Crazy! All of the tents and packs are 50% off MSRP, Shangri-la, All the Jam's

Edited by KalebC on 04/18/2012 23:21:54 MDT.

Thanks for the heads-up. Just picked up a Jam & 3 season quilt.

so what the heck is going on with GoLite these days??? are they going out of business? Seems like they are having some really cheap prices, is the gear lower quality these days?

AH! If only I needed another Jam!

perhaps the new(er than my old Jam's) hip-belt style would make another 50L pack worth it?

They're making it sound like these are the new prices. Just how I'm reading it. 50% off MSRP.

Wait a second! that's 50% off of "suggested retail", not the usual price that they advertise is already 20-30% off of said "suggested retail" price!

Should we form a deal-hungry lynch mob now? Get 'Em! ;)

Well the tents are considerably cheaper. Look at the SL3, it's marked down $100... ;)

any way to avoid the 9.95 shipping on a 7oz item?

I would buy an SL5 for car camping but the wife would kill me :-)

Crap I am torn. I'm not trying to hijack this thread, but I just bought my first summer bag, a Dreamwalker 250 (http://www.exped.com/exped/web/exped_homepage_na.nsf/0/7D94FFC505712754C12579A0003BEB00?opendocument). Sleeping in a 15F bag in the Smokies summer humidity is like being in a sauna :). I noticed the Ultralight 1+ 800 Down bag (http://www.golite.com/UltraLite-800-Fill-1-Season-Quilt-Regular-P46823.aspx)is a bit cheaper. Any opinions guys?
The Dreamwalker is 6oz lighter, has a true hood, but is rated less at 45F (vs 40F) and more expensive (paid $180 shipped)

Wow, looks like some great deals. I was almost ready to buy a Jacks R Better Hudson River Quilt. However the Golite 3 season quilt is now $80 cheaper. They look very similar. The Golite is about 3 ounces heavier but is also rated at 20 degrees verses the Hudson River at 25-30 degrees. Would you guys go for the Golite at $80 cheaper? If they where closer in price I would probably choose Jacks R Better.

I'll also be picking up a new Jam for the wife.

I have the 1+ season quilt, bought during a similar sale last spring. For the price, hard to go wrong. Construction quality is pretty good, loft is good, temp rating is accurate in my experience. A little heavy, but the weight to volume ratio of the 3 season is better. Part of the weight is WPB fabric around footbox and at collar, intended to provide some splash protection (so you might be able to save the weight of a bivy if you use a small tarp.

Maybe they need to pay their taxes.Need a quick cash flow increase.
Terry

>"Maybe they need to pay their taxes.Need a quick cash flow increase."

I'd guess clearing out old inventory at a time when folks are gearing up for summer and cottage makers have 6-8 week lead times on new orders. Maybe the "50% off retail" has replaced the 40% coupon codes they used to have all the time?

GoLite appear to be struggling with their direct business model a couple of months in. They dropped their prices significantly when they went direct, and said that they wouldn't rely on large scale sales going forwards. Yet week after week they run another price-cutting promotion.

I've been into their Pearl St, Boulder store a few times. This is expensive real estate, it's massively oversized for what they need, and I've never seen more than a handful of customers browsing. That's a serious drain on cashflow. Online, they are competing with other brands that run regular discounts through web-based retailers. Customers have become attuned to paying less than full retail, and GoLite's 'Suggested retail' price listed below the current price is, well, a bit cheesy. Resorting to price competition should be the last resort.

The unpredictability means those of us who don't have to buy right now will just wait for another price cut. And anyone who bought at the standard price in the last two months is getting a dose of buyer's remorse.

I hope they figure it out and stay in business. Their weekly change of pricing seems very reactive and smacks of desperation.

I am so glad I waited till today. I was about to pull the trigger on the Jam pack on Monday but I was so busy I couldn't get to it. I just saved a few bucks on this pack!

You may be right, Stuart. One the other hand, a few months ago I bought a merino piece from the Patagonia website when they were having a similar 50% off sale. And I'd be surprised if Patagonia was struggling.

Living here in the sticks, I didn't even realize Golite had retail stores. Maybe Golite considers flagship stores to be a form of advertising, rather than a source of significant sales?

It seems like Golite's product profile ought to be successful: affordable, light enough for many, available off the rack.

I agree with Stuart - some items look interesting to buy, but who is going to when they have just kept dropping prices. Who is waiting for the 75% off sale???

And re: patagonia 50% off - they do this every year as a spring clearance sale, so it is not indicative of their financial position or desperation.

Also something I noticed with the SL tents, they are now two pieces, flysheet and nest-floor. So I guess the nest and floor are one piece now. But they don't sell them separately, so I wonder how to replace one of the pieces? Do you have to buy the whole tent? I guess its just like any other tent now.

