GoLite Quest Backpack

[SA Bill]

I really need to spend some money on a better sleeping bag (still looking for the right one) but I came across the GoLite web site and now I'm thinking about getting a Quest backpack. Holds 4250 cubic inches and only weighs 3lbs 2 oz. I would be cutting 2 full pounds off of my pack weight if I got a Quest. An upgrade to a Quest would only cost me about $50.00 once I sold the old pack.

Here's the url:
http://www.backcountrygear.com/catalog/packdetail.cfm/GO9118

Sooo....anyone familiar with, or used, a GoLite backpack? I would think they would be fine for my one night trips but I thought I'd ask here for any feedback anyone might have.
  Thanks!
     Bill

[presidio]

I'm thinking about getting a Quest backpack. Holds 4250 cubic inches and only weighs 3lbs 2 oz. I would be cutting 2 full pounds off of my pack weight if I got a Quest.

No experience with this brand, but a couple of comments for consideration.

a) Weight. At some point you reach a compromise between reduction of weight and mechanical durability. There are limits to fabric tensile strength and stitching integrity. You could spend a lot of money on a lightweight pack that doesn't last long enough to justify the cost, or suffers the ravages of the environment and requires repairs that might not be necessary with a more robust design. The only other real places to save weight are in the suspension and framing (whether internal or external). Here again, you have the same issues of durability, to which can also be added comfort and effectiveness.

b) Ravages of the environment. It seems today that many (all?) packs have outer mesh pockets. I suspect this is to shave a few micro-ounces off the weight. Fishnet-type fabrics may work well in mesic environments, but mesh panels in the desert (or xeric environment, to stay with the theme) is a snag-o-matic problem if you are doing any real backpacking. Every catch on a sotol, algerita, catclaw, mesquite, etc., is an opportunity to eventually tear something. Tightly woven fabrics shed many of these kinds of assaults.

[jeffblaylock]

Not familiar with that model, but I have been using a GoLite Odyssey on recent treks. It has performed very well with loads up to 40 pounds, though definitely better with lighter weights. Hipbelts on these lightweight packs tend to be narrow, which usually translates into bruises on one's hips, especially at heavier weights. Keep in mind that lightweight backpacking kinda goes out the window in Big Bend because of all the water one has to carry.

[mule ears]

SABill I have not used any Golite packs but I posted a review of lightweight packs for heavy loads last year here:
http://www.bigbendchat.com/portal/forum/general-outdoor-stuff-camping-equipment/lightweight-packs-for-heavy-loads-t6513.0.html

Chris Townsend is one of the most respected writer/backpackers out there and these are packs that he has personally used. It is a good primer on packs suitable for the desert or heavy loads and he gave the Quest pretty good scores.

Of the packs that I own, that carry big loads the best, is a Mountainsmith Auspex and could easily carry 50 pounds and more comfortably. No longer in production this one appears to be the new replacement
http://www.mountainsmith.com/products.asp?productId=193&categoryId=8&subCategoryId=8&subCategory2Id=4

As to presidio's statement on durability it is somewhat true of the very light (less than 20 oz.) packs but then they are not designed to carry loads of 30 pounds or more. Any pack that can carry heavy loads is built with heavier fabrics. The mesh outside pocket is almost universal now mostly for drainage, airflow and visibility. I have never snagged one on a cactus or anyother vegetation. It's like anything, you can tear it up if you aren't careful or are just that way 

[championbaum]

I actually used a jam 2, a golite bag, for a long time when i first got into more lightweight gear. The quest should carry 40 lbs easy, and should be very durable. 3 lbs for a backback is no where near having to worry about durability.

i changed from the jam 2 because it did not have a rigid frame, i thought it was a good bag, and used it several times, but i am obsessive about pack weight so it was fine for me. I could carry my gear, and 1.5 -2 gallons of water easy.

