Golite Jam
Just in for test is this Jam pack from Golite. You’ll see the name Jam2 on labels and online, but they say that they’re dropping that “2″ and keeping it simple.
I’ve used bits and pieces of Golite over the past few years and got on well with it, but this is the first chance I’ve had to use their benchmark backpacking sack longterm.
As the company name suggests, it is light at 712g for this regular back model at a useful 51 litre capacity. Those figures are good but the weight has to be lost from somewhere, and there’s two obvious candidates for that. The back system is a simple removable foam insert which gives shape and some cushioning for the wearer from a load, but will limit how comfortable a heavy load will be over the miles. But as these packs are probably always full of lightweight as opposed to “trad” gear, I don’t see it as an issue as it’s not much different to using a DuoMat as a back system in an OMM pack. The other weight saver is the lack of a lid, instead we have a very simple roll-top arrangement, indeed it’s just a fabric extention to the main body of the pack for you to roll or fold up and secure with a webbing strap and buckle. I’ve heard folk say this can leak, but unless the pack’s very overloaded I can’t see it being an issue.
There’s a handy pocket on the front, big enough for quite a bit of kit (including Bingo), waterproofs, a snow shovel, or even a Lasercomp. This kind of additional storage is vital for roll-tops, I don’t miss the lid, but I would miss the easy stashing options.
Elsewhere it’s more regular looking and very functional, twin compression straps, ice axe and pole loops, hydration compatability via a bladder sleeve and hose exits. The shoulder harness is comfy and has a chest strap with a 
whistle buckle, just as I’d hope. The hip belt side fins have large zipped pockets and the two pockets on the side of the pack are wearer accessible and also big and secure enough to take the huge Nalgene Oasis Canteen (as seen above).
There’s a clip system that pulls the base in and reduces the capacity by quite a bit and also tapers the pack in making it better for use on rock with great clearance. The fabric is dyneema so it’s already tough enough for a few scrapes if you’re heading that way with it.
I like the cut of its jib, and after a brief shot around the local trails confirmed that it fits, it’s going into service and I’ll be taking it out on some overnighters imminently.
More later.
I assume that Bingo goes on every trip with you.
It looks like a good pack Roger, I’ve got a few overnighters in the next month or so and I’ll be splitting duties with an OMM prototype, so hopefully I’ll be back with some thought son it next month.
I’m coming to the Jam fresh, so I can’t really compare it to the older models. I’ve used more multisport Golite packs than anything.
I’ll take it on the trail and see how it does, I like the layout, and I think the weight is good, I just need to see how I feel after a couple of days wandering about the hills with a load in it.
I’m talso hinking about the Jam’s Big Brother – the Pinnacle – which can take a bit more weight.
It’s currently a winner takes all catch weight, no lids barred fight-off between a the Pinnacle and the LIM 45.
Throwing the LIM45 in there does present a dilemma, it’s a pack I know well and have used over hundreds of miles. But it’s not the lightest, is a little fussy maybe, but it’s supreme carrying comfort wipes out all of the negatives.
Does the 300g saving of the Jam offset the simpler back system?
I’m still a fan of frames. All in all a dyneema Mariposa with its new aluminium stays to carry the weight and the pockets off an OMM or Macpac Race Amp for storage and I’d be happy.
Keep us posted on the OMM.
The sizing is crazy though – I’m only 5’8″ but the large is actually almost on the small size. My traps must be too big from the gym ; )
With that simple test, it feels great – especially since I’ve got my base pack weight down to a modest 6 kilos. Dartmoor here I come!
Back size is a funny one, it’s body shape more than height. I must have quite long legs because I usually get away with a regular back on most packs.
Enjoy your trip to Dartmoor, good to get out, and with a nice light pack you’ll be laughing.
On the local trails with lighter loads it’s fine, the ergonomics are good.
A couple of weeks and I’ll have some more thoughts on it.
Not that I’m itching to buy a new pack or anything
They’re actually quite different packs! The LIM would still be first choice for a long distance path, the other two for mountain backpacks.
Once I see a production OMM pack it’ll all make sense…maybe…
http://www.outdoorsmagic.com/news/article/mps/uan/6216
Have Lowe Alpine finally managed to produce a contender?
Maybe a little biggish at 50L, and I would personally like to see the adjustable back length on the no frills model. Otherwise I’m liking the look of that.
A proper alternative to the Villain and the LIM45?
I’ll check it out if they are.
I would be a tad ‘surprised’ if I’d invested in the new improved better-than-before 2009 model, only to learn that GoLite have ‘improved’ on it already.
Also, Chris Townsend reviews it in tgo and reckons that its good for up to 15kg loads . Optimistic?
The carry is fine, the harness is fine, the fabric and quality are fine, the bottle pockets too. The external zipped pocket and lack of any other proper external storage annoy me now.
You could carry 15kg in it aye, but the load will be on your shoulders unless the pack is so full that it’s rigid.
Anyhoo – I think I’ll hang off until Gregory bring out their new Z45 next year. Should be perfect size right and they have sorted out the previously flawed side bottle pocket/ lower compression strap arrangement. So unless they have contrive to add weight, it looks like a winner.