GoLite stopped selling floors altogether. Other than the occasional model that they find buried in their warehouse and list on the clearance closet, buyers are out of luck. And yes, you have to buy the nest along with the fly. It's simple for the first-time buyer and the less particular customer, but frustrating for those of us who want individual components. I bought the SL1 around New Year's expecting to be able to buy a floor later. After countless hours trying to track one down, I gave up in disgust and sold my SL1 on to a friend.

im not sure if they are doing any more of these, but when i posted a review to their website, they sent me a code for an extra 20% off. it still works to give an extra 20% off their sale prices, even on clearance stuff.

yep, they do...and it's pretty instant. just took advantage...thanks ted. picked up a pair of the pertex pants for $49 shipped

How do you post a review on their web site? I just looked, and I don't see where/how to do it.

I'm trying to buy a Jam 70L but Golite website don't accept my Colombian credit card, maybe a fellow member of BPL can help me buying one of these packs for me? I can transfer the money FIRST via paypal, total trust in BPL members. the shipping address is USA.

thanks for looking!

go to the item, click on the review tab, then click on review this item. I think you need to be logged in to review an item, meaning you need an account.

Gary, click on an item you want to review,then below the picture of the item they have several bars to click on(features / materials / technical specs / ratings and reviews)click on rating and reviews, it will drop down and below and to the left it will say review and rate this item, click on it and review it. you must be logged in at the time so that they can send the code to your email account.

There's a really small link on each product page to post a review. If the email address you enter is already in their database you'll be forced to log in and re-enter the review.

Moments later you receive an email with a coupon for 20% off valid for a month, even before they have validated / moderated the review.

Now the downside for locals: the retail stores have no idea how to process the coupon code. They will direct you to the website. But if you live in a state that Golite has a business presence, you have to pay shipping and sales tax. I just experienced this in the Boulder store, 15 minutes ago.

Golite have a lot to learn about being a brick and mortar retailer.

Bought a new Jam last week, then this sale pops up today. I called and they refunded me an extra $40, it was easy to reach someone on the phone and they were super friendly. I really appreciate that sort of thing.

Edited by VTAduck on 04/19/2012 14:30:26 MDT.

They also refunded the difference of my SL3. Customer Service was again very friendly. After not being refunded the difference for the recent clearance I am incredibly satisfied with my purchase. I may even use the extra cash and the 20% coupon for the 3 season quilt!

Congrats, Emil. I told you that customer service wasn't consistent. Glad your perseverance paid off.

Thanks, Dan, Anna, and Stuart--it was right there, in tiny letters. So I wrote a lengthy review of my beloved SL-3, hit "Send," and they reminded me that I had to be logged in. I then did, but my password had expired and I had to set up a new one. My first review had been deleted, so this time they just got the Cliff's Notes version. But I got a 20% coupon.

And yeah, Stuart--thanks for the heads up on doing the coupon at the store. I live in Boulder, and I like to hit my bank on the mall, get my parking ticket validated, and slide next door to GoLite to pester the help. On your advice, I just now called my buddy at the GL checkout desk, and he confirmed what you said--the coupon is only good online. So I have to pay shipping and sales tax, but still...

Thanks to this thread for the 20% review coupon info!

Stuart- You most certainly did. I can be very persistent when we're talking about $100!

BTW here's a 20% coupon code I don't need. I already have 3.

Coupon Code: N55kIv
Your coupon expires on 5/19/2012.

is not possible for me to buy new Jam's pack, the place that sell this pack at a affordable price for me is the Golite web and GL don't accept my Colombian credit card, maybe a BPL member can order for me? I can transfer the money first via Paypal.

please help me, this is not a Scam.

p.d: excuse my english.

Thanks for the heads up on this everyone! I just got a new Jam and a 800 fill 3 season quilt for a total of $185. I haven't ran across a better deal than that for awhile.

I have been wanting to get a UL pack. This sealed the deal for me great packs, even greater prices.

Do the Golite tents include the floor & netting? It's not clear on the website, and I recall from before they had to be bought separately.

They include the fly and the inner. The inner is the netting and floor combined.

it's the whole tent not just the flysheet

Tents include the flysheet and the nest (integrated floor and mesh). Floors were discontinued at the end of last year, as were the flysheets and nests sold individually. Every once in a while they pop up on the clearance closet page. If an item is listed as 'temporarily out of stock', it's worth calling customer service, as they sometimes have a few items kicking around in the warehouse.

Im the OP, I put "Crazy" in the title in hopes of getting everyone's attention. I'm a golite fan, good stuff. Best deals I have ever seen.

I've just compared the weight of this kit with what I have and the GoLite name should be GoHeavy.e.g. their Shangri-La 1 dual-layer tent is 1Kg with pegs excluding poles. Compare to say Tarptent Notch 0.7Kg.

They aren't using the lightest materials. That is helping keep the costs low. E.g. their sleeping bag for 0F -18C which would typically for a "lite" demand 800fp/900fp they're using 650+fp so leading to 1.6Kg. Compare to say a PHD Minim 600 0.9Kg but at over 4x the cost.

Good prices though. Probably needs to be to offset the weight :) The name Golite is really GoHeavy or GoCheap?

It is worrying all these sales, thick+fast a lot of product dumping. I got umbrellas a few weeks back and the 2011 Jam and Peak a few months back.

Edited by nigelhealy on 04/19/2012 17:21:41 MDT.

