A comment and question on the GoLite Jam 35 (2012)

"But at 22lbs, with the hip belt dialed in all nice and comfy, the shoulder suspension was weak as all get-out."

Hi Neil – I found the same thing with the Jam50 and Jam70. They all have the same belt and shoulder Harness. The belt is excellent but the padding on the shoulder harness is really poor. At least for me.

I feel the same way. I was going to replace my Golite Peak with the Jam 35, but I think I'll be sending it back. I love the hipbelt, but the shoulder straps are much less comfortable than previous generations.

FWIW, a couple of days ago I did a 7-1/4 mile off-trail trip with +2600' of climbing with the new Jam 35L loaded to 14 lbs…no shoulder discomfort. I don't know anything about the old shoulder padding, but the new works for me with 14 lbs. Maybe 22 could be a problem?

Hi David – I have been quite pleased with the carry at this same weight (22-23lbs) with my 2011 Jam, and I did actually expect the suspension to be better with the new Jam 35. My bad, I guess. It’s noticeably worse – entirely counterintuitive that one would step down in volume on a pack with the "same" shoulder harness and have a poorer carry than on the bigger pack.

Jim – Your suggestion is well taken that 22lbs might be too much for this pack, but I just find it a surprise that a 35L pack can’t handle a 20-25lb carry. This reduces the new Jam 35 to a daypack? How sad!

I was thinking I might cut the Jam 35 down to save more weight at a safe price (I bought it at 70% off MSRP with coupon in the latest GoLite fire sale…). But I think I’ll follow Aaron’s cue and send it back.