On the TUFWT 1.0 was carrying all my gear in a nice red GoLite Pinnacle backpack. Its the 2010 model, and it's awesome for winter backpacking - which was the reason I got it. My original plan of taking my Joutsen/ Tunturisusi sleeping bag asked for a big backpack to accommodate it, as my ULA Ohm isn't up to the task. And if even Andrew Skurka is taking a GoLite Pinnacle for his Alaska-Yukon-Expedition in the winter, I can't go wrong with it, surely.
Packed, and my snowshoes on the sides.
I have the 2010 model in Size L. This 72 l monster brings 974 g on the scale, and yes, I know that its more than the predecessor. But considering that I carry around 15 to 17 kg with it for a longer trip, I still find it's an acceptable weight. Plus, it has space-a-plenty for all that bulky winter gear to fit in. So, as I learned from Joe's fantastic Montane North Star review, I am giving you the photographic run down of all the details of the GoLite Pinnacle 2010, paired with my thoughts on the backpack. Click on the photos to see them bigger if the shown size is too small.
Packed up and ready to go on a trip last December.
Backside.
Hipbelt.
Hipbelt detail.
Close up of the double wishbone hipbelt. Also the ComPACKtor straps can be seen.
Shoulder strap detail.
Lets start with the back of the pack. It has a comfy backpanel made of mesh, with a removable back pad made of CCF. You can take it out in case you don't need it, I left it inside as I use the backpack as part of my sleep system under my legs, and so I get a bit more insulation. If you're inclined to take it out, it will save you 62 g. I haven't yet bothered with that for a trip, as I like the bit of stability and shape it gives me; though as I either way carry a rolled up CCF pad in there I could as well leave it out. You also got a internal hydration pockets with openings on the top left and right, as I don't use hydration bladders I can't comment on it, but its useful for flat stuff like maps and books to store.
The hipbelt is comfy for my slim frame and sits where its supposed to sit. The two hipbelt pockets are integrated and work well, the zippers are easy to open and close, even with gloves on. I have usually my firestarter kit in one pocket, and some snacks in the other one. You can fit about three normal bars in one pockets, which should be plenty. As you can see underneath, the shoulder straps do not connect to it, but are connected to the bottom of the backpack, this helps in my opinion to transfer the weight quite nicely. Finally, the shoulder straps. Also made of a soft mesh, they sit well on my shoulders, though on the last trip there were moments late in the day when they felt like they're cutting into my shoulders. They have a sternum strap with a whistle, which should be handy in emergency situations. I'd think it would be useful to engineer the sternum strap so that you can take it off and put it back on, so that's a suggestion for improvement. Furthermore, it also has a handle to grip it from, and from experience I can say that that's the right place to lift a backpack.
View of the hipbelt from the outside, mind that the shoulder strap connects to the little wing down on the left.
Load lifters and tube ports.
Props to GoLite to walk the talk and use recycled content in their 2010 backpacks and clothing.
As you might know, GoLite is now using recycled materials in their line. In the case of the 2010 Pinnacle that means Tier 1 recycled 210 Denier Nylon Gridstop + Dyneema, as well as Tier 1 recycled 210 Denier Nylon Double Ripstop. The quality of this material is as good as made from virgin material, but results in a 70% reduction in energy use and CO2 emissions for the recycled nylon, and even an 80% reduction for the recycled polyester. Way to go!
GoLite goes Green with recycled materials!
The gaping mouth that is the front pocket.
From the back we go to the front, where the Pinnacle has its huge front pocket. Its massive, and I carry my kuksa, puukko, spoon, toilet paper, first aid, hygiene bag, sunglasses, polar buff, snacks and food for the day in it, and there's still heaps of space. It gives me a way to store all the smaller pieces of gear as well as the stuff I need to have handy during the day. It also keeps the stuff inside dry, as no snow or water can get through - with a mesh pocket you'd need to think what can go in there. Love it.
Zippers on the front pocket. Easy to use also with gloves.
Side pockets. Plenty of space.
Bottom of side pocket, with drainage.