Nigel, maybe they know something we dont? is the world really ending end of 2012? Are GoLite head honchos living it it up on these sales revenues for the last 6 months of our existance? lol

I dunno, GoHeavy, GoCheap, GoEndOfTheWorld....

Good though someone can kit themselves with new stuff, tent, sleeping bag, waterproofs, etc for not much..... Not Lite though..... must be sickening if someone bought their stuff outside of these sales. I was surprised to see their 2012 prices, usually inflation sends $ upwards.

Nigel, I just compared my cuben 9 X 8 tarp 0.17kg to your Notch 0.75kg, you should call your kit "notch another pound on my gear list".

(joking)

Edited by KalebC on 04/19/2012 17:59:42 MDT.

Anyone have an extra 20% coupon? Thanks

just write a review and they will send you one

> I was surprised to see their 2012 prices, usually inflation sends $ upwards.

Their sales and clearances the past several months have certainly been unusual. Just picked up 2 Jams for the same price I paid nearly 3 years ago when they were 40% off.

Thanks for the tip on the coupon, too!!!

Sweet!

I was about one second from buying a visor and a pair of Mesa 9" shorts three days ago, but saw the $10 shipping and changed my mind. The 20% off review coupon makes shipping basically free. Didn't hurt I added a Manitou T-shirt either.

Ryan

Not like-for-like. Correct, you can go lighter than a Notch, just remove doors, netting, floor, and the corresponding warmth and insect protection. "To each their own".

How long does it take to get your code after you submit a review...

Also, I need a new rain jacket. Are any of the golite one's a good value?

Almost instantaneously. Takes longer to sneeze.

Emil,
Is it okay if I use your 20% coupon? I would leave a review, but I haven't used any of their gear yet. Is the code good for multiple uses? My husband wants to get a new pack and water vest.
Julie

Julie - It's worth a try, but don't be surprised if someone else has already used it. If you don't feel comfortable posting a bogus review to get your own coupon code, then I suggest asking someone to PM you a code they generated.

Edited by lotuseater on 04/19/2012 22:10:32 MDT.

the coupon is good for everything in your cart not just one item.

Great kit for a newbie (like me)

Quest 80.00
3 season down bag (long) 150.00
Shangri -La 1 140.00

370.00 - 20% for gear review = 295.00 + shipping for a great start on a lightweight setup!!!

Who wouldn't have wanted to start their foray into lightweight backpacking this way?

I agree, but where I go I would get a jam 50, 1+ quilt and a SL 1, 2, or 3

Needless to say, these are great deals to introduce the new to backpacking light! Literally and economically, can't be beat for the big 3

i wonder how many new reviews are on the golite site because of my post, lol.

if anyone wants my code, i won't be using it.

edit: just sent my code to Bill R

Edited by denver_whitest185 on 04/20/2012 07:15:59 MDT.

I'd love a code if someone wants to PM me one. I'd rather not flood the site with fake reviews.

Julie, sorry I don't have any codes left. I gave them away after I received more than a few PM's lol.

nothing left is in my size. Basically all the jackets are out of stock:(

Listing removed

Edited by berrybr on 04/20/2012 07:31:36 MDT.

brian, i will take it, email coming

I use the older version of the Tumalo and have had no problems. It might wet out in a heavy downpour of many hours, but then what doesn't nowadays? The pit zips and mesh pockets are fabulous for breathability. For the price it can't be beat.

Two out of three items I looked at on their site were temporarily out of stock. Great prices, I was looking (to kill time) at a larger volume winter pack and a couple bags.
Duane

use USPS size small "if it fits it ships" box for less than $5.00.

The RS 1+ regular just came back in stock. Picked one up for $59 shipped with my 20% coupon

I just submitted a few reviews and haven't received any e-mails or coupon codes yet..... either it's over or ir takes awhile.

It's still on. I just submitted another legitimate review and received another coupon immediately

I just submitted a review and when I went to my email account immediately afterward there was a 20% coupon waiting for me.Are you signed in?

oh and for the record, my posted reviews are sincere, truthful and accurate. I own or have used what I reviewed. I love Goilite products. They may not all be the absolute lightest, but the quality is there. And when I needed new UL women's specific packs , only GoLite had them, not any of the cottage industry guys that's for sure.

Susan, I sent you a PM

Thanks for the update on the RS 1+ quilt - I just ordered one and a few of the trail run shirts as well. At the price I paid w/ coupon, it's the perfect piece to let my new-to-backpacking cousin borrow this summer. Now he'll just need a pack... ha, maybe I should have ordered him a Jam 50L...

Anna,

Thanks, I thought that I was, but wasn't I had to update my account for my new e-mail. I submitted several reviews but only received a coupon code for the one I did after I renewed my account.

thanks,

Susan

Gave in and made a review. Just picked up a Jam 35 and a UL 1 season quilt for $167 shipped. This is nuts.

Edited by Lerxst on 04/20/2012 15:59:33 MDT.

I submitted an honest review thats already up on the site, but have yet to receive an email. Its been a couple hours. hmmmm Maybe my email is just being sluggish. It is Friday after all.

So jealous. I wanted an RS1 quilt in short length, but they're out and won't be making synthetic quilts at least for the next few years as their quilts will only be available in down. So if you want an RS1, now is the time. they still have regular and long sizes.

