Another new pack

[cams]

To try and keep CenVicCharlie's thread more on topic I thought I'd start a new thread about the Golite Peak that I received a few days ago.

As I mentioned in that thread this was my first frameless pack (that I intend to be used for overnighting). Golite quote 745g and I was pleasantly surprised to weigh mine in at 733g as is out of the box. After some trimming of the ice axe loops, shortening most of the webbing and removing the hip belt the weight came down to 580g which is much more reasonable for a frameless pack of this size. I will also experiment with removing the foam back pad and using my sleeping pad instead.

On the weekend I loaded it up with about 8kg and did my local test run of about 6km. I was pleased with how it carried this weight, the shoulder straps are very comfortable. The front pocket seems usable even with the main section loaded up. Should be able to put most of my food and some nick nacks for an overnight or 2 in here. The side pockets are fairly compressed once the main section is filled up and would only be suitable for items that can be squished. As mentioned, I removed the hip belt because despite the pockets maybe being useful the design of it was stupid and (I think) completely unusable. The mechanism they have included to adjust the angle means that there is a plastic buckle being pressed into your pelvis. Despite this it provides very little extra stability and definitely no load carrying ability. But I don't think it is necessary to be comfortable.

The main annoyance so far is the top closure system. Either there isn't enough material to roll down before applying the top compression strap or the top compression strap is too long to get any useful compression on the material if you do manage to roll it down. http://www.golite.com/Product/ProdDetai ... =352005110 The picture on the website is very misleading as far as I'm concerned. If I were to fill the pack up like they have there would be no material to roll down at all and there would be a big hole in the top. They don't actually show you a picture from the top.

Overall my first impression is about average. I'll give it a go on a few more trips before giving it a final verdict.

[cams]

From the other thread:

Hey cams,

"Full" with a lightweight pack with a roll top closure is when there's still room to roll it down about 3 rolls to close it off! You can't fill them to the top of the compartment! The Go-Lite packs are great packs (I've got 3! - an Ion, Jam2 and Pinnacle - I just take whichever pack is appropriate for the amount of gear I need to carry).

Cheers,

JB

Even with nothing in the pack there is barely enough material to actually roll the top down. And unless you fill it to where I have then the top compression strap dosn't do anything (it is too long) and any material that you did manage to roll up would just unravel because there's no pressure on it.

Cams,

Have you undone the compactor clips/straps at the base of the pack to give it more volume? (They usually come done up - it's a great feature which makes the pack more versatile, you can change the volume of the pack according to how much you're carrying)

Were you using the strap over the top to secure the rolled down portion?

See the pic of the Peak - http://www.golite.com/Product/ProdDetai ... =352005110 - to see how the straps should be when the pack is full (compactor clips straps at bottom undone - in the pic you can see the clips next to the gear loops - and strap over the rolled up section at the top to keep that secure.

Cheers,

JB

JB,

Yes I have definitely undone the bottom compactor clips. Yes that picture is exactly how I have been using it. I have been filling it up less than in that picture. As I mentioned above, that picture is fairly misleading as far as I'm concerned. If I were to fill it up that much there would be no material to roll down at all. I think I'll take some pictures tonight to explain. I'm not saying all Golite packs are like this and from what you have said the models you have are probably ok but there is definitely something not quite right with the Peak.

[Jellybean]

Hi Cams,

If you'd like some help, maybe you could post some photos of your full pack here, showing the problems you mention? As an owner of a few Golite packs I'm having trouble picturing the problem. Certainly in the case of the Ion, Jam2 and Pinnacle, the photos on the website accurately show what the pack looks like full.

Cheers,

JB

[Nuts]

Dont be annoyed...,I'm thinking that youve either:

*overloaded the pack
*not bought a big enuff pack
*dont have small enuff gear



Ive had a couple of golite packs, (quite rightly... and obviously) they have their limitations

[cams]

Dont be annoyed...,I'm thinking that youve either:

*overloaded the pack
*not bought a big enuff pack
*dont have small enuff gear



Ive had a couple of golite packs, (quite rightly... and obviously) they have their limitations

Wow... condescending. Is it because I'm new that everyone jumps the gun in assuming that I don't know what I'm talking about and the pack must be right? Going from the one photo on the manufacturers website.

Here is someone else who has made the same comments, who also owns other Golite packs. Yes probably should have tried harder to find this before buying. Not that I'm completely writing the pack off. Just trying to prove a point and advise other people who may be thinking of getting one.

