Father/son getting started

Given the current Golite discounts, I think I'll risk getting my 11 yo son either a women's small Jam2 (2450) or Pinnacle (3500). I'm thinking it will still be a while before he outgrows it so perhaps the Pinnacle would be more flexible?

Pinnacle is pretty giant. You can definitely get a lot more in there than he should be carrying at his age. I use mine for winter, with a lot of bulky, but lightweight clothes.

The Pinnacle will have a bit more room for troop/patrol gear and food and probably a bit of growing room. Make sure your son tries it on with about 20 lbs of weight in it and check the waist belt to ensure it fits snugly. That's why a women's model often fits a small boy better than a men's model. (BTW: don't tell him it's a women's pack and get the gray one.)

Just because a scout is a little chubby doesn't mean he can carry more. For chubby boys try estimating an average weight for their height from a chart rather than using their actual weight to estimate max load. Best of luck.

Joe,
I agree he wouldn't and shouldn't be using all that space for several years. However, also note the women's versions are significantly smaller in volume for same torso size (M). I'm assuming the women's must not have the extension collar that accounts for the 700 in^3 difference.

I like the fact this pack should grow with him. Plus, when he does outgrow it, it should fit my wife if needed. She's 17.5 so the small should still work for her.