If you didn't get the code it may be because you did not register an account on the home page, that's what happened to me until I I realized my mistake.

I finally got the code. It took 2-3 hours for me. Just make sure that you're logged in and have the correct email associated with your account. I use yahoo and I just think the slowness was on their end and not Golite's.

There isn't actually anything I want from Golite really... but just to see what happens with the review, I logged in using my account, and then submitted a review (an honest one) for an item. I instantly got a discount code.

I dunno... I could use a 40F sleeping bag but even their lightest is 550g....hmmmm.... that's same weight as a 30F bag I own.

Adrenaline 800 Fill 1 + Season Mummy becomes $130.17 delivered with coupon.

Edited by nigelhealy on 04/20/2012 18:00:25 MDT.

Anyone with an unused code out there? Thanks.

vGH58f is yours if you want it

Thanks Gerry. Worked like a charm.

i see about 10 of them on the chrome dome alone. i love this kind of stuff, and to be honest, i think golite loves it too. bpl alone must have purchased 50 of those umbrellas over the last two week period...probably about as many as they sold last year.

Like flies on crap.

There's nothing from GoHeavy I want, heavy sleeping bags, heavy tents, I got all the umbrellas and packs I want. The water-bottle hipbelt thingies look interesting at that price but its out of stock. I need some trekking poles but they don't do them. So...

The code from my Chrome Dome review, anyone can have it is below, hope someone benefits from it.

Coupon Code: 5EkTPx

Your coupon expires on 5/20/2012.

Edited by nigelhealy on 04/20/2012 23:16:32 MDT.

I know some of Golites stuff is pretty heavy. However some of their stuff seems pretty light. I bought the 3 season quilt. It's rated at 20 degrees and weighs 23oz. That seems pretty decent to me. At sub 2 lbs the Jams 50's seem to be pretty decent as well. Their tents all seem heavy though. I'm no expert yet but seems like some of Golite's gear is competitive in the weight category. What would you guys consider light for a 20 degree quilt? And at the price I could not resist.

This issue with something like the Jam is that it used to weigh 20oz v.s. 2lbs. For a frameless 50L pack, this is a porker. Every year it has added 'stuff.' More padding, wider belt, load lifters (on a frameless pack, hilarious), etc. Next year it will have a frame.

Been very pleased with the Golite Travelite Carry-on I picked up a year ago for $75 so was thrilled I could get another for the wife for even less in this sale after my 20% coupon. Was set on a Montbell Alpine Light down parka too but the Bitterroot for $120 seems like a no brainer as does the Ultralite 3-season quilt. All will serve me well I hope in Norway and Finland this Sept. to see the aurora!

With the quilts, I think the "heavy" claim is overstated. Similar offerings from others only beat the Golite 3 season by 2-3 oz. (and offer higher build quality, no doubt, but that's another issue).

3 oz may look like something on a spreadsheet, or when trying to break a "magic" number (sub 10#, sub 5#, whatever). But the shift from sleeping bag to quilt or from tent to floorless shaped tarp will pay bigger dividends (assuming conditions allow it).

Seems pretty clear Golite wants to capture more market share than the cottage makers. (Or, alternatively, is cash-strapped and about to go under. Or preparing for the apocalypse. Or something.)

Heavy is relative. All the stuff I've bought from golite (shangri-la, peak, 3 season quilt) has a good mix of durability, comfort, and weight. Not to mention it won't break the bank. To each their own.

Just placed an order. My wife is getting the W's Bitterroot jacket, which is a great UL item from GoLite. They don't have as much tempting UL stuff as they used to, but there's still some good stuff to had. The quilts are still solid buys considering the price.

I don't see a thread with 183 posts trying to figure out any golite tent. (like the notch) And when is the last time tarptent had a 70% off sale.

( I just can't help to point out someone making fun of a gear company for being heavy, but then uses a 26oz tent, which is heavy in its own right)

Edited by KalebC on 04/21/2012 21:38:04 MDT.

...that thread is pretty ridiculous. I have a tarptent notch and it is quick and simple to setup. 4 stakes and you're done. Not really rocket science.

Conversely, the shangri-la 3 has bit of a learning curve as far as pitch is concerned, but is also a fantastic shelter.

Edited by aaronufl on 04/21/2012 21:33:16 MDT.

Different focus. The Shangri-la 3 is a lot of space, some like that to simply chill. And look at the price they're selling at..... probably less than $200 using coupon vs Notch $300+ delivered.

As to discussions, the Notch is relatively new and people figuring out is it right for them, Actual owners discussing issues, as said its a very simple design, not rocket science. I erected mine today to seal-seam and its up in a minute or so with little (nothing) to worry about.

You need to make sure that you are logged in. Then submit the review (which will probably be saved from your earlier attempt).

To be clear...The is no delay from your order to shipping time at JRB...Jacks 'R'Better LLC has invested in a full inventory on all of its offerings...We ship same or next business day, includeing orders that include semi custom with work from our available modifications section.

Pan

"Like flies on crap."