The side pockets are big, and stretchy. Fill them up with a Platypus, snack bars, and other things you want to have close by and ready to take without taking the backpack off. I can easily access them for taking stuff out and putting it back in. What I also like is that my snowshoes fit in the side pockets and can be fixated with the side compression straps, that's handy for when you don't need them.
Closed the roll top closure.
Cinch closure.
Tardis.
The Pinnacle has a volume of 72 l which is massive, could fit twins in there and still have plenty of space (I don't advise putting twins in there. If you do, you do so at your own risk and on your own responsibility). I had gear for a week in there, and still had some space to spare. I reckon that a week or two of food should easily fit in their with your UL gear, so if you make longer trips further away this would be a great backpack. I got it because of bulky winter gear, like down clothing and my big down sleeping bag, for which it is made in my opinion. And once all your food is eaten, you can make the pack smaller with the ComPACKtor system; "Tada" and you got a pack roughly half the size.
Hydration sleeve, hook for valuables and the CFF pad pocket behind it.
Still not at the bottom.
ComPACKtor anchor and ice axe/ trail pole loops.
GoLite says it will carry up to 18 kg comfortably, I had close to 16 kg in it and it carried very well. The narrow and tall structure of the pack meant for me no excess width, easy maneuvering on the trail, and the before mentioned easy access to side pockets. You got extra space when you need it - start of a hike with plenty of food - and with the roll top closure and ComPACKtor system you can make it smaller while the journey continues. The material is sturdy, and I love the colour - its perfect for the autumn and winter in my opinion. It also has ice axe/ trail poles hooks and handle straps, so if you carry one or two of these there's a place to put them when they're not in use. And as you saw on the first photo, my snowshoes also can be fixated on them.
If you look for a new backpack for your winter adventures, or you're making your first steps in UL backpacking and need something lightweight yet durable with well-thought-out details, check out the 2010 GoLite Pinnacle. Ultralight Outdoor Gear in the UK already has the 2010 model, or check Bergzeit for the 2009 model. You could also check the GoLite website to find a retailer near you. They retail for 100€ to 150€, and you can find older models used for example here.
Side view.
On the TUFWT 1.0 was carrying all my gear in a nice red GoLite Pinnacle backpack. Its the 2010 model, and it's awesome for winter backpacking - which was the reason I got it. My original plan of taking my Joutsen/ Tunturisusi sleeping bag asked for a big backpack to accommodate it, as my ULA Ohm isn't up to the task. And if even Andrew Skurka is taking a GoLite Pinnacle for his Alaska-Yukon-Expedition in the winter, I can't go wrong with it, surely.
Packed, and my snowshoes on the sides.
I have the 2010 model in Size L. This 72 l monster brings 974 g on the scale, and yes, I know that its more than the predecessor. But considering that I carry around 15 to 17 kg with it for a longer trip, I still find it's an acceptable weight. Plus, it has space-a-plenty for all that bulky winter gear to fit in. So, as I learned from Joe's fantastic Montane North Star review, I am giving you the photographic run down of all the details of the GoLite Pinnacle 2010, paired with my thoughts on the backpack. Click on the photos to see them bigger if the shown size is too small.
Packed up and ready to go on a trip last December.
Backside.
Hipbelt.
Hipbelt detail.
Close up of the double wishbone hipbelt. Also the ComPACKtor straps can be seen.
Shoulder strap detail.
Lets start with the back of the pack. It has a comfy backpanel made of mesh, with a removable back pad made of CCF. You can take it out in case you don't need it, I left it inside as I use the backpack as part of my sleep system under my legs, and so I get a bit more insulation. If you're inclined to take it out, it will save you 62 g. I haven't yet bothered with that for a trip, as I like the bit of stability and shape it gives me; though as I either way carry a rolled up CCF pad in there I could as well leave it out. You also got a internal hydration pockets with openings on the top left and right, as I don't use hydration bladders I can't comment on it, but its useful for flat stuff like maps and books to store.
