Reader Reviews

Rating: 5 / 5

This is the best all round pack I could find. After testing it, I find it to be the perfect balance of weight, durability, comfort, and size. At 19 oz (after my modifications of straps and such) it is light. Made of dyneema, it far surpasses those spinnaker and silnylon packs. It can be used for and 8 day hike without a resupply or conveniently packs down to a daypack. My favorite part is its flexibility. I can use it when hiking alone, with other ultralighters, or even pack on a few extra pounds to take a newbie out. I love this pack! And that is why I give it a 5.

Edited by stephenn6289 on 01/24/2007 15:52:29 MST.

Rating: 4 / 5

I received the Jam2 only a week ago, but I did manage to get in a 3-day 60-miler, as well as a short dayhike, which were fine opportunities to get a feel for this pack. (I carried a 7-day food load for testing purposes.) So far I’ve found it to be very thoughtfully designed, not perfect but certainly a keeper.

My torso is 18 ½” long, but the size L fits me best (sizing up one size from GoLite’s recommendations). This jives with BPL’s Frameless Backpacks Analysis, which states that GoLite “underestimates user torso lengths for their packs by a half to full size (1.5 to 2.0 inches).” Thank you BPL, for helping me get the right size on the first try! I prefer not to make noticeable compromises on pack fit.

The large volume of this pack surprised me. A 7.5 lb kit, w/ a 22 oz arc alpinist packed loosely in the bottom, still leaves room for at least 10 lbs / ~800ci of food (7 days). More volume could be made available with careful packing. With a total packweight around 20 lbs the Jam2 was very comfortable on long days. Caveat: I’ve never owned a light pack that didn’t require some tinkering with packing techniques to achieve a good feel—this one’s no exception. So far I have yet to come up with a comfortable configuaration for a 25-lb load (9 days of food/esbits + 2L water), but I’ve not yet gained a lot of experience with this pack either, so take that as an indication of the learning curve only. For a virtual frame, I used a 32” long Ridgerest rolled cylindrically, but soon I’ll switch to an Evazote pad cut to slightly smaller dimensions. There might have been some torso collapse at this weight, which could partly account for the torso-length discrepancy—I’m not positive.

The shoulder straps are judiciously padded, short of Vapor Trail cushy-ness. The removable backpad is ¼” thick. The hipbelt has no padding, and I don’t see that it needs it. However since the hipbelt is so flexible (just a double-layer of fabric), one has to be careful that it wraps smoothly around the hips, particularly not allowing the buckle to ride too high, which distorts the downward-sloping fin shape.

Having gotten a proper fit, I can say for certain that the Jam2 is more comfortable than the Granite Gear Virga (also frameless), and as comfortable as my Vapor Trail (light framesheet), at ~20 lbs total packweight. The latter two packs are more heavily padded, but GoLite gets the core suspension issues right.

The zippered outside pocket is cavernous, and the waterproof zipper runs smoothly. Apparently this pocket re-design was a major goal for improving the older model, and GoLite has done a good job getting more volume out of a similar amount of fabric. The pocket can hold an obscene amount of gear: cocoon pullover, nano tarp, vapr bivy, full raingear, pack cover, and some small items. In fact I had to resist the urge to pack too many dense items so far from my natural center of gravity, as the shoulder straps are not up to the torque. Unfortunately there is no way to compress the excess fabric of this non-stretch pocket when it is left empty.

With four side compression straps, one top strap, and the bottom compression clips, the main packbag shrinks impressively (the latter pics show the maximum compression possible, including a closeup of the bottom clips). The Jam2’s compression is an improvement over many light packs, but that doesn’t say alot. I did appreciate this though, since for me this pack is a bit big.

The mesh side pockets are too short, or at least too sharply angled forward, to stabilize a full 1L collapsible Nalgene. On technical terrain, I will probably use the lower side compession strap to secure it in place. It’s kind of dumb to have to do this though.

The stock weight of my Jam2, size L, is 21.44 oz. The fabrics and construction are obviously robust, and I wouldn’t change that since we all know there are light and fragile packs for the picking already. There are many options for reducing the stock weight: at the least, I will rip out the hydration sleeve, trim a lot of excess strap-lengths, replace the drawcord and cordlock with lighter options, and at low packweights I may remove the backpad completely (except on very cold trips when the extra ground insulation might be nice under one’s legs). Hopefully I can find lots of smaller things to snip too. 18 oz modified weight seems a reasonable goal.