Yeah, we all should be embarrassed. But there is a value here, to my mind. For someone wanting to go from traditional to lw, or even kick the tires toward UL, GoLite offers an inexpensive and reliable path. Purchasing a Jam 50 at 2lbs for $80 (or less) to replace, say, an Osprey 60L pack at 3.5lbs for $180 makes a lot of sense. Most are ignorant of the strict, and often impassioned, UL outlook. If GoLite offers solid products at compelling prices that can convince whole armies of people carrying 40+lbs into the backcountry to lighten up, I'm all for it.

The other value here, as has already been mentioned, is for those with more experience to think less of any problems when "modifying" or "myog-adjusting" an $80 (or less) GoLite pack to a weight more desirable. I'd be much more willing to put a knife to an $80 pack than I would to one I spent twice as much for, even if the latter desperately needed more knifing. Sometimes, when buying from the cottage crew, you're paying more for the convenience of not doing mods you could do yourself.

Me? I'm looking at a Jam 35 to hack at...

Neil,
+1

IMHO, the go heavy comments come across as snide and arrogant whether they are meant to or not. I'm noticing a lot more combative posts on BPL, how, sad!

GoLite makes a quality product at great prices and I can make my own alterations. For many products they are only a few ounces different than cottage goods at 3x the price. Don't get me wrong, I want to someday be SUL, but I am on a budget as well.

I don't suppose anyone has a code they could email me...? I posted a review last night, so they may have stopped sending them out?

c h r i s t i a a n _ j o n e s @ hotmail.com

Very much appreciated
CJ

This is quite the sale. Noticing the use of 'Suggested Retail Price' leads me to believe that permanent significant cuts to their previous prices are in order. A lot of people had questions about what consequences would come from Golite going direct order. I think this is a sign of things to come. Before I read all the "Golite is going out of business [citation needed]" posts, I was pretty sure Golite was making a grab for some serious market share.

It's a fine idea really. If they can regularly have prices similar to this sale, you would be hard pressed to find a newcomer or anyone on a budget who could resist these kind of deals. It would build brand loyalty too. They have a chance to make their company leaner and more efficient than so much (any?) of the competition by combining going online only with their name recognition, marketing experience, and overseas manufacturing. They can undercut everyone from the cottages to REI.

So much UL study happens online now too and I imagine a lot of people don't think twice before purchasing lots of equipment sight unseen. I'de bet the farm that online sales have an upward long term trend vs. in-store sales. Add to that, for every BPL forum member sporting a see thru backpack, they have Andrew Skurka whose successfully used Golite stuff nearly his whole career through some crazy stuff pumping out Nat Geo books, making the news, and going on tours.

Business stuff aside, all the Jam haters on this thread may fail to realize that making a 50L pack out of Dyneema Gridstop is going to weigh a little bit, but be durable. I personally love the thick padding and lust over the huge hipbelt pockets they added to the new one, despite the silly load lifters. Newcomers won't care too much about a few ounces and experienced ULers will gladly trim bits to get closer to cottage weight and save $100+. This was proven by the clearance sale that happened a few months ago and the plethora of Jam hack n' slash threads. The 3 season quilt is a solid performer as well and it has been discussed to death that an UL sleep system is the hardest thing to go cheap on. That's how I ended up with one. 3 ounces wasn't worth $70. They could really rack up some apparel sales. The prices of their stuff in the sale resembles 'utilitarian' gear instead of the fashion oriented prices of old. I would be sold if I was in the market.

I have a nagging question in the back of my head though: was this what Ryan Jordan foresaw when he wrote his Stagnation article?

They are still sending out 20% off coupons for reviews.

"Business stuff aside, all the Jam haters on this thread may fail to realize that making a 50L pack out of Dyneema Gridstop is going to weigh a little bit, but be durable."

First - the whole pack is not made out of dyneema gridstop. In fact, the main body is only partial dyneema gridstop. The rest is ripstop.

Second - while the dyneema gridstop material is durable, the thinly padded shoulder and belt straps, the mesh, and the foam uses is not.

Has anyone tried their parapoa long sleeve? I am considering it for the pct.

didn't you give it a good review on the golite website?Andrew Skurka seems to like it,but they are one of his sponsors.He shows in this video

http://andrewskurka.com/2012/authorsgoogle-ultimate-hiking-gear-skills-clinic/

Just picked up a Jam for myself and my wife. Have been wanting a lighter pack for some time. 70% off is a pretty good deal. I wish they made kids gear as well.

In New Zealand and Australia the Kathmandu brand has had success by selling direct only and through their own stores. They have multiple sales each year with discounts of 30-60% and more. The discount, however, is on what they call a recommend retail price and these prices are often unrealistically high e.g. 550 fill goosedown jacket for 500 NZD when you can get a Outdoor Research Men's Virtuoso Down Jacket for 359 NZD or a Patagonia down sweater for 400 NZD. Golite seem to be starting with competitive recommended prices and then discounting from there. Sucks they wont ship to New Zealand, but at least this stops me from getting stuff I don't really need.

Macpac have now gone for a very similar business model (Kathmandu's founder is now a part owner of Macpac).

It seems to me you could put together a pretty solid light weight kit at a great price with Golite at the moment.