I've converted to the GoLite packs for just about all of my UL trips now, using the Jam for summer, now the Pinnacle for winter, and probably the new Peak for day and overnight trips. Both the Jam and Pinnacle are fantastic, exactly what I need, even with the extra weight that a lot of people are complaining about. I think the extra weight is well thought out and there are good reasons for the changes that GoLIte made. The Pinnacle itself, even without a frame, does well in carrying quite a good load, much better than either my Mariposa Plus (frame removed) or very old G4. The added bonus is that if you have the aluminum frame that comes with the Gossamer Gear packs you can use it in all the GoLIte frameless packs. For added weight carrying ability I just insert the aluminum frame in the closed cell foam sleeve and voila! a framed pack with only 100 g added. Fantastic!

I'm not so happy with the Peak pack. I think GoLite designed it in a big hurry and didn't stop to look at its problems. For one the upper side compression straps are way too high, so that when you fill up the pack and cinch the opening down the upper straps close along the same plane as the very top of the pack. Another problem is the overly short extension collar. If you fill the pack even modestly, you can't roll the top down enough to protect the contents of the pack. I had to rig a Granite Gear Top Lid from the tops of the shoulder straps to be able to close the pack properly. And the hip belt pockets, though they do work fine, are so fiddly that I keep wanting to cut them off. The volume of the pack is much too close to the Jam. I think GoLIte should have looked more carefully at the discontinued Ion and worked more with that size, while keeping a lot of its features. Very frustrating for what could have been a fantastic smaller alternative to the Jam.

http://www.hikinginfinland.com/2010/02/gear-talk-golite-pinnacle-2010-backpack.html?showComment=1269836208530#c5664321370656730781

[Nuts]

Wow... condescending. Is it because I'm new that everyone jumps the gun in assuming that I don't know what I'm talking about and the pack must be right?

No, just me wasnt it, sorry mate, I didnt know you were new!
Hey, dont warn too may people... you may need to sell it!

[Jellybean]

Wow... condescending. Is it because I'm new that everyone jumps the gun in assuming that I don't know what I'm talking about and the pack must be right?

'Sorry if you took it that way Cams, that wasn't the intention. However, without knowing your experience or actually seeing the problem you're having, it's necessary to ask questions!

As I said earlier, my experience is with the Ion, Jam2 and Pinnacle, not the Peak. The Jam2 and Pinnacle are very similar to each other - the Jam2 is essentially just a smaller version of the Pinnacle. I haven't seen a Peak in the flesh.

It may be that there is a design flaw with the Peak - based on your comments and the others you've posted. That certainly isn't an issue with the Jam2 or the Pinnacle - it seems that they both have longer "throats" to the Peak.

Re Nut's comments - don't be offended, that just Nuts sense of humour.

Cheers,

JB

P.S.

[ninjapuppet]

give us a picture cams.

Ive got a golite Speed, which ive modified by cutting off all the crap like helmet holders and neoprene bottle holder and top lid.
it now weighs 400 grams and the top closure is like yours, I couldnt be happier.

i noticed if i left my pot at the top, it bulges to one side, but if i even it out with a tent or clothing, then its perfect. maybe u can shove a jacket or something in at the top to even it out before squashing it down?

[walkinTas]

I can see that everyone is being careful not to offend. Thank you for that because it does make the job of moderation easier. Please keep up the effort and go gentle with each other.

It is the big problems in typed conversation! We rely so heavily on all the visual and audible clues in normal conversation and it is very hard judge mood and intention when we don't have either visual or audible clues.

[north-north-west]

Which is why it's always best for your first assumption to be that people aren't trying to be offensive.
*shrug* Works for me.

[ILUVSWTAS]

It is the big problems in typed conversation! We rely so heavily on all the visual and audible clues in normal conversation and it is very hard judge mood and intention when we don't have either visual or audible clues.

Chat room......

[Nuts]

Which is why it's always best for your first assumption to be that people aren't trying to be offensive.
*shrug* Works for me.

Well.... i kinda was.....kinda, but its a long story that involves trying golite packs on guided walks and having to spend a week with a poor family and their insufferable mother..... She had insisted that they load up with Her full size pillow and towel, lemons and squeezer and that they couldnt possibly leave the bodum, any of the lenses or for some reason (her) 3 torches. Of course they found that a roll top closure (on the pack as well as the liners) actually does need to be rolled to stay waterproof. As it had started raining the first day... i had a week of complaints that 'the packs were way too small' (among a miriad other things...) The Op brought back memories, the word 'annoyed' may have triggered a hasty response... nothing personal, come back, apologies

[Nuts]

actally the addition of the hood pocket isnt a bad idea, could add to the pack volume as needed or left at home for shorter walks...?