The hipbelt is comfy for my slim frame and sits where its supposed to sit. The two hipbelt pockets are integrated and work well, the zippers are easy to open and close, even with gloves on. I have usually my firestarter kit in one pocket, and some snacks in the other one. You can fit about three normal bars in one pockets, which should be plenty. As you can see underneath, the shoulder straps do not connect to it, but are connected to the bottom of the backpack, this helps in my opinion to transfer the weight quite nicely. Finally, the shoulder straps. Also made of a soft mesh, they sit well on my shoulders, though on the last trip there were moments late in the day when they felt like they're cutting into my shoulders. They have a sternum strap with a whistle, which should be handy in emergency situations. I'd think it would be useful to engineer the sternum strap so that you can take it off and put it back on, so that's a suggestion for improvement. Furthermore, it also has a handle to grip it from, and from experience I can say that that's the right place to lift a backpack.
View of the hipbelt from the outside, mind that the shoulder strap connects to the little wing down on the left.
Load lifters and tube ports.
Props to GoLite to walk the talk and use recycled content in their 2010 backpacks and clothing.
As you might know, GoLite is now using recycled materials in their line. In the case of the 2010 Pinnacle that means Tier 1 recycled 210 Denier Nylon Gridstop + Dyneema, as well as Tier 1 recycled 210 Denier Nylon Double Ripstop. The quality of this material is as good as made from virgin material, but results in a 70% reduction in energy use and CO2 emissions for the recycled nylon, and even an 80% reduction for the recycled polyester. Way to go!
GoLite goes Green with recycled materials!
The gaping mouth that is the front pocket.
From the back we go to the front, where the Pinnacle has its huge front pocket. Its massive, and I carry my kuksa, puukko, spoon, toilet paper, first aid, hygiene bag, sunglasses, polar buff, snacks and food for the day in it, and there's still heaps of space. It gives me a way to store all the smaller pieces of gear as well as the stuff I need to have handy during the day. It also keeps the stuff inside dry, as no snow or water can get through - with a mesh pocket you'd need to think what can go in there. Love it.
Zippers on the front pocket. Easy to use also with gloves.
Side pockets. Plenty of space.
Bottom of side pocket, with drainage.
The side pockets are big, and stretchy. Fill them up with a Platypus, snack bars, and other things you want to have close by and ready to take without taking the backpack off. I can easily access them for taking stuff out and putting it back in. What I also like is that my snowshoes fit in the side pockets and can be fixated with the side compression straps, that's handy for when you don't need them.
Closed the roll top closure.
Cinch closure.
Tardis.
The Pinnacle has a volume of 72 l which is massive, could fit twins in there and still have plenty of space (I don't advise putting twins in there. If you do, you do so at your own risk and on your own responsibility). I had gear for a week in there, and still had some space to spare. I reckon that a week or two of food should easily fit in their with your UL gear, so if you make longer trips further away this would be a great backpack. I got it because of bulky winter gear, like down clothing and my big down sleeping bag, for which it is made in my opinion. And once all your food is eaten, you can make the pack smaller with the ComPACKtor system; "Tada" and you got a pack roughly half the size.
Hydration sleeve, hook for valuables and the CFF pad pocket behind it.
Still not at the bottom.
ComPACKtor anchor and ice axe/ trail pole loops.
GoLite says it will carry up to 18 kg comfortably, I had close to 16 kg in it and it carried very well. The narrow and tall structure of the pack meant for me no excess width, easy maneuvering on the trail, and the before mentioned easy access to side pockets. You got extra space when you need it - start of a hike with plenty of food - and with the roll top closure and ComPACKtor system you can make it smaller while the journey continues. The material is sturdy, and I love the colour - its perfect for the autumn and winter in my opinion. It also has ice axe/ trail poles hooks and handle straps, so if you carry one or two of these there's a place to put them when they're not in use. And as you saw on the first photo, my snowshoes also can be fixated on them.
If you look for a new backpack for your winter adventures, or you're making your first steps in UL backpacking and need something lightweight yet durable with well-thought-out details, check out the 2010 GoLite Pinnacle. Ultralight Outdoor Gear in the UK already has the 2010 model, or check Bergzeit for the 2009 model. You could also check the GoLite website to find a retailer near you. They retail for 100€ to 150€, and you can find older models used for example here.