How is the fact that shoulder/belt straps don't last as long as the rest of the pack singled out as just a problem with the Jam? I don't know of any pack that has straps that will last forever. People may bring up Mchale, but the price is way out of line with jam.

I have been using my jam for 3 and a half years and it is in great shape. Just because it isn't the lightest doesn't mean it isn't worthy of choice around here.

"First - the whole pack is not made out of dyneema gridstop. In fact, the main body is only partial dyneema gridstop. The rest is ripstop. " Yes, the two grey strips and foam bit against your back are not dyneema gridstop. Pack body is about 70% Dyneema gridstop though.

"Second - while the dyneema gridstop material is durable, the thinly padded shoulder and belt straps, the mesh, and the foam uses is not."

A few posts up you complained that they added more padding, now it is thinly padded. My hiking partners Pinnacle looked just fine after the PCT. Anyway, aside from the rear pocket design and stuff that is easily trimmed, the Jam has 'spent' it's weight pretty well on fabrics and design. Why that hate?

I am fondling the 2012 version right now and it is a definite step back from my 2009. Yes-the padding on the shoulder straps is far too soft and thin and the padding against the back is far too thick. @ 2lbs it is a pig for a 46l frameless pack. The foam is of low quality now. It will flatten out in no time. There is less dyneema on the pack than the early models. I am glad you like your 2012 Jams. I am not impressed with the product. Sorry.

I guess the following two questions will get a different response.

Is there a better 50L pack for $70 than the Jam?

Is there a better 50L pack than the Jam?

The former question is why I own a Jam, I got mine in the end-2011 sale, the latter question is the topic of a different debate altogether.

Nicely put, Nigel. Agreed.

I have an old jam2 I think it is an 08. I purchased it cheap back then and still love it for the value and minimal weight. The new one is definately not nearly as nice but can be bought cheap. I just ordered a 2012 Jam 70 to replace my 2010 pinnacle (also bought at a steep discount) since there has been so much talk about how much better the new hipbelts are. I think the 70 is still a pretty darn good pack for winter or other bulky endeavors. IMO it is a great value and though I have not really looked at numbers I assume it is up there as far as it's weight to capacity ratio goes.

"Is there a better 50L pack for $70 than the Jam?

Is there a better 50L pack than the Jam?"

Indeed, two very different questions. Thanks for boiling it down so succinctly, Nigel.

When the Kindle Fire was released, a few of my friends opined "Why would anyone own an iPad when you can get a Fire for $200?" Of course, this question was meant to be rhetorical, perhaps, but iPad owners came out of every corner with a laundry list of answers. Certainly the Fire has its function in the consumer marketplace, but it was never intended to be an iPad replacement and at its pricepoint, it's a silly comparison.

There does seem to be a little bit of GoLite fanboyism and it seems reasonable that there would be some counterbalance. I wouldn't classify it as "hating" on GoLite, though. I own a GoLite pack. It's too heavy for what it is and does, but it's functional and reasonably priced (so much so that I can't justify replacing it entirely), but I have concerns about their business model moving forward. They want to be the cheapest alternative on the market, but that comes with some heavy costs (no pun intended) all around. There should be room to identify those costs without offense, I would think, especially as it affects the quality of the products themselves. Cheaper materials + over-engineering = heavier pack and more things to go wrong. Clearly there is a market for this kind of a product, but just how broad that market is should be up for discussion.

Edited by arlynjj on 04/23/2012 20:54:30 MDT.

I have read most of this thread... lol- a long one for sure!

Owning a manufacturing company myself (as in I own the sewing house- no overseas manufacturing) and also only doing wholesale for 6 years then moving to direct sales- I can tell you is a different ball game. The profits are way better that way for sure.

But what it looks like (and clearly I know nothing, but if I had to guess) they are dumping inventory to do some big manufacturing orders. It is clear their stock is stupidly low- as in -out of stock all over their site.

I am more fearful that they are known for cheap prices (as in my industry I am as well) and that puts you in an odd spot. Because honestly- it cost them the same (say $5 from the manufacturer) to get an umbrella that they may sell for $15 but say Patagonia would sell for $25 or $30. In this case it is volume that is important, but I bet that Patagonia would sell more just off of name alone. So...... Thus making more profit. It is great to be affordable, but if you do not keep tight check on your overhead- it will run you in the ground.

Also- I do find the MSRP pricing really- gosh, what is the word... Dishonest??? Like we think our items should sell for this, but we are to afraid to ask for that, so we will just discount every item we have. So then you wonder, is the discount because of bad management or quality?

I am just talking form a purely consumer point- on that. Not a user point. Like, if someone just went to their site for the first time and saw everything out of stock and prices slashed... makes you wonder what is going on.

It also says on their website 30% off everyday! Well, then why not just have a great bag with a great price of $70? I think they would get a lot more buzz about quality and price v's are they going broke???

Anyway- I see the JAM 2011 thinking about it for my daughter.... At $50 bucks... come on!!! At that price I can even modify it to fit her. I wonder if I could modify it to fit my 7 year old too... lol!!!!!

Edited by crayon on 04/23/2012 21:25:08 MDT.

