User Review: GoLite Men's Pinnacle

I bought this pack on whim from a discount gear site, and I am very glad I did.  After experimenting on different methods of packing, I discovered just how comfortable this pack could be.  My biggest advice is make sure make sure the bulk of your weight is near the center of your back and that your gear is secure inside of the pack.  

My first trip I took it on was a 3 day/2 nighter and I had more than enough room for all of my things. I mean I had a 3 person tent on the inside and I still had room to spare.  My base weight before food and water was 18 pounds so I was only looking at around a 25 pound pack at the most.  The company's website says the max load for comfort is around 40 pounds but I would never dare and try to go that high, mostly because I don't see why your pack needs to weigh that much to begin with.  

I'm 5'9" and the medium fits me like a glove.  I would just watch how your sleeping bag at the bottom of the pack because the bottom tends to curve out if not packed just right.  I also enjoy the compression side straps and the hook and loops on the bottom to make the pack lighter if need be.  It's simple to make the pack go from a weeklong pack to daypack.  

This is my 1st pack without a "frame" (some reviews I have read call this frameless and true lightweight enthusiasts call it an internal frame because of the plastic sheet along the back, but to each his own).  I think it is the perfect amount of support for my load and the sheet can be removed if you want to truly make it a frameless pack.  

But as I said, I am glad that I ever bought it, I have taken it on 4 backpacking trips as of now (the longest being a week), and it is still holding up very well without any signs of wear and tear.