GoLite Ion Alternative

Zimmerbuilt.com

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If you can wait, the rumor is that GoLite is re-releasing the Ion as early as this fall. Whether or not anything has changed, we have yet to see.

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=63906

/*/ Edited for link and truthiness /*/

Aw nice. Thanks for the information. I think I might wait it out and see then.

North Face Verto 26.
This and the Ion are my only two packs.

I would say go with zpacks! Excellent customer service and excellent craftmenship and product.

You won't be disappointed.

The MLD Newt is similar to the Ion.

I was delighted with the ZPacks Zero I bought last year for the TGO Challenge. Coped admirably with the variable Scottish conditions. Being able to add pockets, compression straps etc allows you to tailor it to suit a little better than the Ion, too; I did have an Ion but sold it, as I found the profile a bit narrow and the complete lack of pockets slightly inconvenient. The Zero has been a much better fit for me.

Sorry if this is off topic, but do Zpack retail in the UK? Or the EU, at least?

As far as I'm aware ZPacks do not have any retail channel in the UK or Europe. Certainly when I dealt with them it was direct.

Yeah, if you don't want to wait for the re-released Ion (and the risk that it will turn into vaporware) the smaller MLD packs are a good choice. MLD has a great reputation.

EDIT- Hmm. Don't see the Newt currently listed on the website, though. They may be out of stock or something. I own a Burn and it totally replaced my Ion- I even sold the Ion- because it weighs about the same yet has exterior pockets, which unlike yourself I do like. The Burn is 11oz and IIRC the old Ion was 9oz.

This thread prompted me to get in touch with GoLite customer service regarding the re-release of the Ion. The rep did say that they have a pack in the works that uses a lot of the Ion's characteristics, but sized for day hikes. He expects it to be released in 2013, probably in the spring.

He did mention that there has been a lot of interest from customers in re-releasing the Ion, but it sounds like there are no plans to bring it back as of now. This point was a little vague–probably intentionally–, but I don't think waiting on GoLite for a re-release is a workable strategy at this point.

Just thought I'd pass it on.