Golite 24

I really like my Golite 24. I use it for adventure races and for barebones weekend trips. All in all it does a very good job. 1200 cu in., weighs about 21 ounces, and the nylon that it’s made out of is quite durable and keeps the water out well. I have had 20 pounds in it (mainly water), and it has carried nicely. I really like the variety of outside mesh pockets which keep things handy and drying out quickly. The water bladder pocket is well designed, too. I also love the waistbelt pockets. The belt will ride somewhat high but the pack carries well for both backpacking and running. I can run quickly in it with 12+ pounds for a race, and it doesn’t jiggle much at all. It also compresses well for less capacity. I can fit all my stuff in it for a weekend if I watch what I bring carefully. I can fit my WM Highlite, Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo, an extra shirt, windbreaker and other gear and be fine for a couple days. Even loaded to the gills it feels fine. I think it is a super pack for someone wanting a small capacity racing or backpacking pack with organizational features, good durability, and a nice carrying ability. If you want any other details, just let me know. Great pack! P.S. I got mine from eBay brand new for $40!

Matthew,

Are the side pockets properly sized for water bottles? Not the big ones, but for a 22 oz size? The ad on Golite says that the side pockets are good for energy bars, etc. Just wondering how big they really are.

The closest kind of bottle I have to the one that you are describing is a 23.7 ounce Propel plastic water bottle. It is pretty tall and narrow, so I don’t know how this compares to yours. The Propel fits fine. While about half of the top of the bottle is above the the pocket, it is held securely in it by the elastic band at the top. I think that this would work for you as long as the bottle you were using isn’t too much fatter.