Are you losing any space from your old pack to this, if your not or you can downsize some gear i would go for it. Go lite is one of the original comapanies to cater to the lightweight, ultralightweight crowds, and that bag is a "transition" bag, for someone going from more traditional gear to more lightweight stuff.... it has a more rigid frame, so you should be good, but if you are losing volume, be ready to get things that are more compressable (sleeping bag, tent, clothing etc). my bag is 3200 cubes and works well for my purposes.

if you are looking for sleeping bags, Go lite also makes awesome bags, i have never wanted to spend that much on one of theirs, but always wished I would have, i have a few freinds who have them and they incredably light, and warm.

I did buy their quilt, but haven't used it yet.

[SA Bill]

No experience with this brand, but a couple of comments for consideration.

a) Weight. At some point you reach a compromise between reduction of weight and mechanical durability.

b) Ravages of the environment.

Hi presidio!
I understand and agree with both points!

However...with my current style of backpacking, I'm not worried about getting to the point that I have to worry about either point too much. I'm not going to get into ultra-light backpacking when all I'm doing is single night trips once or twice per year.
  Thanks for the input!
    Bill

[presidio]

  Thanks for the input!
    Bill[/color]

You're welcome

[SA Bill]

Not familiar with that model, but I have been using a GoLite Odyssey on recent treks. It has performed very well with loads up to 40 pounds, though definitely better with lighter weights. Hipbelts on these lightweight packs tend to be narrow, which usually translates into bruises on one's hips, especially at heavier weights. Keep in mind that lightweight backpacking kinda goes out the window in Big Bend because of all the water one has to carry.

Hi Jeff!
I was thinking (after I posted) that you mentioned using a GoLite pack. Thanks for chiming in. My continuing goal is to be less than 40 pounds, even with enough water for an overnight trip. I'm interested in the GoLite to save some weight over the 5 pound Marmot Eiger I used on the S Rim overnight trip last September. I wasn't that comfortable with the Eiger...maybe the GoLite Quest is worth a try?
  Thanks!
     Bill

[SA Bill]

Hi mule ears!
I remember that thread! At the time, I wasn't doing any backpacking. Thanks for the reminder...I'll re-read it.

I couldn't even shoulder a 50 pound pack now a days!!  There was a time, long ago, when I could. So I'm sticking to the 30-40 pound range for now.
  Bill

[SA Bill]

I actually used a jam 2, a golite bag, for a long time when i first got into more lightweight gear. The quest should carry 40 lbs easy, and should be very durable. 3 lbs for a backback is no where near having to worry about durability.

Agreed about 40 pounds (max for me) and durability!

Are you losing any space from your old pack to this, if your not or you can downsize some gear i would go for it. Go lite is one of the original comapanies to cater to the lightweight, ultralightweight crowds, and that bag is a "transition" bag, for someone going from more traditional gear to more lightweight stuff.... it has a more rigid frame, so you should be good, but if you are losing volume, be ready to get things that are more compressable (sleeping bag, tent, clothing etc). my bag is 3200 cubes and works well for my purposes.

Turns out (I really didn't plan it this way) that the Quest is about the same size (4250 cu in) as the Eiger (4000 cu in) so I'm okay with what I have to pack.

if you are looking for sleeping bags, Go lite also makes awesome bags, i have never wanted to spend that much on one of theirs, but always wished I would have, i have a few freinds who have them and they incredably light, and warm.

I'm still agonizing over a sleeping bag. I don't sleep well in a mummy style bag so I'd prefer a rectangular or at least semi-rectangular bag. Not many of those around that will work for backpacking. I'm going to try a Big Agnes Encampment if I can find a deal on one. Anything else I should consider?
 Thanks!
    Bill

[championbaum]

western mountaineering makes some lightweight compressable rectangular down bags....

[homerboy2u]

western mountaineering makes some lightweight compressable rectangular down bags....

 Care to post some links?

[SA Bill]

western mountaineering makes some lightweight compressable rectangular down bags....

Thanks for the tip champion!
I'll look around some more but at first glance, those bags look good! One of the 15° semi-rectangular bags would be just right for me. Unfortunately, the prices may force me to look elsewhere. 

Here's a link Homero:
http://www.westernmountaineering.com/index.cfm?section=Products

   Bill