GoLite Lite-Speed

My son and I started backpacking, and I bought a nice Kelty backpack. It could hold a lot, so I put a lot in it. Darn near killed myself on a couple of 1 nighters. Started reading up on backpacking and was very interested in going light. But how would I ever survive without that extra pair of jeans, and light, medium, and heavyweight shirts, and 2 types of fleece, etc.

I found this bag used on eBay for about half the price of a new one. Figured I'd give it a shot. Did a one nighter without all the extra stuff, and all I could say to my son was, "This is the best thing ever".

This bag doesn't have all the bells and whistles that the Kelty did, but I realized that I didn't need them in the first place. If I had to say anything negative at all, it would be that I miss being able to get to the bottom of the bag from the outside, but I've learned to live with that.

If you want to backpack, but don't enjoy it that much because of your pack weight, get this bag, or one of the others in this line. There's always a few at a good price on eBay (unless you just have to have a new one).

Bottom line - Get one of these bags which will help you cut back and be more weight conscious. You may not become an Ultralight purist (I'm not), but the lower weight will help you enjoy the experience that much more, which will help you get out more which is the point.

One of the best packs I've ever owned. It is very light at 2lb 10oz and not very bulky.

Despite having only 3000 cu in capacity seems to pack much more. It is very comfortable and the load distributes very well. Shoulder straps are thin but very comfortable and not causing my shoulders to scream enough. I typically will carry up 20 lb and 4 days 3 nights trip.

Fabric seems to be waterproof or at least water repellant and nothing got wet inside in a drizzle.

I personally do not like hydration systems. I think they are useless features but this pack has hydration sleeve if anybody cares. Bungee cords allow to clip on additional gear.

I also like streamline shape of this pack so I don't have to worry about going through narrow spaces and ripping the pack.

The only gripe I have is that small top packet zipper came partially unglued but this is a minor complaint.

Overall love it.