The 1 point demerit because:
1. compression straps, even when supplemented with GoLite’s clever bottom clips, are still inferior to good ol’ criss-crossed cord compression IMO,
2. the side pockets are too short,
3. the kangaroo pocket could lose the zipper, and be made from stretch mesh with an open top for drying wet gear (climbers dangling upside-down as they read this will disagree I suppose).

Overall I’m happy enough to make it my go-to pack of the moment. Possibly it has one of the better frameless suspensions available for sub-25 lb loads. However, based on a few features, my dream pack still eludes me.

Rating: 5 / 5

I recently purchased the Jam2 and I could not be happier! This is my first UL pack, all of my other bags are 6-7 lb bombers from the 90's, Gregory and Lowe. I have been working on pairing down my kit from my old 45-60lb pack days, I consider this the foundation of my "Big Three" weight reduction. I want to thank those who posted before about Golite's sizing being a little off, I have a 19.5" torso and I went with the Large instead of the medium and I couldn't be happier about the fit. From the time I unpacked this from the box and threw it on empty it fit wonderfully! I carried....no I wore this backpack for 3 days on a recent AT trip loaded with 29 lbs of gear and food and I carried an the additional weight of 4 liters of water, 2 liters in front off of the shoulder straps and 2 liters in one of the side pockets. At first I didn't like the front pocket or the side pockets, but by the end of the trip I had figure out how to pack and make an efficient use of both of them, however if I were to change anything I would make each of them just a tad bit more user friendly so when the bag is stuffed their functionality is not compromised. With 29 lbs of gear and almost 9 lbs of water, for a total of 38 lbs of gear this bag carried like a dream! There was no need to adjust the straps every time I stopped or after taking it off and I didn't have to tighten the hip belt multiple times throughout the day etc.... I can not RAVE about how well this bag carried for ME! I am not sure what a virtual frame is but I think mine came with the upgraded version :) .... I didn't even use a sleeping pad inside to create a virtual frame, it just carried that well. Now my experiences may have been related to the way I packed it, and I did notice a little bit of trap fatigue at the end of a 10 hour day of walking but in the morning when I went to put it back on I certainly didn't feel any residual fatigue. If you are a Backpacker transitioning to a lighter weight you I would definitely suggest considering this backpack.

Edited by cwitter on 04/28/2007 22:02:04 MDT.

Rating: 5 / 5

I have used this for short ultralight overnight trips, peak bagging and long day trips to great satisfaction.

GoLite has struck a good balance between sturdiness and light weight. I could slide and scrape this thing a bit going down scree slopes without holes or tears, something the super ultralight packs can not handle.

Without a frame, one has to pack this thing carefully to keep the center of gravity close to your back. It is hard to make full use of the big back pocket without throwing off the balance of this thing. Two compression straps help out, but can not make up for the absence of a frame. The roll down lid strap also allows for carrying tucking a tent/sleeping pad horizontally.

How much this thing will comfortably carry depends a great deal on the user. More than 15 pounds makes this trickier to transfer the load to my hips.

Advice to newbies: Start off with an internal frame pack. It will transfer the load to your hips much better than faddish frameless packs, which require exquisite planning and minimalist style to carry comfortably. Do NOT make the mistake of believing that lighter weight means more comfortable travel! An extra pound or two of weight for your pack is nothing if you are planning to carry 25-35 pounds, especially if you are vulnerable to suffer sore shoulders with an ultralight pack!

Almost knocked a point off for GoLite calling this a Dyneema pack. Its a 210 dernier NYLON pack with dyneema grid superimposed. If you want a full dyneema pack go to Dan McHale but be prepared to spend.

Edited by busotti on 04/23/2009 13:10:56 MDT.

Rating: 5 / 5

I bought my Jam2 in late February as it was the last piece of gear I could purchase that would be of any significant help in reducing my pack weight. Coming from the Granite Gear Nimbus my base weight immediately lost 2 lbs of dead weight which was pretty exciting. My first couple of hikes with the pack pretty much met all of my expectations but then again they were all winter snowshoeing day trips where I never exceeded 15 lbs. It is now 8 months later and it continues to amaze me at how comfortable this pack really is. With my base weight hovering in the 7.5-9 lbs range depending on the trip, it is a dream to carry. Just last week I finished 3 days in the Grand Canyon where on one section I needed to carry 2 gallons of water. With a Torsolite pad semi inflated replacing the foam back padding and a Prolitegear.com small foam pad unraveled in the pack I was able to carry 35 lbs (traveling with my fiancé I try and take as much off her back as possible) in as much comfort as that much weight can be carried. Best of all, on the last day climbing out of the canyon when most of our water was gone and our packs were reduced to less than 10 lbs I was able to shrink the pack down with the hook and loop compactor system making the small load much tighter against my back. All in all the Jam2 is my new all around 4 season backpacking/mountaineering/carry-on goto pack. And while I wrote awesome reviews about the Golite Ion (which I still hold true) I purchased at the same time, I am beginning to think that the Jam2 could been the only pack that I need in my closet. After all simplicity is the what we are all after right??

