Exped Summit Lite 25 Backpack: Golite Ion Replacement?

[Sam Riggle]

I really liked the look of the Exped Mountain Lite 20, but at a weight of over a pound, it ain't happenin'.

It would very easy to trim the Summit Lite down a few ounces. Bladder pocket, excess straps including the little Velcro "roll holders" as I like to call them, at the ends of the straps. If the top pocket is unnecessary for you you could strip it out. Completely remove the hipbelt and sternum strap. Big zipper pulls could be reduced. These are kind of extreme, but the straps are VERY long, when tuned to fit me, and the bladder pocket it large as well.

I think the top pocket is perfect for all the little miscellaneous items. Fits a lot of stuff in there. And I think the side pocket is perfect for a smart water bottle and stakes.

I just ran this cord that came with my Gorilla through the haul loop and top two daisy chain loops. Compresses the top of the pack and gives you a spot for wet stuff or shelter or an over flow area to strap a stuff sack with gear.

[Mike M]

definitely a typo on the part of Exped (US anyways), just got mine and it's 11.3 oz on the nose, as you mentioned the packaging lists 11.6, so under that anyways :)

the straps are very long (shoulder, waist, sternum), I trimmed those with still plenty of room for thicker clothing and trimmed 0.4 oz, which it brought it to 10.9 oz

I like the top pocket, as well as the sternum strap and hip belt, those will remain; the bladder sleeve fits my scored (in 10" sections) 20×40 3/8" ccf pad like it was made for it, so it will stay as well

it does very much remind me of my old Ion w/ improvements- sternum strap adjusts up/down, inner top pocket (I added one to my old Ion), stretch side pocket (added two of these to my old Ion)- although I agree, put two of them on dammit! and the daisy chain (also added to my old Ion)

looking forward to loading this up and giving it an overnight go!

[Dale Wambaugh]

I added a bungee cord array for a 6g gain and took if for an urban foray today. This will make an excellent travel day pack. It carries well on one shoulder too. I've been using a Nalgene Oasis canteen for water lately and it fits in the outside pocket well if the backpack isn't fully loaded.

The Oasis canteen sits lower than a standard one liter Nalgene and has the more oval shape which fits in many pack pockets better than the round variety (to my surprise). They are easier to grip and drink from IMHO. I do like the look. 4.8oz.

[Mike M]

Dale- looks like a great fit; 1/2 liter Platy fits well to w/ it's flatter shape- still wish they would have put two pockets on though. I'll probably use mine to stash my polycro groundsheet as it is often wet/dirty

Mike

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