Time to chime in I work in the outdoor retail industry. Pretty standard that MSRP of stuff in stores from big names are 80% more than the initial production costs. Your $100 fleece at a retailer was purchased by the retailer for about 50% depending on discounts. then add in the potential of shipping. now that company didn't make it for $50. thy have overhead, wages, R&D Advertising etc. they would have made it for about $15. These brands also have employee pricing incentives were stuff is 60% to 80% off retail. they're not giving this stuff away they're still making money in these cases as well.

So yes it may look like massive liquidation and going out of business, but if they now are the ONLY retailer selling the Jam 50L pack, that means they're getting all of the sales. So yes everything is 30% off but that means on $100 item there making an extra $20, or $10 if you consider that they're not making retailer sales.

Also add on the fact they do not need to have sales reps, hire representation agencies, in store advertising, Store fixtures addition storage or logistics companies and retailer account managers.

They have been advertising in Backpacker Magazine for years, have one of the most recognizable adventurers under sponsor ship, are in the new backpacking gear guide, get countless recommendations on notable sites like BPL, whiteblaze, trailspace etc and have a partnership with NOLS(I think this still stands). The going out of business theory seems unlikely because they haven't closed they're free standing stores(high overhead)and the making of a new product line for spring.

Well it could be true:

"The going out of business theory seems unlikely because they haven't closed they're free standing stores(high overhead)and the making of a new product line for spring."

However, there is now a thread over 100 post just questioning this very topic. So, it appears they are giving the impression of "business problems" v's "stability"- even if that is not the case.

or just a ton of speculation without any facts from the company its self. And I'm not saying I'm right just pointing out some things not being talked. and 50+ of the posts are for the coupon for 20% off and another 20 bashing the jam pack.

Anyone have a coupon code? I submitted a review and havnt received anything,I made sure I was signed in. Im wanting to pull the trigger on an item but waiting on the code. Thanks

odd. Check your spam folder? Mine was instant you can use mine if noone else has 5EkTPx

Checked spam and still nothing. Looks like that coupon code has been used, thanks though.

ok I'll submit another review and give you my next code. 2mins...wait....

Update, I did and I got my code instant and I PM'd you so you can use it before someone else beats you. Hope whatever you're getting does you great.

Edited by nigelhealy on 04/24/2012 11:47:31 MDT.

Thanks Nigel I guess I did something wrong. Ordered a 2011 jam for 53.55. Thanks again.

No problems you're welcome, can you return the favor and give me a time machine, my Jam 2011 cost more :(

Any more coupon codes? I've submitted two reviews and have not received any coupons...maybe they didn't like my review. I'm thinking about a Jam and maybe the Tumalo jacket.

Did you sign in? I first posted a review and got nothing. I then completed the registration then went to the my reviews section in my account. I had to repost it, which you can do by editing and resubmitting it. I got the email about 10 seconds after that.

thanks for the info, just got my coupon!

i wonder how much i saved the BPL community with my post about the review code? or maybe i should say i wonder how much the BPL community spent because of me. lol

How long is their shipping?

Ted, you saved me 34.50, however you cost me 148.50!! Either way, I have now have a 3 season quilt and a nice running shirt. Thanks!

I only managed a new visor and a 2011 Jam for the Fiancee. I was going to pick her up a new bag, but was unsure on what to get. I decided to get her a Western mountaineering and she jsut didnt want a Mummy, cant do the confined thing, so I instantly came here for the quilt but they were gone already. Ive watched for a weeek but the longs havent came back in stock, just the regulars. Hopefully soon and Ill jump on it!

Here's a Shangri-la on Denali:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INC_Qb_o_OM#t=1m00s

I ordered Monday and it came today. Pretty fast in my book.

Thank you for the delivery info!

7 days to get my packs to IN. Still good in my book considering the amount of shipping they've had to do for this sale.

I ordered a good amount of stuff on the 20th and it came in (to south Louisiana)yesterday, the 26th. I'm pleased with everything I got, especially for the price.

Ordered on the 19th and it arrived in northern CA on the 24th. Besides the initial order receipt email I did not receive any email updates from Golite, but the order status was updated on their website.

[edit]

Just wanted to add that it was boxed very thoughtfully. A strip of cardboard was taped under the top seam where the box closes on the top. I was very careful opening the box and this was not necessary, but had I not been so careful this would have prevented me from slashing the items inside.

Edited by wasser on 04/27/2012 11:24:37 MDT.

I ordered on Tuesday (24th) and it's predicted this Tuesday (7th), so I'm right in line with Michael, as I live back 4 miles from the Ohio/Indiana border in Cinci.
Thanks all for the feedback, 7 days is very respectable for the amount of shipping!

I'll second the comment about thoughtful shipping. I also had an extra sheet of cardboard, apparently intended to prevent box knife damage. Probably helped too, since my work-shipping-dept didn't see my name on the label and opened it for me. They are used to truck parts, not fluffy down garments.

First come, first served -

GoLite coupon Code:

oTUVte

good until 5/20/12.

I have a few more, PM me if you need...