Edited by Jkrew81 on 09/20/2007 12:11:29 MDT.

Rating: 4 / 5

I give it a four. It would get a 5 if it had a better outer pocket. Once the pack is stuffed the outer pocket all but disappears. But that is my only complaint. I forget I have this one on. It is a lot more rugged than I had first expected.
[IMG]http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t123/hootyhoo_bucket/Sleeping%20Quilt/IMG_0396.jpg[/IMG]
I did take the hydration pocket out and sew it to the back. And I added pad straps so that I could have more volume in the winter.
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t123/hootyhoo_bucket/Sleeping%20Quilt/IMG_0396.jpg

Edited by babbage on 12/28/2007 17:43:18 MST.

Rating: 5 / 5

What I like:

1) The shape of the shoulder straps fit me well, I never have to use the sternum strap (I removed it). The padding on the shoulders is very plush as well.

2) The very wide fabric coming off the pack on the hip belt adds a surprising amount of support when the buckle is done up.

3) It is more durable than I thought when I first bought it.

4) The compression system is nifty.


What I don't like:

1) As others have stated, the front pocket becomes less and less effective the more gear you put in the pack body. I have rearranged the way I pack it and largely overcome this - I simply put stuffable things like my poncho, windshirt, or pack cover in it, and this way every square inch gets used.

2) The side mesh pockets don't fit the 1L Platypus bottles very well, especially when the pack is stuffed real fat. The bottom compression straps can get in the way of the bottle as well. More of a small annoyance than a major issue.
(My mods got rid of this problem though).

3) If you are a bladder user, you get a nice bulge in your back that is uncomfotable to hike with. This is probably a problem with a lot of frameless packs though.

Now for the good stuff... I loved this pack when it weighed 21 ounces, but after my mods brought it down to 15.4, I REALLY love it!


For the details on what I did, see my post and pics in the following link:
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/xdpy/forum_thread/4898/index.html?skip_to_post=34713#34713

Edited by splproductions on 03/07/2008 22:50:29 MST.

Rating: 3 / 5

At first I really fell in love with this pack. Compared to the Granite Gear Vapor Trail, it offers significanly better access to gear, and is easier to use as insulation under my legs because it lays flat when empty.

The pack material is nylon with a spectra grid pattern and a urethane inner coating for DWR-like performance. The upper neck is significantly shorter and less frustrating than the one Granite Gear uses which immediately endeared this pack to me. The outer zippered pocket is really essential to my orginization. I keep my rain gear, tarp and some snacks in it, which is a definite plus. There's no need to seriously dig in my backpack now every time I want to get a snack. The pack has a few more features standard, including ice ax loops, a water bladder pocket and some other nonsense hanging off the outside of the pack. These I mostly cut off because they are unnecessary weight.

The side pockets do a good job of swallowing a 1 L Platypus and the side compression straps don't interfere with them. A definite plus. The compaKtor (or however the hell Golite spells it) does actually work to reduce the internal volume and make the pack very suitable for low volume day-hike loads.

The foam backpad is removable, which is nice, but I typically keep it in because the slot will not accept anything bigger than a pre-cut piece of thin foam (I wanted to put my Gossamer Gear torso length pad in it). As it is, this is not a deal breaker because I can fit the torso pad inside the pack and then use the pack's backpad for under my legs. The sternum strap is not removable (like in Golite's Ion pack), although I didn't remove it because it helps distribute the load off my shoulders quite a lot. The maximum weight load is about 25 pounds, but the pack feels best with total loads under 20 pounds.

