A more durable G6?

[Anonymous]

I was wondering if there was a more durable alternative to the G6, the 2100 cu. in. is just the right size. I’m just not that careful for the spinnake fabric. Rob

[paul johnson]

Rob, Take a look at the GoLite Dawn pack. SilNylon body, hip-belt, more outside pockets. All for only 14oz. Nice pack. Not as robust as a heavier weight nylon+dyneema “rip” pack, but perhaps more robust than the spinnaker fabric of the G6.

However, your sleep pad will take up some volume inside the pack, unless you “rig” a way to carry it on the outside, which is exactly what I do with the G6 in order to fit everything else inside of it and in the one large outside pocket.

I think DrJ used a Dawn pack a bit before the G6 was designed for him. I’ve seen several photos of DrJ wearing a Dawn. I got one well over a year ago at 60% off before my kit was small enough in volume to fit in it and so haven’t used it much more than for extended day hikes for which it is a bit too big even though I carry things for my wife in it. Might have to give it another whirl sometime now that my kit is smaller and lighter. If you need more volume in a more robust pack than the G6, go for the SixMoonDesigns Essence pack – unique design; very nice pack. Hope this info helps.

[EndoftheTrail]

I have a GoLite Dawn. I pack it to about 15 lbs (including 1L water bottles in each side pocket). It carries very well, and I feel no discomfort or pressure points anywhere. The hipbelt does a good job stabilizing the load and taking the weight off the shoulders.

Admittedly, the Dawn is almost four times as heavy — but that’s mathematics. In practical terms, my body cares very little about the difference between 14 and 4 ounces, so long as everything else is lightweight as well. It does, however, appreciate the Dawn’s ease of use!

[Ben Lyon]

I have a GoLite Day (now discontinued) that is similar in size to the G6 and configured like a smaller Breeze…mesh pockets on the side and back. It is my pack of choice. 2000+ cu.in., 10 oz, Dyneema body (tough)…

The sad part is that they are hard to find. I got mine off of a Buy/Sell forum. Sierra Trading Post had closeouts from Vietnam a while back.

[EndoftheTrail]

Don’t forget the Fanatic Fringe Alpine Trail (2,000ci body, 400ci pockets) — only 6 ounces!!!

http://www.fanaticfringe.com/page5.html

(The packs look much better in real life than in the website pictures!)

Chris at Fanatic Fringe is a real pleasure to deal with!

[Anonymous]

Hey Benjamin,
Thanks for all the help.I took a look at the Dawn and fanatic Fringe alpine and it looks like the FF might be a winner. I was just wondering if there was a way to control the load by adding some sort of compression? any ideas?
Rob

[EndoftheTrail]

Hey Anon:

The GoLite Dawn, you’ll probably have to sew a pair of compression straps yourself. BPL gave this pack a good thumbs up when packed properly and a thumbs down when it’s only half empty. This hasn’t affected me because I use it not for dayhiking, but for overnight/weekend camping trips. By the time I shove in the sleeping bag, pad, tent, clothes, stove, pot, first aid… (you get the idea), the load is ‘perfect’ and the feel is almost divine. Even after consuming the few packets of food, I’ll still have enough to ensure a stable load. If you plan to use the Dawn the same way, then there’s no need for side compression straps — the bag just isn’t that big.

FFAlpine — Same as above, but if you really want the compression straps, I bet Chris will sew them in for you if you ask.

[Grant Sible]

Hello Rob,
If what you really want is a more durable G6 email me at [email protected] and I believe we can help you get that.

[Author]

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