Jam vs. Pinnacle – again

I'm sure it's subjective, but I imagine the reasons are the same for any gear manufacturer lying; their competitors may exaggerate their specs so they do too. This is especially common with sleeping bag warmths and tent sizes/weights.

Having owned and owning the 2009 version of both packs, I can provide some input. There are some functional differences. The Pinnacle has:

-Load lifters.
-More padding on the hipbelt (full).
-The foam backpanel (i.e. where one might put their sleeping pad inside the pack to provide 'frame' support), is noticeably thicker, firmer, and vertically stiffer.

All things being equal, the Pinnacle will provide higher levels of load transfer to the hips. Thus carrying a higher load comfortably. Whether that is 40lbs will be up to the user. Personally I think the Jam is comfy to 20 and the Pinnacle to 30. Both will carry more but for me this is where they are most comfortable for carrying over a long day.

Thanks for the replies – nice to know there are some actual differences between the 2 packs, besides volume.

Aaron

Aaron – PM'd you. Thanks,

I think I would second David's weights on the Jam2 and the Pinnacle.