Side view.
Gear Talk: GoLite Pinnacle 2010 backpack review
During the last years I been using several golite packs from this series (jam jam2 pinnacle)
ReplyDeleteWhile I was very happy with the overall design I felt that when loaded with heavy loads (more than 9/10 kg) are quite unconfortable (of course, this is strictly personal)
I prefer to carry loads with frame packs because i can transfer the load to my hips)
Using the rolled pad method is ok with really light loads but when the pack is fully loaded the pad collapses transfering all the weight to the shoulders as you can check in this photo
http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/carlosferiv/yoycinturon.jpg
http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/carlosferiv/19b.jpg
http://blogdepit.blogspot.com/
For that reason I started to modified this packs adding a simple homemade framesheet that i made with a 3mm thick (aprox) plastic sheet.
This mod is light (less than 80grams I think) and was a big improvement in confort making the belt useful ...
Love my Pinnacle. It makes a great UL winter pack. I modded mine a bit to simplify it and shed even more weight but they're pretty much perfect for anyone wanting to go UL in the winter. I like that the new one is made with recycled materials, highly commendable. I like GoLite pack's balance of weight, practicality, durability and price. I would happily have the smaller Jam for 3-season use if GoLite would change the rear pocket to a mesh one for drying wet gear.
ReplyDeleteLoving the detailed photos Hendrik, this kind of assessment helps everyone make more informed choices.
There is always going to be debate about the max weight this pack can carry and the comfort. I would say it is my all time favourite pack I have ever used. I have owned and used a lot of packs and the Pinnacle is so good. Got a sweet spot of weight, comfort, and price, design that I can’t fault. The new one has one thing that concerns me. The hipbelt has that cut out and that means less area stitched into the pack. I remember Geoff from Backpacking Britain has had a hipbelt tear lose on his Quest pack.
ReplyDeletehttp://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/carlosferiv/yoycinturon.jpg
High stress areas need good solid stitching and surface area to spread the load. I do hope the new Pinnacle will be fine with the new design. Recycled material is good to see.
I have used the old version without the hipbelt pockets and the new 2009 version. The Pinnacle has thicker padding on the shoulder straps than a 2009 Jam and that always helped in carrying a bit more weight. I see that the shoulder straps no longer attach to the hipbelt but have been redesigned. Be good to see how that changes the handling/comfort of the pack. Using the roll mat as you did is fine and proven way to pack. Sternum strap on the old version was prone to pulling of so the new one is an improvement. Overall it looks a good update. I don’t know if I need it. The update on the 2009 took it forward with the foam back and hipbelt. Has the new one so soon taken the Pinnacle to new heights? Time will tell. One last point is the weight. Still under a Kilo. I wonder is that due to the new cutout on the hipbelt at the last moment to help shave that last bit of weight off? I do by the way want to see the new Jam. If that has been updated I would be tempted to buy now. You got the new Pinnacle very fast Hendrick. Only just arrived in the UK. You have some good access to kit young man.
PS Hendrik the link I put on is wrong. I forgot to check it. Sorry it should be http://v-g.me.uk/blog/outdoor-gear/golite-quest-failure-update/
ReplyDeleteAfter read and seeing the pictures; I tempted to pick up the 2009 version for the TGO.
ReplyDeleteBeen looking for a while but nothing really took my fancy until now, I have an old Golite trek but I think I bought the wrong size and its never felt that comfortable.
pit, thank you for the interesting comment! The pad didn't collapse on my last trips, and I didn't really have "light" loads I'd say (around 16 kg on the last one, I reckon). Maybe you should do a post on the plastic framesheet you made, that would be very interesting for those who use a Pinnacle?! Though on the other hand I believe that the CCF pad in it now does act a bit like the framesheet you described.
ReplyDeleteThanks Joe! I will likely mod the Pinnacle a bit still, but wanted to get the original tested first as I believe not many folks will mod it. And you inspired the photo shot, so thank you!
George, try to measure your back before purchasing, if you can't try the pack on. Any reason you'd go for the 2009 version instead of the 2010 version?
