Looking for a lighter pack..

[Tacky Hiker]

.. I have a Gregory Z55 and love it. I am just looking for something lighter for hammock camping. ~50L

Considering:

-GoLite Jam
-ULA OHM

[wirerat123]

ULA Ohm is getting some wonderful reviews from those that own them.  GOLite Jam packs are pretty highly rated as well.

Either will be a great pack, and saving over 2lbs in the pack alone goes a long way.

I decided to get the 2010 Jam because I got it for $100 cheaper than an OHM, and in reality, they are pretty similar.  I used the money saved in the pack budget to get my girlfriend a new Mountain Hardwear Switch 20.

That ULA is a sexy pack though, It's both lighter and larger than the Jam.

It's really a tough choice in all reality lol.  I chose the Jam, but I also have been outfitting 2 people over the last several years, and upgrading where I can.  If I can upgrade a piece of mine and save enough to upgrade a piece of hers, that's the route I go lol.

[JC785]

Both are great, I just saw the ohm and jam in person and liked the ohm better. That's how I based my decision.

[Tacky Hiker]

I think I will go with the Jam.  Josh, you and I can test them against each other !!

[Tacky Hiker]

Well, that was easy 

[Magic City Matt]

The gossamer gear gorilla

http://www.gossamergear.c...d=t7HsJaZ4:24.161.242.125

and the equinox ARAS eagle

http://www.equinoxltd.com...-gear/aras-eagle-pack.cfm

are both packs I can vouch for

If you would like to try one let me know and I can let you borrow them.

m

[wirerat123]

MMMMM, The GG Gorilla!

COMFY!

That's certainly an option you should consider if you have the fundage!

[Tacky Hiker]

If you would like to try one let me know and I can let you borrow them.
m

I would love to test out the GG Gorilla/Equinox ARAS. Does the ARAS have a frame?

Let me know when you wont be using one of them. I am diggin the GG features! Although, it is about 900ci smaller than my Z55, but my new hammock setup should take up less room than tent, pad, and sleeping bag.

[Magic City Matt]

The ARAS has no frame. But is still my back of choice for Luxury/ packed too much/ longer distances. The gorilla is my hardcore super ultralight/ overnight/ pushing myself a little bit harder than I probably should pack. Really I love them both and it is always a toss up deciding which one to use.

m

[stevebo]

I made a G4 pack several years ago-----------its super lightweight, comfortable, and I love the pockets on the outside! 

[buck]

The gossamer gear gorilla ....

I've been considering getting a lighter pack to use on solo hikes and I have couple of questions about this pack:

Do you use your sleeping pad for support in the provided space? If so, what type of pad?
Does yours have the aluminum curved stay?
What is the max weight you've carried in this pack?

I like everything I've read about the pack, especially the weight, but I wonder about using my z-rest sleeping pad for support because it seems that the pad thickness would move the pack weight away from my back to such an extent that it would pull back against me. However, I am wondering if the aluminum curved stay helps to keep the weight balanced?

As for the weight question, just wondering if the pack can carry enough for a multi-day hike.

Thanks for any info or suggestions.

[jamfan]

I've been considering getting a lighter pack to use on solo hikes and I have couple of questions about this pack:

Do you use your sleeping pad for support in the provided space? If so, what type of pad?
Does yours have the aluminum curved stay?
What is the max weight you've carried in this pack?

I like everything I've read about the pack, especially the weight, but I wonder about using my z-rest sleeping pad for support because it seems that the pad thickness would move the pack weight away from my back to such an extent that it would pull back against me. However, I am wondering if the aluminum curved stay helps to keep the weight balanced?

As for the weight question, just wondering if the pack can carry enough for a multi-day hike.

Thanks for any info or suggestions.

Wanted to bump this to see if anyone can answer buck's questions.  I am considering going to an ultra-light and would like to hear what you guys think of the frameless packs.  I'm looking at the GoLite Jam and the Pinnacle.

Also, considering the REI Flash and Osprey Atmos and Exos.

Right now the frontrunner for me is the Exos b/c it's only 2.5 lbs and I like the Osprey back vent for hot summer backpacking.

[camel]

i hike from october to april and Camel means fuel- stove- water filter - pots- saw- tarp- i.e. 39 pounds are in my 5 lb 3 oz Mountainsmith spectre- good waist support and internal frame- take 3 pounds off your bag and tent before the pack for trail comfort. Camel

[Showup]

I have a Gossamer Gear Gorilla pack and will try and answer some of the above questions.  There's a small piece of closed cell foam against your back that comes with the pack for support.  Your sleeping pad can be rolled/folded up and lashed on to outside top of the pack.  I use a Neo Air inflated pad during the warmer months for it's small size.  This pack has a curved aluminum stay inside that adds support to the whole pack.  I carried 30 lbs with it on the AT with 4 days of food between resupplies. No problem.  Also use the GG "One" for shelter that fits in the outside pocket.  It'll dry out very quickly if it gets rained on.  A great pack for warmer weather and shorter trips.  I use a Osprey Atmos 65 for cold weather, hiking with two people or when I need to carry more food.  I took off the top pouch/"brain" to save weight.  I carry a closed cell pad lashed to the bottom of the pack to put under my Neo Air to help against cold ground.  Also use a Nemo Meta2 tent that fits in a seperate zippered pocket that makes camping more enjoyable with it's added room and less than 3 lbs weight.  A great pack, guaranteed for life, with lots of well thought out details that you never realized you needed in a pack.  The air space between your back and the pack lets air circulate and cuts down on the sweating and you can also use that space for clothes or a water pouch.  Two excellent choices for packs!