Jason,

I have many grand memories of my trips through NZ and Oz. I still love my Macpac 50L Nikau pack. If it didn't weigh 4 lbs, I'd still carry it. I also still have a lot of gear that I bought at Kathmandu shops. Not to mention a still sturdy plastic bag from the store. Silly as it is, it has many good memories.

I would love to come back to NZ and Oz again!

Susan

Chad P.

I PM'd you.

Susan

Its a shame they dont ship to the UK, i have a huge list of things in my basket :(

Did you give them a call? They might be able to help you out that way.

Even for orders to Canada you cant use the website and have to phone them instead.

mark, I don't have experience with international shipping from Golite, but, as greg said, Golite asks you to call for international orders.

"International customers should call customer service to receive an accurate shipping estimate."

Golite Shipping info

Edited by wasser on 04/29/2012 09:25:59 MDT.

Does anyone have an extra one of these mysterious coupons that I could use? I am looking to buy a 1+ quilt and a jacket. It would be much appreciated!

Cheers,
B

Not mysterious just sign in and do a review.

>i wonder how much i saved the BPL community with my post about the review code? or >maybe i should say i wonder how much the BPL community spent because of me. lol


Saved me $25. Cost me $110. Worth it. I now own an RS 1+ Quilt. Awesome!

Never got an email but only took 6 days. Umbrella is cute, I'm sure I'm gonna get razzed by the rest of the group in head to toe gore-tex. Hope I don't freeze to death (they would just laugh harder). Have a question about the Quest pack I got; where the perimeter frame curly cues down onto the hip belt (see close-up detail on web site), it sits in a circular pocket that appears to be zippered onto the waist belt. What's up with that?

Got my poncho-tarp out for a night last weekend, thought I'd share this pitch that I was really happy with.

Glad you posted that. I was thinking about a pitch just like that today with my Poncho. I typically use a flying diamond (roomy side entrance) or half pyramid (storm) but the pitch you used provides some nice overhead room.

this sale never ends, is this the new way everything is going to cost at golite you think? I ordered a few items and they arent bad at all - poncho tarp, down quilt. with the 20% off coupon the prices seem too low.

I think the sale will end soon. My theory is that since they are going direct now they need to get their name out there and make a ton of customers happy, this will lead to good words and lifelong customers. This may go down as the greatest sale if you factor in the extra 20%

so it's 42.3 sq ft but what are the dimensions??
you'd think data as basic as that would be listed
...or is it just me?

The old women's jam large is in clearance for $50 ($40 with 20% coupon)...the torso is the same as men's medium. $40 plus shipping is a deal for this pack. (Available in all three colors. You can dye the pack black if you don't care for the green or blue). Just a thought.

Any idea how the women's large fits? My girlfriend is pretty tall, ~5'9" 5'10" or so, if I remember right.

Edited by tekhna on 05/06/2012 11:27:53 MDT.

check her torso length,and it gives sizes according to torso length on the the page below the photo,how tall she is has nothing to do with it.

Is there a difference in Golite's temp ratings for men's and women's sleeping bags? My girlfriend got a men's Adrenaline, and it doesn't seem any warmer than my stoic 30F bag.

Thanks,
Kevin

Anyone heard from GoLite on when they'll be back in stock on some items? I'm looking for a quilt, but I'm guessing I've missed the window.

quilts will not be in stock again till August,so no more for the sale.

Thanks for that, saves me from trying to get through to them on the phone!

i am not familiar with Golite prices but from what I read in this thread it seems the deal is still good.

I have a baltoro 75 and looking at the weight of some golite backpacks i almost feel like a fool carrying all that weight (the baltoro is almost 6 lbs). How comfortable are golite backpacks compare to the baltoro, and what are the tradeoffs.

Also i was wondering about their quilts. I have a non insulate Exped UL basic pad, from what I understand the quilts don't provide any insulation on the bottom. Would this setup be cold for temps around 40/50F?

thanks!

Someone snagged 1 season quilt right under my nose. I added it to the cart, browsed for another item and by that time it sold! Mad... Went for RS1+ quilt for $75 instead...

Did they have some in-stock for a short period of time? My wife had decided she wants a quilt!

I ordered a Shangri La 5, two bags, two pants. Woohoo! This is really high quality stuff for the price.

I'm about to pull the trigger on a Rush 10 pack. Does anybody have an extra coupon code they're not going to use?

8S5oRL
I8rBcY

Thanks a lot.

I am not sure if this was already mentioned or not.. but I found this link interesting. It details some of the story of how golite has transitioned to online and lower prices, etc. I am happier to support them after reading. (they have great products from my experience also)

http://andrewskurka.com/2012/demetri-coupounas-golite/

Does anybody have a 20% code they aren't using? I reviewed a couple of things I bought previously while logged in but didn't receive a code.

Paul,
Thanks a lot for posting this! That interview gets me excited about the whole GoLite brand again. Neat to hear their story and motivations.

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=63906&skip_to_post=546777#546777

You should receive it instantly. It's computer generated. Make sure they have your correct email address. I've already used two.

Nevermind! Just went ahead and ordered. Can't figure out how to delete the message :)

Edited by jnewm on 06/11/2012 23:28:43 MDT.

I know this is old news, but are there any more unused codes around? If you could send me one I would appreciate it! Thanks.