My major complaint is the sizing convention that Golite uses. In every other backpack manufacturer, I fit a size medium backpack, and I'm used to having the hip belt rest on my hip bones. Properly, the center of the hipbelt should press against my hip bone, right? Golite packs are apparently sized two sizes too small, given this rule. I bought a size large and had trouble getting the hip belt to rest on my hip bones the proper way. Instead the belt rests above my hip bones (the bottom of the hip belt contacts my hip bones, a much less effective design). This is extremely frustrating because it is, quite simply, wrong. Again, I'm a size medium in every other backpack manufacturer. Wearing a size large Jam2, I can either loosen the shoulder straps to drop the pack down and get the hipbelt positioned on my hip bones the right way, but then the top of the backpack actually hangs uncomfortably away from my back... OR, I can tighten the shoulder straps so the backpack is flush against my back, but in that case the hip belt rests above my hip bones--not putting pressure on my bone structure, but rather putting pressure on my diaphragm, where there are no bones to transfer the weight. How people are able to hike long distances in this pack, I have no idea, and frankly I have a lot of trouble believing that people do it comfortably.

My second complaint is that the 3D spacer mesh that Golite uses in the shoulder straps collapses and loses its resiliancy over time. Mine has already become rather flattened, compared with a new one, and after a recent trip through the airport when I was carrying my 15 pound laptop and 20 pounds of other junk in the pack, I learned why Golite says that the backpack is rated for 30 pounds MAX. Very high weighs accellerate the degradation of the 3D spacer mesh.

My third complaint is that the webbing golite uses for compression straps and other strapping is thick and very unwilling to slide in the buckle adjustments. Compared to Granite Gear, which uses light and slick grosgrain webbing, Golite is very backwards in this regard.

I have used the backpack for overnight and been pretty comfortable with it, even if I was fussing with the adjustments the entire time, moving the weight from my shoulders to hips alternately. The pack just feels too small (even though, as I said, I purposely sized up one size). At about $100, the price is right, and the weight is low, at only about 19 ounces. For what it is, I'd say it is unsuitable for a trip where you will be carrying a load over 20 pounds for more than one day, or over 15 pounds for more than three days. Golite needs to figure out the proper sizing for their packs and figure out the proper materials that should be used for padding. When and if they do this, it will be a great backpack. Until then, I am sticking with my new ULA Conduit, which is superior in almost every way.

Rating: 4 / 5

This pack is great. I have a large and can easily have 7 days packed for 3 season, or even winter in Va. When I first bought it, I was still packing to heavy, and went out with 36lbs in the pack (28 lbs but water was scarce). It and I handled it. Now I pack 18-25 lbs and It and I are even happier.
Exceptions...Would like the straps to slide better thru the buckles. Very tight. I feel like Im going to pull something apart if I dont support the stitching with my other (holding) hand. And would like a real hip pocket. The new models have one but it could be better.

Rating: 1 / 5

nm

Edited by FamilyGuy on 10/31/2012 14:14:57 MDT.

Rating: 5 / 5

my Jam 2 is the older version not the 2009 update.
What I really like about the Jam2 is that it moulds to your back as a frameless pack should and yet due to the internal backpad, it still retains a reasonable degree of rigidity. This helps when carrying a full load.
I have been impressed with the way in which it has been put together and the way in which it carries, it is a very comfy pack.
I have several frameless packs and I know that should I need a midsized multiday pack that can take a bit of bashing when scrambling for instance, the Jam2 delivers.
I like the look of the 2009 version with the mesh back but I guess that this pack I have will last quite a long time so no need to upgrade quite yet.......

Rating: 5 / 5

I bought this pack a few months ago after using a Kelty redwing 3100 for years. Not to discredit the Kelty since it is a very reliable and DURABLE pack, but I do not see myself using anything else other than my GoLite. It is a very comfortable pack. I am 6'3, 330 lbs. At first, I was worried the pack would be to small for my large frame, but after wearing it around the store for a while, found that it really does a great job molding to your individual back shape. The pack is very light, but feels pretty durable thanks to the dyneema material it is made out of.

I had a chance to take it for several long hikes since I purchased it and it is the most comfortable pack I've used. I've loaded it up with everything I would take on a 3-5 day backpacking trip to see how it feels and it holds the load very securely to your back and prevents it from moving around in the pack and throwing you off balance.

I also really like the option of cinching the pack down to a smaller size using the bungie cord things (technical term...) for shorter day-hikes.

I highly recomend this pack to anyone. It is VERY comfortable and VERY light.

LIKES:
- VERY lightweight but durable
- Good balance with a full load
- Compresses to smaller size for day-hiking
- integrated whistle (very loud!)
- side pockets on waist strap are very useful for storing snacks or a small camera.
- Pack molds to the users back very well even though it is frameless.
- Distributes weight very efficiently and comfortably
- Easy to pack
- Simple design (only two main pockets)


DISLIKES
- None so far.

