. I’m currently using a Golite Jam, which I love, but it’s volume is more suited for week long trips with the gear that I use. On shorter trips, the pack is about half full. Since I don’t like using the compaktor system, don‘t suggest it. What I’m looking for is a smaller pack for weekend trips. Ideally, the pack would be around 2,000 cubic inches, under one and a half pounds, and aside from the main body, have an extra pocket or two. I’ve been doing my share of research, but I haven’t had any luck finding what I‘m looking for. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
Austin

The Gossamer Gear Murmur. I recently picked up the Whisper, a earlier version of the Murmur made of Spinnaker without the side pockets and hip belt and can't see needing anything more for up to 3 nights at least in summer.

If you wanted a smaller version of the Jam, which it seems you do not, the Golite Peak is right up your alley. A few ounces and a few hundred ci over your requirements though.

I'm shocked that you are having a hard time finding a pack though. Did you not look at the offerings from Mountain Laurel Designs?

ZPacks Blast 20 is 2000ci for 3.3 oz and $110 although you will probably end up paying a bit more and weighing another 1 to 2 ounces depending on your chosen options.

I've got the Blast 18 with hip belt pockets which I use to carry all my food for the day on one side, and on the other side I carry the little essentials like headlamp, bug dope, compass, sun screen, tp and alcohol, etc.

In addition it came standard with a big front pocket for stuffing wet tarps, etc. and two side water bottle pockets.

I switched to this pack when my 3 day kit got too light for my ULA Conduit, which is a similar size to your Jam.

(Not to say the Conduit wasn't an awesome pack for 7 to 15 pound base weights, because it was.)

Edited by JohnnyBgood4 on 02/12/2010 21:05:26 MST.

Austin, I was using a Jam2 and found it to be slightly larger than my needs. I switched to a MLD prophet and this has worked exceptionally well. If you want an even smaller pack MLD now offers the "Burn" that has a 1500 cu in main bag.

MLD


Jamie

Edited by jshortt on 02/12/2010 21:15:19 MST.

How about the ULA Conduit? About 2000 ci and legendary in this community. The MLD Prophet or Burn should be contenders as well. Each of these is made with Dyneema like the Jam, so very durable.

If durability is not a huge concern, I'd take a look at Joe Valesko's packs at ZPacks. How about 4-5 oz. for a 2000 ci pack!

I'd consider the Conduit, but it's volume is nearly identical to that of the Jam’s. The Gossamer Gear Murmur and Mountain Laurel Design’s Burn do intrigue me, though. One thing that bugs me, however, is mesh pockets- something that both packs have. It’s not a big deal, more of a personal preference thing, but I wish more companies would use spandex fabrics for pockets. Osprey and Golite both use this type of fabric for their water bottle holders, and I love them for it. Anyhow, are there any other packs that come to mind? I think you guys can expect a “Gossamer Gear Mumur Vs. Mountain Laurel Design Burn” thread in the near future.

Thanks again,
Austin

I'm impressed with the weight of any model at ZPacks. My slightly modded 1700ci Mountain Hardwear is 2x the weight of the 2000ci Dyneema wow! I guess I'll have to do some more modding.

For $40 a piece I really like my two smaller packs. My 09 MH scrambler started out at 18.7oz and quickly dropped to 15.2 by ditching the corrugated plastic frame sheet. It still has a removable foam sheet which offers plenty of support. What I like is the 2 zipper pockets integrated into the lid. I think it is quite comfortable at 10-15 pounds. More that the shoulder straps don't do a good job and start to dig into your shoulders. What I dislike is the lack of outside pockets for a water bottle. For the price I don't think I could be any happier. I love the what the cottage shops have to offer but right now I don't "need" another pack! If you see that I bought another pack you can report me to the UL anonymous BPL club.

I also have a tiny 750 ci
Osprey Daylite

GG Murmer, Miniposa, or Gorilla are all great options..

The Miniposa/Gorilla pack body vol is like 2400ci if the extension collar is used to full capacity, but it's a roll top, and the extension collar obviously extends above the backpad coverage, I rarely use more than about 2000ci in my gorilla, and tend to think that's around the more optimal vol with a couple rolls (excluding mesh pockets).

"I think you guys can expect a “Gossamer Gear Murmur Vs. Mountain Laurel Design Burn” thread in the near future."

The Murmur is sold only in 30D silnylon fabric (think tent fabric), whereas the Burn is constructed from 210D nylon (the same as your Jam) which is much more durable. I'd be nervous about having a 30D silnylon pack, especially when 1.5oz cuben is available which is basically the same weight but much stronger. My suggestion is that if you are looking for a small, durable pack then the Burn makes a lot of sense, but if you are looking for a cutting edge SUL pack then a 1.5oz cuben pack like the Zpacks Blast or upcoming MLD cuben Burn are your options. If you don't like the mesh pockets I imagine you could contact MLD and get Ron to use a different fabric instead.

You could get one of the Talon 33s that have been popping up on closeout and leave the lid at home.

Golite Ion- you can often buy these (new or used) for $30-40, add a little stretch material to the outside and voila, nice light 2-3 day pack :)

deionization of a golite ion pack