Martin, thank you for the comment! I do agree with you that the Pinnacle is a great combination of weight, comfort, price, and design. The max weight it can carry will be always a subjective issue, if you carry a baseweight of 12 kg in it and still load it up with food it might not be as comfortable as if your baseweight is only 6 kg. The stitching looks good on my Pinnacle, but of course only long term usage will tell if it is indeed good. It does have the extra webbing at the back, and the connection of the buckle belt also seems solid; though I guess that's also how it looked for Geoff on his Quest. Anyhow, GoLite gives a guarantee on their products, so I am confident that should something happen that it will work out fine. I actually like the new hipbelt, its an interesting design as it sits on top and underneath the hipbone, but the bone itself "sticks" out. It feels comfortable. With already two Pinnacles you might not need this update if you're not certain of the benefits, but maybe you could always give it a try in a shop to see. I got the Pinnacle because I knew that you, among others, are very satisfied with it. Its a tried and proved workhorse =)
Have any of you heard about an Aarn pack www.aarnpacks.com? I know is is not the lightest in the world, but the carrying system makes up for that in spades with the help of the front balance pockets. There is a new model coming this year called the Mountain Magic, somes in two sizes the largest being 55 liters split between front and back.
ReplyDeleteI myself uses the Natural Balance and the Maraton Magic and I am impressed by the ease with which you carry heavier loads.
Hi Hendrik
ReplyDeleteThe only reason is that I haven't seen to 2010 model in the U.K. yet, not sure if there is a big difference between them.
Also seen the 2009 model on sale for £59.00 (€68)
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI am just in the process of ordering a Terra Nova Laser 35 L pack. I hope the construction compares well to your GoLite bag.
ReplyDeletePersonally I am a big fan of panel loaders vs top loaders. Not many ultralight bags that are panel loads, most likely due to the weight cost of the zippers. A trade off I am willing to make I guess.
I really like the compaktor idea. As well you make a very good point about the outside pocket keeping rain and snow out. I guess I usually use outside pockets for things like rain gear, sweaters, water and snacks. The mesh allows for more expandability, but it is more prone to damage, dirt and weather. Must think about that.
Great review, beautiful photos. Please share more.
Thank you Hendrik! Yet a nother a great review! And it's spot on because this is a of current interest for me as I have found my Jam2 to be a nice pack. But it's not big enough for long hikes in the north or even for a serious winter weekender. (BTW I feel that the Jam2 is tolerable with the CCF pad rolled as a frame and with about 13kg load. For like a 42km day.)
ReplyDeleteSo the Pinnacle would be a natural option... I'm just wondering if the new version is worth the price. The bigger or easier-to-use front pocket would be likely the best improvement for me.
Londonbackpacker: Might you tell where i could find the 2009 version for around £60? And preferably online because I live in Finland. =D
Lightening up
ReplyDeletehttp://www.outdoorwarehouse.co.uk Have a 2009 Pinnacle for sale at £59.99 and
http://backpackinglight.co.uk/ for £69.99
Niels, yes, I have heard of the Aarn Packs. The system looks very interesting and surely is innovative. At the moment I do have enough backpacks, but if I should see a need for a further one, I will again have a look at the Aarn Packs!
ReplyDeleteharrtj, I like toploaders, I had a panel loader but really didn't use it - I reckon I'm too used to top loading! It will be interesting to hear how you get along with the Terra Nova pack. Thanks for the praise =)
Lightening up, thank you! In case you don't pull the trigger on the bargain Pinnacle 2009, you can have a look at mine when we go hiking together in March.
Nice review! I just got a Pinnacle myself (have not used it, yet). I got mine because I need to carry extra stuff when backpacking with the kids. It is just slightly heavier than GoLite's smaller packs, but has WAY more room!
ReplyDeleteThank you Aaron! I agree that it has plenty of room for its weight, and I hope you enjoy the pack =)
ReplyDeletejust picked up a 2009 golite pinnacle for £42.50 from Outdoor Warehouse.
ReplyDeleteHi Hendrik. After a lot of careful consideration while I worked hard to get rid of any unneeded gear that I have accumulated over the years with my passion for UL, I finally decided on the GoLIte Pinnacle 2010 for my winter pack. 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!