Rating: 5 / 5

I have 2006 or 2007 model. This is my favorite pack. It's comfortable and durable. Sometimes I wish there were more ways to attach gear to it on the outside, but it's a simple designs that does its job very well

I've never used it with more than 22#

Edited by vladimir_ek on 05/08/2009 08:10:40 MDT.

Rating: 5 / 5

The Golite Jam2 pack has been my constant porter for the past 3 years. I find it is the perfect balance between comfort and lightweight construction. The Dyneema material, although weighing more than the average lightweight pack material, has served me well and is a comfortable trade off between durability and my constant ounce counting mentality. If packed properly the pack has served me on treks of five to seven days, and the two side compression straps and the comPACKtor system hold my gear snug when just going out for a quick overnight. Although I usually never use a hip belt on any pack that I own I found that the Jam2's hip belt to be capable for use with loads up to 25 lbs. The material, although not waterproof, does shed light moisture well and drys quickly when wet.

Rating: 5 / 5

I've packed up to about 30 pounds in this, and didn't notice it as long as i used the hip belt. I usually put more like 20-25 lbs in it though, and it's much more comfortable. The material in the shoulder straps just doesn't really hold up to all that weight. I guess they put a different material in the 09 model, but it is heavier. I'm curious to get my hands on one to see if all the added weight is worth it.

back on topic! So the pack fits like a glove, which makes a huge difference.

I ripped out the water reservoir sleeve, detached the ice axe loops. I left the foam pad in, but apparently it'll save you an ounce or so by taking it out.

The back pocket is convenient, but i'm not sure if i prefer it over just having nothing there. The side stretch pockets are cut perfectly to grab a platy from without taking the pack off. I'm not particularly flexible either. :-D

The little hooks and loops on the bottom reduce the total volume of the pack. I actually use these more often than not... especially if I have a small load but need to use the larger pack to fit a bear canister. (boo)

Oh yeah. golite packs are harsh cheap too!

Rating: 4 / 5

I've been using my 2009 Jam all summer now. It's been a solid performer. I find it completely comfortable to 20lbs, fine to 25lbs and tolerable at 30lbs.

My 2009 Jam weighed 26oz when I got it. This might seem like a lot more than similar frameless packs from other brands but that's mainly because the Jam includes a lot of stuff that is optional on competitors packs like hipbelt pockets (1.5oz each), a back pad (1 oz) and a hydration bladder sleeve (1oz). If you remove these and trim the straps (save 1oz) your Jam will weigh about 20oz. Most of these modifications are permanent unfortunately (except for the back pad).

Mine weighs in at 24oz with the straps trimmed and the hydration sleeve removed. The back pad stays because it's really handy as a sit pad in camp.

The reason I gave this pack 4 stars is because I would like to see it gain some versatility. Some competing packs have removable hipbelt pockets, hipbelts, sternum straps and even light frames (ie. GG Gorilla). I also think Golite has been a bit excessive with the 3D mesh padding on the back that adds several ounces for a negliable benefit.

Golite is making the sternum strap and waist belt pockets and padding removable for 2010, but the overall weight is also going up 5oz due mostly to new recycled fabrics. You'd need to remove all that stuff just to weigh the same as a 2009 Jam.

Summary:

PROS:
- Affordable price (good deals available online)
- Durable
- Loaded with features (for this type of pack)
- Nicely padded
- Good back ventilation

CONS:
- It's a couple oz heavier than the competition (and getting heavier)
- Lacks versatility

Edited by dandydan on 11/18/2009 17:33:40 MST.

Rating: 4 / 5

I love the pack's size, durability, and fit to my body. However, there are two things it doesn't do well.
First, my waist is 29 inches (less with a thru hike), and the waist belt does't snuggly fit my waist. My shoulders and neck carry half of the weight, giving me headaches and neck pain.
Second, an empty (or near empty) 1 liter Nalgene-type water bottle will pop out of the side pocket. This is very bad when the bottle lauches itself off a mountain. It never happens if the waterbottle is half full or more.

Rating: 4 / 5

Just completed my first UL trip to Isle Royale. My pack held five days worth of food and gear for this summer trip. I had room to spare, and the pack fit comfortably and distributed the weight well.
The pack got soaked during a rain storm but dried quickly the next day. I give the pack a 4 because some additional lashing points would be nice, but careful packing reduces this need.