Golite Pinnacle Users

David, I don't own a pinnacle but the pack I use the most is a GoLite Quest and both use the comPACKtor system. It works for me.
I often take a large load into the mountains and I like being able to 'lock it down' while coming out. I like things tight and snug, especially on descents.

I use mine when I have too much gear, so I can't really say. But I don't think it would be any problem.

Oh yeah- it packs down very small. Here's the review on our site: http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/golite_pinnacle_backpack_review.html

David,

In my experience, between the top strap, side compression straps, and the comPACKtor system, the Pinnacle adapts nicely to different size loads. I've almost always used my Pinnacle packed in burrito mode with a foam pad, and by varying the diameter of the pad and compressing insulation to different degrees, I am able to find a comfortable setup as food volume decreases over a trip, and amount of carried water changes through various stretches.

I think the primary concern with smaller loads in the Pinnacle would not be discomfort, but rather the inconvenience of excess weight and fabric. At this point, the Pinnacle is the only frameless option I own, so I work with what I have. The only time I've felt inconvenienced by its size is on a day hike when I used, at most, a quarter of its volume, probably a lot less. But my gripes would apply to any large pack being used to carry a hydration bladder and a few energy bars!

James

I have a Pinnacle and what James says above is true.

Thanks guys – so my next question feeds off the answers: sometimes I need a lot of volume (high loft down, etc) for shoulder season treks in the mountains but during the summer, I don't. So….Jam2 or Pinnacle? Can a person used the Pinnacle effectively without the compaktor system to carry a 50L load v.s. a 70L load or am I going to feel like items are swapping place inside my pack, if you know what I mean? Are the side compression straps effective in reducing this? Or do I buy both a Jam and Pinnacle?

David,

I guess it depends on how concerned you are about weight. In theory, the perfect UL pack is just large enough to carry its contents with no room and no excess fabric to spare. In practice, this means owning different packs for incrementally different volumes, where gains are measured in weight saved rather than comfort or convenience per se.

At the volumes you mention, I don't think the difference between the Pinnacle and Jam2 would ever come down to comfort or packability, other than the obvious fact that the Pinnacle has more volume. I rarely have the Pinnacle packed to the gills, but I am not at a point where the most appropriate investment of my precious gear dollars is in incrementally smaller packs. Maybe someday.

I think that my Pinnacle will eventually be replaced by something closer to the size of the Jam2, and something with a modest frame like the SMD Starlite. But I like the Pinnacle, and I won't look to replace it until it is ready to retire to the great gear closet in the sky (my own storage space does not look nearly as heavenly as some others on this site!).

James

I have a Pinnacle and it seems to be ok with a small amount of gear. I wouldn't use it as a day pack or anything. I can't afford a different pack for every situation so I got the Pinnacle for the same reason you are contemplating. If I bring less stuff I can compact the bag.

I don't have a JAM2 but from pictures it looks like most of the Pinnacle's extra volume comes from the giant extension collar. The bags aren't that different. I have the pre-2009 Pinnacle which weighs about 25oz opposed to the pre-2009 JAM2's weight of 19oz. I decided to go with the extra 6oz so I could have a 1 solution frameless pack.

Hope that helps. Don't drive yourself nuts thinking about it. The Pinnacle is a fine pack and would serve you well, and will certainly accommodate high loft gear. Some people may disagree, but a lot of those people have several packs. For the 1 pack solution I'd go with the Pinnacle. My $.02

I agree, if you only want one pack for all purposes to save some cash the Pinnacle is a great choice. I recently bought one and I am very impressed with its compression abilities.

You guys should become my financial advisors. I think you just saved me some cash! Thanks,

try and see if you can get last years model as well to save even more $$. It is lighter and the one I bought from Sunny Sports is made of Dyneema X Gridstop. Got mine for $77 from them!!

Got mine from Sunnysports too.

I just received a 2009 Pinnacle in the mail… it packs down RIDICULOUSLY small. I swear with all the straps tightened down it's smaller than my 2007 Jam2 (with straps tightened as well.)

It looks like a little daypack… or some middle schooler's book tote (almost… :> )

I'll take pictures with and without straps tightened and post them here.

Sam

I agree – got mine for winter loads but it does compress really, really small. It may be the best all around UL pack in terms of being able to handle a bit of weight and vary in size from 25L to 72L!

I have a pinnacle and used it for 1 season. It packs really nice as everyone else has said.

"It may be the best all around UL pack in terms of being able to handle a bit of weight and vary in size from 25L to 72L!"

David — does the Pinnacle really vary in size from 25L to 72L — or is it essentially either 25L or 72L?

Ben – good question.

If using the compactor system at the bottom with the side compression straps fully extended and the extension collar not…well, extended, it is about 25L not including the hipbelt pockets. You could extend it to about 35 – 40L by using the extension collar. By releasing the compactor system and not using the extension collar, the pack is very, very similar in size to the Jam, which would put it close to 50L assuming the compression straps are, again, extended all the way. 70 plus L with the extension collar in this configuration. Note that the extension collar is in now way as poorly designs as that on the Granite Gear packs. It is more like simply the extra space one would have if the pack had a top pocket.

Also note that the compactor system is available on several Golite packs that are framed, not just the frameless packs. It is very effective.

Hope that helps.

Thanks for the explanation, David.

I am intrigued by the compactor system. OTOH, to me, the extension collar on any pack is impractical / gimmicky.

I am prone to loan most of my good gear out. Or as luck would have it I would have to leave it behind somewhere because of my job. I don't let the Pinnacle go.

I can pack plenty of gear in it. I actually love the extension collar. I tend to leave early in the morning and I always have a heavy fleece on. I love them. They are worth the extra weigh to me. Especially during the summer in the mountains over 7,000 feet.

That being said, the extension collar is great. Especially with the top compression strap. The Sweater secures their when the day warms, providing me with shade on my neck. The comression strap keeps it from moving around. Also, the gear stays pretty dry without stuff sacks. You just roll the top down, throw the sweater over that then strap it down. you can fan the thing out and it can protect your back. Use it as padding if your back hurts. You stay warm.

The pack is great, I can carry more gear when I am with my kids, lightening their burden and watching them have fun. I don't mind the extra work for them. This pack lets me stay under the burden of 30 pounds in all conditions. Minus the harsh snowy winter.

Great light pack, good features and pretty darn storng. My Jam Pack was worn while while Scouting and Bike commuting. I used it daily. Hiked with it, over stuffed it and beat it up pretty bad. I still use it today. Great pack.

I am hoping to get Skyline to the Sea Permits in April. We will see. Jam or Pinacle are the Same. The pinacle is the big brother.