User Review: GoLite Women's Pinnacle

I bought the Pinnacle last summer after camping and hiking with a smaller, heavier pack. With a move to Thunder Bay coming in the fall, with unlimited opportunities to explore the north shore of Lake Superior, I decided to buy a lightweight, convertible pack - and the Pinnacle won the draw. It has been used to haul gear on rappels, ice climbs, air transport, weekend trips, winter camping, the gym, and even the occasional load of laundry.

The women’s-specific style (size small) fits my 5 foot 4 inch, 115 lb. frame perfectly, and the Compacktor system makes for a very small-sized pack when one is needed. The Pinnacle’s outer pocket holds a climbing or bike helmet with ease, and the ice axe loops do actually work well, in spite of their bare-bones appearance.

Compression straps are long enough for sleeping pads or small tents, and their quick-release buckles are handy when wearing heavy gloves. The shoulder, waist and chest straps are luxurious compared to the pack’s overall simplicity; even when fully loaded with 30 lbs, the pack is very comfortable to wear for long periods. I was initially a bit concerned about the fabrics used in the pack, but after scrambling up cliff faces and bushwhacking repeatedly, the fabric has yet to fray, never mind rip.

If the Pinnacle has any limitations, the lack of waterproofedness is definitely one of them. The pocket zipper is waterproof, but the rest of the pack definitely is not. In a moderate drizzle, it soaks through in a matter of minutes, requiring the use of a dry sack or plastic back to keep the contents dry.

It’s also important to remember that the Pinnacle is designed for ultralight use, so when winter camping, plan on building a snow cave, using firewood for fuel, and not having a lot of creature comforts with you!
For 3-season use, though, the Pinnacle has ample space for multi-day trips, and is definitely my go-to pack for all my excursions!