I'm going to pass down my current Pinnacle to my son. I like everything about the pack except its weight (I've trimmed it down to 28+ oz) and it struggles to carry over 25 lbs unless I augment the suspension somehow (though I suspect most frameless packs are this way). I do the latter a fair amount from either carrying items for my youngest son or lots of food for longer solo trips. Of course, the weight only lasts the first couple days. I carry a Neoair and usually a thin foam pad that really doesn't provide much support even folded 6 thicknesses.

So I'm looking for a Pinnacle replacement that weighs less. It must be at least 50 L but compress down well for smaller volumes, torso size 20-21", decent size hipbelt pockets, side pockets for bottles, and be able to carry up to 25 pounds in relative comfort. Money is also a concern so I'll have to be lucky enough to find a used one unless I MYOG. These seem like the potential options:

Gossamer Gear G4 (perhaps MYOG?)
Gossamer Gear Mariposa Plus
Granite Gear Virga
MLD Exodus
MLD Ark
SMD Starlite
SMD Swift
ULA Ohm (not sure belt pockets are big enough)

Which ones should I eliminate?

Michael here are my thoughts on some of those packs.

It sounds like the Pinnacle is just barely carrying the load you need it to carry. In my opinion the Pinnacle and Jam carry loads about as well as any frameless pack out there. I would avoid any other frameless pack or MYOG pack if thats the case.

If your oldest son is carrying a light load why not do a MYOG project for him? Its not that hard to make a pack that will comfortably carry 15-20 pounds. But if you want one that will transfer weight to your hips and be comfortable with 25+ pounds, well thats a lot toughter. Everything has to be perfect.

I'm hoping to attempt a MYOG pack with a Gossamer Gear frame inside it. If your interested in that I'll update you when I start working on it.

Edit - I haven't personally tried it but I think the last two or three versions of the Jam/Pinnacle are much better. The old versions had the hipbelt attached on the side. This means the hipbelt won't wrap around your hips as well and the pack will sag more under a heavy load. If you have that version of the pack than a newer model might be better. Also see Will's review of the pack. He recomments leaving that foam pad in place.

Edited by Cameron on 04/15/2012 19:08:53 MDT.

The OEM pad was worthless IMHO - it buckled right above the hipbelt attachment (mine is the 2009 version) though it did provide a bit of ventilation (look on the bright side, right?). When stiffened with some coroplast, it worked fine. I then removed both and used a standard blue CCF, which worked fine (I had used it coiled), but was redundant since I use a Neoair. The thin pad from Oware I use now is just too flexible either coiled or folded. I ended up rearranging how I pack so weight (food) was lower and that helped. This last trip with my boys I went back to the blue CCF as I thought my youngest might use it but he slept without a pad. I might try just some coroplast.

I'm in a similar situation because I've come to prefer a short therma rest to a foam pad, at least in some areas. If I'm carrying a really like SUL load I feel like the thermarest will do the job but not if I'm carry 15-20 pounds. For that I need stiffer foam pad. If I carry a rudundant foam pad just to stiffen up my pack than for the same weight I might as well have some kind of internal frame pack.

All that is why I've been looking for a sub 2 pound internal frame pack. Since funds are tight I think I'm going to try making one. If I get lucky I might try working on this week. I'll try to post pictures and a report if I do.

No internal frames that light that I know of at least. You can do the pseudo frames like the stays in the SMD or GG packs. I hate to add 4 oz of weight back in that I can't use though. The reason I went with the Oware pad was for extra protection for the NeoAir (and I'd need it in colder weather). It's just so floppy to be useless though for anything over 20. But it was 4.8 oz vs 8.5 for a shortened blue CCF.

I'll definitely be interested in how your new project goes. I'm trying to get my base to 10. My new tarp and a new pack would get me very close.

"All that is why I've been looking for a sub 2 pound internal frame pack."

The HMG Windrider and Porter would fit the bill but more than you want to spend.

David thanks for the idea on the HMG packs, not sure which one of us the tip was for but thanks. Yeah thats a bit more than I can pay right now. I'm thinking of making a "poorman's" version of that pack with Dyneema X and a GG frame that I have.

I have a Pinnacle and I use a Z-Lite eggshell, accordion folding mattress in it for support. With that set up I have comfortably carried 30 lbs, when loaded with extra water after a resupply.

Before you spend big bucks on a new pack, you might just invest about $30 for a Z-Lite and give it a try.

I know a "normal" foam pad will work as I said above, just don't want the weight or bulk. I guess in that case adding a stay of some sort like the 4 oz one from GG would bring me out ahead.

David, you're also correct, I can't afford an HMG.

I use an MLD Exodus for up to 25 pounds and find it light, affordable, high quality, and comfortable. It blows the Jam and Pinnacle out of the water (and yes, I've used and owned the Jam). It does everything better than they do at half the weight.

Edited by evanrussia on 04/16/2012 05:59:16 MDT.

Evan,
Interestingly, it doesn't have an option for stays so what are using to supply the frame? Since the Jam is noticeably smaller, how did your "frame" and gear differ for it?

Budget constraints will likely eliminate this pack but there is also the new Exodus FS to consider: http://www.mountainlaureldesigns.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=25&products_id=185
The inflatable packpad is said to carry a lot better than a foam mat (Jam) and it also has a carbon fibre rod to act as a frame. I am seeking a similar pack and the Exodus FS seems to have come out on top for me. Figured it was worth pointing out if you hadn't already noticed it ;)

With the sale Golite just started & a review coupon, I couldn't pass it up so I picked up a 50L for my wife (she's a wee bit too big for the S I already had) and 70L for me. These were cheaper than what I paid for mine almost 3 years ago at 40% off.

How can I get a review coupon?

Write a review for one of their products. See the Crazy Golite Sale thread. You may find someone nice enough to provide one.