Jam2

nm

I'm your man!!!
I went from the Vapor Trail to the Jam2 with the waterproof zipper.
I won't go back and haven't used it since! Of course it's smaller, but so is the rest of my kit.
I also got used to packing the main compartment of the vapor trail…until I found what I was missing. I find it really convenient to have the outer pocket- maps, snacks, small items, etc. It really made my system easier.
As for the zipper leaking, I haven't had a problem.
I walked for nearly two straight days of rain in the Sierra last summer with it with no pack cover, (just a trash bag inside for my sleeping bag/clothes) and had no problems. I was also skeptical but it worked- in HEAVY rain. I put anything important in the small pocket in ziplocks anyway.

I hiked for two days in steady, moderate PNW rain and had no problems with the zipper. the outer pouch is great for small stuff especially maps and stowing my windshirt or other clothing when it gets warm. most of the stuff I put in the outer pouch is already in waterproof containers or alok sack. the Jam2 is a great pack and I would highly recommend it.

> where have you seen that the waterproof zip has failed?

I do not have one of those packs, but I have used a waterproof zip on other gear. They are stiff and clumsy, and worse so in the cold. I would suspect that the failures the company is referring to may have been 'user-assisted'.

Cheers

I hike with a Jam2 (sometimes) and my hiking partner uses the Vapor Ki (women's vapor trail). There are significant differences with the packs. Namely, the Vapor Trail has much more padding and a "real" (padded) hipbelt. The Vapor Trail is flat out more comfortable with heavier weights. Also, the Vapor Trail is larger.

The zipper on my jam2 hasn't broken yet, but I won't be surprised when it does. And it definitely doesn't contribute any waterproofing to that pocket.

Roman,

The Jam2 will be updated for Spring 2009. It will weigh 4 more ounces
than the current model. The main difference will be some more support
added to the back foam, and the waterproof zipper was removed on the
front pocket because the pack is more durable and lasts longer than the
waterproof zipper. In it's place, there is a fabric covering the zipper
from the top to keep it water resistant. These changes improve the
pack's functionality and durability and is worth the additional 4
ounces.

Brenda Avischious | Sales and Service Rep | GoLite
888.546.5483×2325 | 303.339.2325(p) | 303.546.6557(f)

"These changes improve the
pack's functionality and durability and is worth the additional 4
ounces."

those are the words mouthed from a Timberland Rep. No self respecting GoLite employee would ever disrespect the UL hiker in such a way.
the company should be called "GoLighter than some, but not as light as we used to be"

FWIW, the older dyneema (original jam) are not waterproof. and the 'flap' over the zip on the '09 model is just a retrofit as it was found previously on the Jam models.
4 ounces is huge. that is 2x the weight of most stays, which i feel would be worth the weight if added to the Jam3

needless to say, im still satisfied with my Jam and my Jam2 although the Jam2 has some quite goofy features on it. (which i have removed, resulting in a 16.4oz pack)

edited to correct info about the dyneema "X" which i have not tested as waterproof. The original dyneema indeed leaks thru.

The JAM2 is a great pack. It is the stand alone flagship pack of lightweight hiking.

It is the pack recommended by NOLS for their two week lightweight courses.

About the zipper, I think it is less that it "failed" but more that it is just hard (sticky) to open and close, like any of the new breed of waterproof zippers.

You can easily get it under a pound with a razor blade and scissors.

"You can easily get it under a pound with a razor blade and scissors."

That would be down around 7 pounds…nice! :)

I give the jam2 a thumbs up. I would recommend getting the current version and no I have not had any issues with the zipper. I hate that they are adding features/weight to one of the best ULA bargains around. They are also increasing the price by 25%. Inpspired by Michael Stivers my Jam2 now weighs right at 16 oz and I still have the foam padding. I cut out the hydration pocket, cut off the hip belt, and removed the sternum strap. If you remove the foam pad and cut out the pocket for the pad I'm guessing you could get it to 12 oz. I find this pack to ride fine without the belt or sternum strap. now that MLD has the prophet in dyneema X it is everything and more then my modified jam2. So if you can spare the coin and have time for Ron Bell to make you a perfect pack I recommend the prophet as well. It will save you a lot of hacking and several ounces.

Jamie

I'm actually the opposite–I'm waiting for the new Pinnacale to come out with the hip belts pockets and regular zipper. I HATE waterproof zippers–not because they fail–but because they're just a pain to open and close.