Hey BPL. I wanted to share my comments and curiousities about my new pack.
I am coming from a gregory z55 and an Osprey Atmos 65 (two pretty heavy packs!). This is my first ultralight pack.
Gossamer gear was able to get this pack to me very quickly. I had considered an Osprey Exos 58 because I love having a dry back to make a transition into barebone lightweight packs. G.G won out as the Exos is not available until mid-feb
First, the sizing may have changed a little. I have heard that GG packs run long, as in you may need a smaller size. I did not find this to be the case. A large size fits me great. I am 5'10 with long legs and a shortish torso. I use a medium pack normally.
There is a clip on the loose end of each of the shoulder straps . Not the sternum strap. I have no idea what these are for ( I emailed GG waiting to hear back).
Here I have the strap buckled as a "belly strap". It barely fits my 150lb self with a TShirt on those, there must be more to it.
Loaded with 25lbs this pack felt great. Probably better than my other heavier packs. Good weight transfer. The exterior pockets are awesome shape and size. A quick 10 miles with 25lbs breaking track through fresh knee deep + snow drifts was a joy. A longer test is definately on the way.
This pack did not get the compression strap that the gorilla got. The only compression comes in the form of shockcord lacing. The lacing and 2 linelocks are shipped with the pack and I was left to my own to figure out how the manufacturer intended. I came a bit short with the shock cord after trying to put it through the sewn on loops.
Not sure.. I probably don't need the compression.
