GoLite Jam v. Fanatic Fringe

[Jonathan Marshall]

GoLite’s Jam pack was highly recommended in BPL’s review of frameless packs. The Fanatic Fringe Thompson Peak pack is only half the weight (10-11 oz) and carries more, but does it transfer weight as well to the hips? I’m planning to load about 16 lbs. inside the pack and don’t want to carry it all on my shoulders.

[Sasha Rice]

I purchased the Jam when I started ultralight backpacking and even though I think it is pretty heavy it is really comfortable and I think its convenience features also add to its weight.

[Matt LP]

I have the FF Thompson Peak and commonly carry between 12-17 pounds in it. I feel that it is quite comfortable and can transfer plenty of the weight to the hips. It is a great, durable pack! If you have any more specific questions, just ask.

[Jonathan Marshall]

Matthew — I asked about weight transfer to the hips because several reviewers at backpackgeartest.org commented that the Thompson Peak hip belt doesn’t accomplish much and that they can definitely feel the weight in their shoulders when carrying more than 15 lbs. Also, Doug Johnson’s latest review of the FF Alpine Pack rated it at only 12 lbs for comfortable loads. Does the Thompson Peak pack have a better design (such as compression straps) to improve carrying capacity over the Alpine?

[Matt LP]

It does have two compression straps, one on each side of the pack. While the hipbelt doesn’t look like much, I felt that it transfered quite a bit of weight to my hips. It does ride somewhat higher than the other packs I have, but that hasn’t bothered the comfort for the loads I have been carrying. I have carried seventeen pounds, and it has been fine. My shoulders have felt a little fatigued, but no more than any other pack. I have been very pleased. In addition, the people at FF are great. I am sure they would let you try it and send it back if you didn’t like it. Give them a call and see what they have to say.

[EndoftheTrail]

I would echo Matthew’s comments above.

I too own a FF Thompson Peak, although I have altered mine, so a direct comparison is no longer possible.

I added 3 web loops (think belt loops) near the bottom of the pack, right under the mesh. I then replaced the 1-in. hipbelt webbing with an extra long one that’s looped through the three belt loops.

This allows me to tighten the entire bottom of the pack close to my back when tightening the hipbelt.

I remember the orginal configuration did transfer some weight to my hips — but the current arrangement is significantly better — more comfy than other frameless packs, like the GoLite Dawn or Gossamer G4’s or G5’s.

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