ReplyDeleteI'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.
Your review of the Pinnacle is what finally helped me to decide to get the Pinnacle. Great review giving a strong idea of what the pack is like and what to expect from it. Mine's a red, too, so we can show up as glowing red dots on different points on the globe in Google Earth!
Hi Hendrik, I just got the smaller brother, Golite jam, and it looks like a great piece of gear. There's just one funny thing. The straps seem to be ridiculously long. Especially the side compactor straps, as shown in your bottom image, are reeealllly long, almost half a meter. Why is this? what's the point? I'm planning to cut away the extra to save a few grams, but want to hear your experert opinion first. If I cut them, do I loose something?
ReplyDeleteJust cut and sew, you won't lose any functionality if you shorten them (reasonable length!). I'd pack it completely über-full and then cut the straps, remember to add about two centimeters so can sew it double after cutting =)
ReplyDeleteI took delivery of a Go lite Pinnacle last week, loaded it with 16 kilos and was very dissapointed with the way it hung like a loose sack of potatoes. this will not do I thought. I then repacked using the tent poles from my Hilleberg Akto as support. I just put them in the gap between the insulating pad and the backpanel. This completely transformed the pack and made it totally rigid. I just left the tent poles in their stuffsack and did not try to do anything fancy, I think if you spread them out there might be a danger that they would distort over time. The Hilleberg Akto poles fit diagonally into this space. To make the pack even more comfortable I fitted a tump line. This was just a simple webbing belt from a pair of trousers. I looped it through the carying handle on the pack and passed it over onto my forhead. By adjusting the lenghth of the belt I can get 100% of the weight off my shoulders if I choose. I tend to use tump lines to give my shoulders a break from time to time when carrying overloaded packs. Not taken this pack for a walk yet but with these aditions I cant see why it shouldnt carry weight as well as 3 kilo packs. I cant see that its necessary to create a framesheet or use special stays. Will give an update after a proper walk.
ReplyDeleteAndy
Andy, thanks for the interesting comment! 16 kg is a lot of weight, is that for a week long trip with lots of food and water?
ReplyDeleteWhat you could try is use a CCF mat as a burrito frame in the pack, that always works very well for me and gives the pack a good structure. Putting the poles of the tent in the side to transfer the weight to the hipbelt works fine, it is a bit like on my ULA Ohm.
Have fun and looking forward to your update!
Hendrik
ReplyDeleteyes 16 kg is for a week long summer trip with food at 1 kg per day and a can of gas. Cant see how I could get lighter realy, I dont want to use a tarp because of insects and I need a warm sleeping bag. What is a burrito frame please?
Andy
Andy, burrito style means you role the sleeping mat and put it in the pack, as can be seen in this photo:
ReplyDeletehttp://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wdKKEEMEmHoHhZz32QQjjA?authkey=Gv1sRgCJqKv-HP_Y7TQw&feat=embedwebsite
Also have a look at this video which explains how it goes: http://www.hikinginfinland.com/2010/05/packing-your-frameless-backpack.html
I hope that answers your question re: burrito frame =) Where are you headed for one week? I find 1 kg per day quite a lot, it is fine if it is rainy, wet and cold where you headed, but for the summer it might be too much?
Hi. I just got back from two weeks in the pyrenees with my pinnacle. Here are my thoughts. Firstly for a 72 litre sack its quite small compared to other manufacurers 70 litre packs. With summer kit and 6.5 kilos of food it was cramed full with no room to roll the top over. I can fit 7 kilos of food and more kit into my Osprey 70litre pack and still have room left over, my previous pack was a Craghoppers 70L Dynamic balance and that had lots more space. Weight carried was over 16 kilos but this included ice axe, microspikes books and paperwork. basic weight without food water gas and snow equipment was just under 8 kilos. Using my tent pole to provide ridgidity worked well but I had to pack the pole first and unpack last. In wet weather this is not good so I tried packing hard items like pan gas bottle stove and repair/first aid kit in the black pouch inside the back pannel. This worked well enough but I certainly needed the tump line. The inability to roll over the top closure meant I had to carry a waterproof cover to prevent rain from flooding the sack. My main gripe on design are the two 'hydration ports' or holes that let water and snow into the pack. Why does anyone need these things? The fabric seems strong but I am dubious about the strenghth of stitching on hipbelt. Hipbelt pockets were very usefull as were the long side straps. One of the elasticated ice axe loops pulled out but I managed to get it back in, strength here is minimal so beware.
ReplyDeleteOver all it was great to have such a light pack but it needs to be compared to 60 litre packs from other manufacturers that you might be able to remove any frame sheet/stays in order to make a reasonable comparison. Using your sleeping mat as support 'Burrito style' is not sensible you would lose too much internal space for no real support.
Andy
Hi. I just got back from two weeks in the pyrenees with my pinnacle. Here are my thoughts. Firstly for a 72 litre sack its quite small compared to other manufacurers 70 litre packs. With summer kit and 6.5 kilos of food it was cramed full with no room to roll the top over. I can fit 7 kilos of food and more kit into my Osprey 70litre pack and still have room left over, my previous pack was a Craghoppers 70L Dynamic balance and that had lots more space. Weight carried was over 16 kilos but this included ice axe, microspikes books and paperwork. basic weight without food water gas and snow equipment was just under 8 kilos. Using my tent pole to provide ridgidity worked well but I had to pack the pole first and unpack last. In wet weather this is not good so I tried packing hard items like pan gas bottle stove and repair/first aid kit in the black pouch inside the back pannel. This worked well enough but I certainly needed the tump line. The inability to roll over the top closure meant I had to carry a waterproof cover to prevent rain from flooding the sack. My main gripe on design are the two 'hydration ports' or holes that let water and snow into the pack. Why does anyone need these things? The fabric seems strong but I am dubious about the strenghth of stitching on hipbelt. Hipbelt pockets were very usefull as were the long side straps. One of the elasticated ice axe loops pulled out but I managed to get it back in, strength here is minimal so beware.
ReplyDeleteOver all it was great to have such a light pack but it needs to be compared to 60 litre packs from other manufacturers that you might be able to remove any frame sheet/stays in order to make a reasonable comparison. Using your sleeping mat as support 'Burrito style' is not sensible you would lose too much internal space for no real support.
Andy
Hi! Nice review! It convinced me to try the Pinnacle. I received mine this week, it's the black model. I'll try it in Scotland in April. I took some pictures : http://www.awenwoods.com/golite-pinnacle-pictures/
ReplyDeleteThanks again for the great review! ;)
Cool Julien! Looking forward to see how it fares for you in Scotland - and the black model is far superior to the red one!
ReplyDeleteHi Hendrik! Back from Scotland. Beautiful weather and stunning landscapes!! The Pinnacle was very good! Quite comfortable and easy to use. Do you find the Black one superior because of the color, they are the same isn't it? Julien.
ReplyDeleteJulien, black Pinnacle cuz I prefer black as a colour =) Otherwise great to hear that you liked it on your trip in Scotland, looking forward to read about it!
ReplyDeleteHi Hendrik! I wrote some words about my trip here : http://www.awenwoods.com/scotland-hiking-trip-part-one/ I'm not used to "trip report" at all but I hope it gives an idea of what happened ;) I have to continue by the way!
ReplyDeleteHi Hendrik! Thank you very much for such a nice and useful review. It´s one of few, which convinced me to purchase this backpack. Add to that, thanks to your interview with Henrik from trekking lite store, I was able to find the best dealer (cause GoLite is no longer available in Czech Republic). Hope I will write my own review in couple of months from now.
ReplyDeleteI like your page a lot, so keep this great work going =).
This seems like a nice backpack. Gotta get myself a new one, since the one I have is pretty worked... :-)
ReplyDeleteSince the Pinnacle doesn't have a lid, and only uses a clinch and roll system to close, did you end up finding alot of moisture or water inside the pack?
ReplyDeleteNope, never. However, Dyneema loses its waterproofness after some time (depends on usage) so be aware of that. Never was an issue for me, too.
ReplyDeleteSent from the road.